Team of the Year: Grosse Pointe North Norsemen

After several inconsistent seasons of unfulfilled expectations they highly regarded class of 2009 not only reached but exceeded expectations this year with an impressive 23 wins and a trip to the regional finals their deepest run since the 2005 trip to the Breslin. First year Coach Matt Lockhart convinced his players to buy into a team concept and it worked wonders. Seven different players led the team in scoring and the Norseman has five players selected as all-conference by our panel. The senior class included four year player Paul Bramos and three year players Darrin Willis, Damien Davis and Matt and Gregg Blunden as well as Dan Calcaterra and leading scorer Kyle Nadeau. In total Grosse Pointe finished 23-2 were undefeated (12-0) MAC White champs and won their third district title in six seasons. Undefeated against the MAC and all public schools.

Coach of the Year: Derek Lefevre, Warren Mott

It seemed like a matter of time before the Marauders became contenders. When the two freshman both over 6’5” arrived on the varsity team two and a half years ago they became the centerpiece of coach Lefevre’s program and the turnaround that has already, perhaps a year early, helped Warren Mott win it’s first MAC title in school history and a record 19 games. The team had won just 17 games the previous four seasons combined. Coach Lefevre has been rebuilding the program since he arrived in 2004 and finally has something to show for his efforts in the win loss column and the trophy case. This year amrked the first time since the 1980's Mott posted a winning record. With Olaniyan and Asbury coming back next year as well as freshman point guard Victor Sharpe the future looks like it could be even brighter.

Player of the Year: Mike Hollingsworth, Utica

His value to his team is immeasurable; the Chieftains we’re 15-5 when he played 0-4 when he did not. His impact on the game was unique and unrivaled; dunking the ball from all angles in the half court or in transition, knocking down threes, slashing to the basket, setting up team mates grabbing rebounds on both ends making a game changing steal and on and on.  His stats are far and away the most impressive amongst the candidates this season.  He recorded a triple-double tallied eight of the top 20 individual scoring efforts this season within the MAC including six 30 point games and averaged 8 rebounds, 4 assists 3 steals and 2 blocks in support. As his coach put it; “I have never coached anyone that can dominate a game like him.” One of the states top unsigned seniors will make an excellent addition to any program looking for Macomb County’s best high school basketball player. The MAC white MVP and our pick for the MAC Player of the Year.

ALL-Macomb Area Conference First Team

Corey Petros                          Eisenhower                           6’9”                         Junior          

Leading scorer and rebounder for MAC Red Champs and coaches pick for MVP. Averaged 15 points 9 rebounds & 2.5 blocks per game all tops on the team. Had 30 points vs. L’Anse Creuse.

C.J. Olaniyan                         Warren Mott                          6’6”                          Junior

MAC Gold MVP; dominant player on both ends of the court. Three year starter had an amazing 20 double-doubles in 22 games. Averaged 18 points and a conference best 15 rebounds a game.

Willie Cruz                            L’Anse Creuse                        6’4”                         Senior

MAC Red MVP; Averaged 19.1 points 9.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Spearheaded upsets of Romeo and Eisenhower in league play. Will play at Eastern Kentucky next fall.  

Brandon Gouch                         Roseville                             6’3”                         Junior

Three year starter again was Panthers top scorer. Unselfish star deferred to team mates more often this year and still averaged 18 points 5 rebounds 4.5 assists and 3 steals per game.

Mike Hollingsworth                 Utica                                     6’1”                        Senior            

MAC White MVP; conference’s leading scorer at 24.8 points per game. Six games of 30 or more points including a triple-double. Also averaged 8 rebounds 4 assists 3 steals & 2 blocks a game.

ALL-Macomb Area Conference Second Team

Matt Balkema                        Warren Cousino                       6’10”                     Senior         

Averaged 16.5 points 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game during the regular season for the Patriots. 13 double-doubles; led team in points and rebounds. Will play at EMU next season.

Nate Saliga                                        Romeo                             6’7”                     Senior      

Averaged 10.5 points 11.2 rebounds 3.8 blocks per game for the Bulldogs. Led team in FG%, Rebounds, Blocks & Steals. 3.98 GPA; will play basketball and attend Michigan Tech next fall.

Ryan Aaron                           Madison                             6’3”                             Senior

MAC Blue MVP; A one man highlight film at times throwing down as many as eight dunks in a single game and an amazing 54 for the year. Averaged 19.5 points 12 rebounds & 3 blocks.

James Bethea                         Clintondale                            6’5”                             Senior

MAC Silver MVP; Four year starter led Dragons to back-to-back MAC Silver titles. Averaged 19.6 points 9.7 rebounds 3.6 assists & 2.6 steals. Over 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds.

Kyle Nadeau                           Grosse Pointe North                       6’4”                  Senior            

Returned from an injury as a junior to be the leading scorer and catalyst for the Norseman’s outstanding season as a senior. Averaged 14.4 points per game. Had 32 vs. Detroit Community.

ALL-Macomb Area Conference Third Team

Dominique Pointer               Roseville                                6’5”                             Junior          

High flying forward was the top rebounder & inside for presence again for Roseville. Averaged 14 points 11 rebounds 3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while accumulating more then 40 dunks.

Anthony Williams                            Warren Lincoln                                 6’3”                 Senior

Helped get Lincoln back as MAC Gold champs after a two year draught. Averaged a team best 19 points as well as 5 rebounds 3 assists and 3 steals per game. Had 27 points vs. Mt. Clemens.

Dragan Bijelic                                   Eisenhower                                    6’5”             Senior

Finished third in scoring and rebounding and second in assists for the Eagles. Averaged 11.7 points and 5 rebounds a game. Scored 24 points against Dakota & 22 against Roseville and FCA.

Ryan Tomayko                                  Eisenhower                                      6’4”                 Senior 

Second leading scorer and most explosive player for the MAC red champs. Averaged 13 points 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Had 35 points against Rochester Adams and 28 against Chippewa Valley.

Darrin Willis                           Grosse Pointe North                5’11”                 Senior            

Three year varsity player and two year starter. Floor general for the MAC’s best team. Averaged 9 points and 8 assists per ball game. Averaged 11 points per game in league play.  

ALL-Macomb Area Conference Fourth Team

Matt Carden                          Fraser                                                 6’6”                 Senior

Top-Notch student-athlete. Three year starter bound for Spring Arbor next fall. Averaged 17 points 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game; all tops on the team this year for Fraser.

Kenny Enoex                         Fitzgerald                               6’4”                             Senior

Three year starter for Spartans averaged 14 points 12 rebounds and 3 blocked shots per contest all tops for the Spartans. Had 11 double-doubles on the year and more then 30 dunks.

Montez Richardson              East Detroit                                       6’3”                 Senior

Led Shamrocks in scoring the past two seasons. Averaged 15 points and a team high 11 rebounds per game for his senior season. In double figures 16 times; season best 27 points vs. Stevenson. 

Ashton Curd                          Madison                                5’9”                             Junior

Lightning quick guard averaged 16.7 points 6 rebounds 5 assists and 4 steals per game for MAC Blue champs. Scored and assisted on game winning baskets in the final seconds this season.

Traye Williams                     Roseville                5'10"       Sophomore

Sophomore point guard elevated his game and finished strong for the Panthers. Averaged 15 points 4 assists 3 rebounds and 2 steals per contest. Had games of 26, 27 and 29 points.

ALL-Macomb Area Conference Fifth Team

Joey Asbury                           Warren Mott                          6’7”                 Junior

Averaged 13 points 10 rebounds and 4 blocked shots in helping leading Mott to a school record 19 wins and a MAC Gold Co-Championship. Season high 25 points vs. Lamphere. 4.0 GPA.

Will Bowles                           South Lake                             6’6”          Junior

One of the most improved players in the MAC; averaged 15 points 11 rebounds 4.5 blocks and 2.2 steals while shooting 60% from the field. Had 14 double-doubles; two triple doubles.

Paul Bramos                            Grosse Pointe North              6’4”               Senior            

Four year varsity player has been GPN’s secondary scoring option on the wing and defensive stopper. Second on the team with 11.1 points per game. Scored 24 in win over Madison.

Johnny Johnson                     Lake Shore                                5’11”                       Sophomore

Sophomore guard led the Shorians in scoring and topped 20 six titles in helping Lake Shore earn a piece of the MAC Silver title. Averaged 15 points 3.4 rebounds 3 assists & 2 steals per game.

Ricky Roth                             Romeo                                                5’7”               Senior

Senior helped Romeo win 18 games this year and 60 overall in his varsity career. Averaged 10.3 points 4 assists & nearly 2 steals per game. Shot 86% from the line in the season’s final month.

ALL-Macomb Area Conference Sixth Team

Lance Cusac                          Port Huron Northern                        6’5”                             Senior

Nearly doubled his scoring average from his junior season with a 16 per contest avearge this season. Scored 35 points against Warren Cousino late in the year.

Andrew Horne                      Grosse Pointe North             6’6”                     Senior 

Led the way for North’s inside players with 10 points and 8 rebounds per game. Was the leading scorer for GPN in run to the regional final. Season high 20 to clinch MAC White vs. Roseville.

Tony D’Olivio                          Dakota                                 6’0”                 Senior            

Leader of a balanced Dakota attack that eventually helped them earn a district championship. Averaged 10.7 points 4 rebounds. Had 21 points in district title game; had 11 steals vs. PHN.

Trey Curley                           Marysville                             5’10”                           Senior

Three year starter and centerpiece of back-to-back district champs.  Averaged 13 points 4 assists 3 rebounds & 3 steals per game. Scored 26 points in season opening win vs. Marine City.

Ryan Thomas                                    Romeo                                                5’9”                 Junior

ALL-Macomb Area Conference Honorable Mention

Joe Baker-Clawson, Etienne Boyer-Fraser, Josh Brogan-L’Anse Creuse North, Kyle Brown-Marysville, Arthur Coppola-Lake Shore, Donovan Durham-Lincoln, John Essenmacher-Center Line, Jevon Glassnor-Marysville, Chris Hines-Fitzgerald, Earl Harris-Chippewa Valley, Taiwan Jones-Anchor Bay, A.J. Magee-St. Clair, R.T. Merritt-Madison, Matt Mullins-Dakota, Denzel Rodgers-Clintondale, Leif Rodney-Grosse Pointe South, Jeff Roegner-Eisenhower, Charles Spann-Lincoln, Evan Walker-Dakota, Charles Wilson-Fitzgerald