A Look at the Independents

Beecher and Nouvel should dominate again

(Cover: Devon Weaver)

By Gavin Raath

12/13/2007

Greatlakeshoops.com

Beecher

Beecher loses senior leadership in guys like Kirby Johnson, Tyiwan Eason and Fred Brown, but returns a very talented core of players. The most talented is 6’2” sophomore Taron Boose [right]. Few are as good at finishing as Boose and this athletic wing seems earmarked for division one play. Another returning contributor is 5’8” junior Janero Walker. He’s a quick little point guard that will have little trouble replacing Johnson. Simeo Overall, a 6’2” senior, returns at forward and he can do a little bit of everything. Another guy to keep an eye on is 6’4” senior Dominique Allen. He’s long, extremely bouncy [he can put it between his legs and dunk it] and a nice long term prospect. They won’t be as strong as last year, but they will be close.

Genesee Christian

The Soldiers were a one-man team last year – this year things will have to be different. Genesee Christian lacks star power, but they have a number of guys that can play well. Their strength will be on the perimeter where they have a number of guys returning with starting experience like 5’8” junior Travis Forsmark, 5’7” senior Zack Goodspeed [left] and 6’1 junior Tyler Scott. These three will be solid outside. The inside game will be a little rough. Their top returning big man is 6’1” senior Luke Wiles. He’s tough inside and his teammates coming up from the JV will have to develop his attitude in order for the Soldiers to have any success inside. Without the Scott Soldan, they will still be a feisty team.

International Academy of Flint

IAF is in the process of developing a nice class D program. This team will be built around two returning starters in 5’10” senior Tyler Wilson and 6’5” junior Terrance Keaton [right]. Wilson is one of the strongest and most athletic guards in the state and is an absolute terror on defense. He’s a match-up nightmare at this level. Keaton may be the top post player in class D. He’s got great touch, is extremely strong and a quick leaping shot-blocker. Joining these two will be 6’1” senior Leonidas Caldwell. He’s a strong rebounder and a great defensive player that shows flashes of offensive ability. Another guy to keep an eye on is 5’8” freshman Darius Wilson. He’s a good shooter and his presence could allow Tyler Wilson to focus more on scoring. Will head coach Chris Matheson at the helm, IAF will be one of the better D programs in mid-Michigan from here on out.

Flint Northwestern

The Wildcats lost a ton of talent, but the cupboard is definitely not empty. This will be a team with a highly potent backcourt with 5’10” junior Deandre Upchurch [left] and 5’11” junior Chatavius Turner. Upchurch is a scorer’s scorer and Turner is a pure point guard. Walter Trouser, a 6’2” junior, is good with the ball and a nice option. Another junior, Robert Brown, is a high-flying wing up from the JV. Forwards like 6’5” senior Devon Weaver and 6’3” junior Chris Tiggs are athletic and possess good length. Weaver in particular could be due for a breakout season.

Saginaw Buena Vista

The loss of head coach Chris Chaffer will be felt, but this team still has a lot to smile about. Buena Vista will bolster one of the biggest frontlines of any class C team out there. Torien Oglesby, a 6’5” senior, is long, bouncy and a difficult match-up for anyone at the high school level. Holding down the middle will be brahma bull Maxquell Hulett, a 6’6” and 200+ pound senior. Anthony Mills, a 6’4” junior, didn’t play last season, but he was major cog in BV’s title run as only a freshman and his presence would give this team the kind of post depth that most class A teams dream of. Running the show will be a ultra-talented point guard Devonte Jackson [right]. His brother won a state title as a sophomore with the help of a good post and this year Devonte will have that same chance with the length BV has inside.

Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central

After a dream season, Coach Wood has to worry about replacing his star Tim Ryan. His worries, however, may not last long with a nice core of returning players. Taking over the scoring load will undoubtedly be 6’2” senior Mitch Mulcahy [left]. He’s a great marksman and an underrated defensive player that reminds me of MSU’s Anthony Hamo. Jahred Rapin, a 6’8” junior, improves with every game and could become a real force with his size. Some football players like 6’3” senior David Kazmierski and 6’2” senior Ryan Palmer will add depth inside. A great addition to this team may be 6’3” transfer Charles Sparks, formerly of Bridgeport. He’s an athletic slasher reminiscent of Ryan. The biggest problem for Nouvel may be replacing their hard-nosed point guard from last season, Mike Kessler. Tyler Dwyer, a 6’1” sophomore, could be a guy that could add that toughness, but that still leaves a question mark at the point. A junior in 5’10” point guard John Ludka could emerge as the floor general. Coach Wood has another very good team on his hands.