MAC GOLD TEAM PREVIEWS

1. Lincoln Abes

2007-08: 15-6 (9-3 Gold) Lost to Fitzgerald in District Semi-finals

Head Coach: Jeff McGavin (2^nd Season)

Location: Warren, Mi

Enrollment: 915

Key Losses: John Acuff, Earl Robinson, Terrell Williams, Kendrick Milton

Overview:

Crucial Question: Is the depth and experience present to replace Madison again as the champ in the MAC Gold?

2007-08: 6-15 (4-8 Gold) Lost to Woods-Tower in Opening Round

Head Coach: Derek Lefevre (20^th Season, 4^th with Mott)

Location: Warren, Mi

Enrollment: 1748

Key Losses: David Poole, Josh Pippen

Overview: On the surface, last season looked like a mess for Warren Mott, however despite the disappointing 2-6 crossover record they improved in league play to 4-8 and 5^th place and did it while there top three scorers were all sophomores. Now with the loss of just one graduating senior and the transfer of David Poole to West Bloomfield,  the return of two of the conferences top players over 6’6”, an influx of talent from a 15 win jayvee team and several quality role players a year older, bigger and better, fans and coaches alike seem to think this is a team poised to make a big jump and contend for a division title.

     Very few teams have the luxury of building around two players as big and skilled as the Marauders twin towers 6’6” C.J. Olaniyan and 6’7” Joey Asbury. Olaniyan, a junior, is entering his third season as the centerpiece of the Mott attack. Averaging 13 points and 12 rebounds while facing constant double teams. An absolute menace on the glass, capable of 20\20 on any given night simply by controlling the paint. He is still a bit raw offensively but is developing a back to the basket game and has improved touch on his shot. Asbury is an excellent compliment to Olaniyan’s power game. Already a solid contributor himself (9pts 6rebs 5bpg) his offense could take a jump this season with increased touches. He is also a very good passer and one of the conferences top shot blockers. There presence inside along with their depth, will allow their perimeter defenders to be aggressive and relentless.

      There is experience amongst those returning primarily in senior forward Daryl Reynolds (5ppg) who averaged nearly eight points per game over a seven game stretch near the end of last season. He provides depth up front and allows them to potentially start a very big front line. In the backcourt senior Kevin Howze (3.7ppg) has a year of experience and maturation that should be invaluable in him providing scoring, play making and leadership from the back court.  In addition seniors Rico Johnson (3ppg) and Edin Selimagic return added depth to the front and back courts respectively as well as needed experience. One more potential x-factor is freshman Victor Sharpe who brings raw talent to the guard position. Among the highest ranked players of the class of 2012, he will make his debut with the varsity this year.  Size, depth, speed and more experience then anytime recently for the Marauders, a lot to like if all the parts work together,

Crucial Question: Can they break their losing habit of the last few years; is this talented team ready to compete for a title?

Outlook: The Marauders have undergone a difficult rebuilding process the past four seasons having to overcome a divided culture, several quality player transfers and being forced to depend on young players before they have been ready to lead. This is the best team they’ve had since the process started and they look to have the toughness to make a big step forward this season.

3. Mt. Clemens Bathers

2007-08: 14-9 (7-5 Gold) Lost to Marysville in District Final

Head Coach: Kurt H. Wilson (3^rd Season)

Location: Mount Clemens, Mi

Enrollment: 639

Key Losses: Austin Cook, Markell Harris, Eric Williams, Jason Monk

Overview: The Bathers were on the verge of being one of the MAC’s top Class B teams all year last year but couldn’t keep the whole team on the court at the same time. The result was turbulent campaign that included a win on the road against Lincoln and a loss at home to last place New Haven. Along with valuable all-conference veteran Austin Cook to graduation the Bathers lose leading scorer Markell Harris to transfer. Still Mt. Clemens has reloaded and looks like a contender this season. A solid core of seniors and a pair of talented junior and sophomore duos have this team on the rise.

     One of the major reasons Mt. Clemens is optimistic this year is the junior duo of Kyle Capps and Leonard Perry. Capps averaged six and a half points per game in nine contests as a sophomore and provides steady smart play on both ends of the court. Perry has the potential to be a big time factor this season. At 6’5” and with above average athleticism he can finish above the rim and make it tough of opponents trying to finish in the lane. Finally there is the backcourt of the future, which is ready to contribute in the present. 5’7” Darius Wilson and 5’11” Thomas Hannah are young, confident and talented; if they are able to learn on the job quickly they could be just what the Bathers need to push them over the top down the stretch.

Crucial Question: Is their enough experience to go with the talent here and make it work?

Outlook: This will be a fun team to watch, there is a renewed confidence and commitment to the mission. If the team believes in the message and stays together they’ll be in contention for the title.

4. St. Clair Saints

2007-08: 7-14 (3-9 Gold) Lost to Mt. Clemens in District Semi-final

Head Coach: Shawn Sharrow (2^nd Season)

Location: St. Clair, Mi

Enrollment: 1016

Key Losses: Joe Jepsen, Troy Walker

Overview: The first season for the new coaching staff was an up and down one for the Saints. They struggled to just 3-9 and a 6^th place finish in the gold, but swept rivals Marysville and Marine City going 3-0 combined against them. Joe Jepsen had an outstanding individual season but was forced to carry the load with injuries to Troy Walker costing and the lack of depth from the senior and junior classes. This season’s team is without Walker and Jepsen and is very young, however they have shown an ability to play at a very high pace and have a wealth of wing players who can score the ball. If there guard play is solid on both ends of the court they may be able to contend with the top teams in the Gold one year ahead of schedule.

     The lone senior expected to have a major role this season is versatile forward AJ Magee. Magee (7.7ppg) can handle the ball or post up and finish inside; he is St. Clair’s top returning scorer and was a very consistent secondary option a year ago. He is an excellent student and ideal leader by example for the young Saints. Another potential impact player for St. Clair will get most of his work done from the perimeter. Joel Seddon, who averaged just over 4 points a game after being called up for the last 2/3^rds of his freshman season, may be the teams best three point shooter and ball handler. As a sophomore he will carry a large burden. In between the senior and sophomore, the core of this team is the junior class. Two returning juniors Andrew Rossi and Mike Shirkey highlight the group. The wings averaged 4.6 and 4.1 points per game respectively a year ago as sophomores. Rossi has the more advanced offensive game while Shirkey is the better defender. Both have worked to improve their weaknesses over the summer and could have breakout seasons.

     The post players for the Saints will be led by a trio of juniors all making their varsity debuts this season. Zack Tanton is a strong low post scorer who has improved his conditioning for the varsity level. At 6’4” he along with the more athletic and raw James Kehoe give St. Clair a couple of body’s to contend with the front lines of Mott and Mt. Clemens. In addition 6’2” Connor Tierney can play inside and help on the glass as well. Finally Richie Allington is the top newcomer on the perimeter and should see time as a back-up at all three perimeter positions. This looks like a team a year away, but they are experienced despite their youth. All four returning players had major roles a year ago and this program has grown a lot in the past year. If the youth inside excels against elevated completion they will be the surprise team in the Gold.

Crucial Question: Is the loss of Jepsen going to be too much for the Saints to overcome?

Outlook: It shouldn’t be; the improvement of the young players and the experience gained in the new coaching staffs system should allow the Saints to continue improving. How much is uncertain until we see this team on the floor.

Richie Allington (5'11", Junior, Guard)

2007-08: 16-8 (6-6 Gold) Lost to Madison in Regional Semi-finals

Head Coach: Tom Valko (20^th Season, 14^th with Marysville)

Location: Marysville, Mi

Enrollment: 802

Key Losses: Zak Van Looy, Joe Jones, Matt Betcher

Overview: Last season the Vikings were sneaky good and by the end of the year it was obvious they were for real. A district title in runaway fashion and 16 wins despite a four place league finish. The only downside of the season was the two losses to rival St. Clair in the regular season. Now the Vikings, without their top two players, shooter Joe Jones and seven-footer Zak Van Looy, plus six other senior graduates, are a totally different team with similar expectations. They will be guard driven this time around and if a senior transfer gets healthy they could be even better then a year ago.

     Spearheading the backcourt will be three year veteran Trey Curley (7ppg). The 5’8” cannonball is an excellent leader, a reliable floor general, dangerous shooter and the most experienced member of this year’s roster.  There is no doubt there greatest obstacle will be their lack of size in a league with so many tall and\or athletic post players. On the inside, senior Kyle Brown (6ppg) is the Vikings tallest and best option returning.  He has shown notable improvement and has welcomed and excelled in his role as a senior leader. Rounding out the returnees Chris Seaford and David Fowler, both seniors, provide experience and solid work ethic as role players on the wing. It’s a small but dependable senior class that will set the tone for the Vikings in 2008-09.

     The junior varsity from last season will round out the roster mostly and forward Mike Dado might be the most notable member of that collection. His height will be a valuable asset on the undersized Viking roster. However perhaps the most important question for the Vikings is whether or not senior Jevon Glassnor’s ankle will heal in time for him to hit his stride. Glassnor averaged double figures for St. Clair as a sophomore two years ago before transferring out of state. His return to the Blue Water Area in a Viking, not a Saints uniform would give Marysville the best backcourt in the gold and make them an automatic contender. January is the target for his return. Just in time for league play to begin.

Crucial Question: Assuming Glassnor is healthy will their backcourt strength be enough to overcome their lack of interior presence?

Outlook:

6. Sterling Heights Stallions

2007-08: 4-17 (1-11 Blue) Lost to Utica in Opening Round

Head Coach: Mike Griffin (5^th Season)

Location: Sterling Heights, Mi

Enrollment: 1441

Key Losses: Lamar King, Alex Lowry, Julian Vettraino, Mark Krcic

Overview: With enrollment dropping, basketball numbers have dropped and the Stallions became one of the youngest teams in the conference last season and lost many of their key seniors for some time during the season.  As a result they lost 11 games in the competitive MAC blue and find themselves and even younger group now competing in the MAC Gold. After losing their top four scorers from last season and their entire opening night starting line-up, the Stallions could have as many as four sophomores again on the roster while just one senior returns from last year’s squad. The young players acclimation to the varsity program will go a long way to determining the success of this years Sterling Heights team.

Crucial Question: Will the raw talent and athleticism of this young roster be enough to make up for their lack of experience and size?

Outlook: A lot hinges on the sophomores, but keep their few experienced players healthy and playing well will be the determining factor most likely this season.

2007-08: 5-17 (2-10 Gold) Lost to Detroit CMA in District Semi-finals

Head Coach: Tedoro France (1^st Season)

Location: New Haven, Mi

Enrollment: 413

Key Losses: Eric Crayton, Curtis Knox, Michelangelo Lee

Overview: The Rockets program has been on the decline the past few seasons as enrollment and roster numbers continue to drop. However there is renewed optimism as a new coaching staff looks to return the recently successful program back into one of the MAC’s toughest class B-C teams. The teams top three scorers from last season have all moved on however and many of the most talented and experienced returning players are juniors who’ve been forced to play up prematurely the past few years. How they react to much increased roles coupled with how the Rockets coaching staff chooses to address their glaring lack of size in the post heavy MAC gold will determine just how successful the Rockets are at regaining there old swagger this season.

     The team’s top returning scorer is junior guard Ricky Crayton; last season he averaged six points a game while also finishing fourth on the team in assists and steals. He should be the team’s go-to-guy on offense this season. On the other end in the frontcourt, back is junior Desmond Clark (4.3ppg) who at 6’1” is one of the tallest and most athletic players the Rockets have. He might get some help inside from either of the two returning seniors, postmen Bryan Lawton (3.4ppg in 7 contests) and Sinsia Kitanovski, both of whom played average minutes last year and junior Quentin Cowart who is an excellent rebounder; at just 5’10” he was second on the team last season with 22 offensive rebounds.

     Along with Crayton in the backcourt junior Adam Berger (2.5ppg) is the team’s top returning three point shooter.  At 38% he was a solid threat from outside a year ago in a reserve role.  Another potential factor should be sophomore Tyler Smith (3.3ppg), who after finishing third on the team in assists as a freshman reserve last season is the likely heir-apparent at the point.  Along with him the final senior Shawn Robinson (2.1ppg) who provides athleticism on the wing. Two more juniors to be Brandon Tokarski and Damian Nicholson were called up late last season and could factor in eventually this year.

Crucial Question: How much better have the young players gotten and will their improved skills and new coaching staff be enough to overcome their lack of size and experience?

Outlook: The MAC gold is going to be as competitive as it’s been in years and New Haven might be too young to compete this year. However with so many young players returning they will be a very compelling team to watch as the season progresses.