By: Jonathan Szczepaniak | C&G Newspapers | Published November 22, 2024
METRO DETROIT — The high school boys basketball season is right around the corner, and there’s a lot of talent coming out of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
The first games of the season are scheduled to take place after Nov. 25, and there’s plenty of high-level talent expected to make a name for themselves this season.
Below are players to watch in the C & G Newspapers coverage area.0
Senior Guard Mason Parker, Troy
Parker is just a natural playmaker – there’s not more you can say.
The returning all-League and all-State honoree can do just about everything offensively for the Colts, ranging from his perimeter shooting to finishing off an alley-oop with authority.
The 6-foot-1 guard led Troy in scoring last season as they finished with a 22-2 record, falling to Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 59-44 in districts.
Parker, who averaged 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists, helped pace a Troy offense that averaged over 65 points per game last season with 2024 graduates Chase Kuiper and Jon Whiteside also aiding the scoring department.
Parker is currently committed to Rochester Christian University, where his older brother Brody is currently leading the offensive charge.
It would be a shock to no one if Parker was back on the all-State list and leading Troy to another successful season.
Senior Guard Moses Blackwell, Warren Lincoln
One of the more underappreciated guards in the state, Blackwell, who averaged 11 points and 10 assists last season, is going to be a steal for any college that puts him on the floor.
A dynamic scorer at all three levels, Blackwell is in constant attack mode, taking over games with his speed and natural athleticism.
When his twin brother Markus Blackwell, an Eastern Illinois University commit, went down in the season with an injury, Moses Blackwell stepped up and put the Lincoln offense on his back.
The all-State honoree, first team all-County, and Macomb Area Conference White MVP helped Lincoln earn a league title and its first-ever state championship in school history, defeating Grand Rapids Christian 53-39 behind 12 points and three assists from Blackwell, who also had four 3-pointers in the win.
Expect Blackwell, who is still uncommitted for college basketball, to take his game to another level this season, and possibly lead Lincoln to another state championship in the process.
Senior Guard Tory James, Grosse Pointe South
A player that should be on every college coach’s radar, James turned in an incredible first season with Grosse Pointe South, earning all-League and all-State honorable mention honors while setting the school’s single season 3-pointer record.
James is as lethal as they come behind the perimeter, firing shots, contested or not, with confidence off the dribble, but he really makes his money as an elite-level catch-and-shoot guard.
A West Bloomfield High School transfer last season, James quickly established himself as one of the top guards in the MAC.
Because you have to pay so much attention to his perimeter shooting, James’ athleticism shows itself when he shoots past a defender and makes the tough layup in the paint, drawing contact or hitting the occasional floater over a defender.
He’s a pure scorer at all three levels, and Grosse Pointe South will need every bit of it now that 2024 graduate Karter Richards is at Lake Superior State University.
Expect a breakout season from James, who hopes to lead South to another MAC Red title and a state tournament run.
Senior Guard Joshua Gibson, Birmingham Groves
If Groves is going to have any shot at winning the Oakland Activities Association Red league, Gibson will be a big reason why.
A University of Alabama in Huntsville commit, Gibson, an all-State honoree, averaged 20 points and four rebounds while shooting 40% from the perimeter.
Gibson is a dynamic scorer who sometimes appears to have a J.R. Smith mentality where he’s almost the most confident on the highly-contested shots, but he’s lethal from all over the court.
Whether it’s driving to the basket, spot-up shooting, or hitting a fadeaway, Gibson can do just about everything you ask of him in the scoring department.
The 6-foot-2 guard helped Groves reach the regional semifinals for the first time since 2013 last season as the Falcons had a 13-12 record and gave North Farmington, who ended up reaching the state finals, a fight in the state tournament.
With Gibson and a slew of other returners, expect Groves to be players for the OAA Red league title this season.
Senior Guard Trenton LaGarde, Rochester Adams
LaGarde had a little bit of a breakout campaign last season, but the Highlanders will heavily rely on him this season to keep them in the race for the OAA Red.
Taking on the title as a Swiss Army knife for Adams, who finished 15-8 last season, LaGarde can bring anything to the court head coach Isaiah Novak asks of him.
He’s a threat behind the perimeter and can beat defenders with his speed to the basket, finishing the tough layups consistently while having no issue finding his open teammate.
LaGarde is the kind of playmaker you want in your backcourt, and he carries it over to the defensive side as well, using his physicality and athleticism.
With Adams go-to scorer Peter Kardasis and Will Dee both graduating in 2024, expect LaGarde to put on a show his senior season as the Highlanders lean on him.
Senior forward Terez Holmes, Center Line
It’s about time people start paying more attention to what Holmes is doing for the surging Panthers.
A double-double machine night in and night out, Holmes played a vital role in Center Line’s district title win and 20-4 record last season.
A 6-foot-7 stretch forward, Holmes is an offensive weapon from all three levels of the floor, showcasing an efficient perimeter shot, spot-up jumper, and ability to dominate the paint.
There’s not very many players around, especially at his size, who can bring to the table what he brings each game, and he’s been at the helm of Center Line’s resurgence.
An all-League and second team all-County player, it’s time Holmes gets the proper recognition he deserves for the dominance he’s displayed for multiple years with the Panthers.
Expect another double-double type season from Holmes as Center Line prepares to defend its district championship.
Other players to watch:
• Sr. Markus Blackwell, Warren Lincoln
• Sr. Geon Hutchins, Warren Lincoln
• Jr. Sharod Barnes, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
• Sr. Phoenix Glassnor, Warren De La Salle Collegiate
• Jr. Colin Langdon, Rochester Adams
• Sr. Justin Gloster, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley
• Jr. Kameren Broughton, Center Line
• Sr. Aaron Lauer, Novi
• Sr. Chase LeFevre, Novi
• Sr. Todario Payne, Roseville
• Sr. Sam Kashat, Sterling Heights Stevenson
• Sr. John Simpson, Birmingham Groves
• Jr. Greg Grays, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice
• Soph. Eden Vinyard, Ferndale
• Sr. Andrew Lake, Troy