BV is Back on Top

Redman returns, Knights reign

Bath senior preseason player of the year in class C, BV top team

12 October 2007

greatlakeshoops.com

Bath's Eli Redman certainly takes some cues from the Detroit Pistons' versatile big man, Rasheed Wallace.

But, apparently, not all of them.

"I'm not guaranteeing (it), but it's possible," said Redman when asked if his Bees could repeat as class C state champions, despite losing three standouts from last year's squad--Kody Kokx, Curtis Chaffee and Brett Monroe.

"I mean, those guys were good. Having those guys on any team last year in class C would be awesome, let alone all three of them. We did lose them but we have brought up a couple guys that can play, and the rest of the seniors have improved so much. We have as good of chemistry, if not better, than last year.

"I think we have a shot at running it back again."

One would be hard-pressed to call it a rebuilding year in Bath, however. Redman, along with the sharp-shooting Mark Schneider, another senior, are as formidable a scoring tandem as any in class C.

Schneider, you may remember, was the hero of the class C state championship game this past March, pouring in 20 points on 5-of-7 shooting from deep. Schneider's championship game heroics aside, it was Redman who brought the Bees to Breslin.

Redman pulled down 43 rebounds in two games against Flint Beecher and New Lothrop in regionals, and poured in 26 points in the semifinals against Kalamazoo Christian.

He came to play on the big stage, using the opportunity to show off every weapon in his arsenal.

"I've been told I'm a very versatile player," said Redman, who appears every bit as comfortable facing up at the top of the key as backing down in the post. "I run the floor a lot and try to bang the boards, too. I enjoy playing the game and I play it a lot. I'm probably best at having mismatches on me just because I can go both outside and inside."

All that being said, it's rather hard to explain how a versatile 6'7'' forward with Redman's skill set has played in relative obscurity for the past three years. Outside of Bath, a small town east of Lansing, Redman appears to be a casualty of under-exposure--and he's not even playing in the great white north.

"I really couldn't tell you why I'm so far under the radar," said Redman, who is garnering the most interest from schools in the GLIAC. "I wouldn't want to say it's because I am in class C, but I don't know. There might be some players ranked above me that...are not better than me, I don't know. I will just have to prove it with my game this year."

For Redman, it's the game that's the most important, after all--not the flash and dash.

"A lot of the names that are known to people are the hot shot names, it almost seems like," he said. "Not all of them, but a few. I'm not much for flaunting my stuff or bragging about my game. I am more of the team player...maybe that has something to do with it, too.

"I like my game. Players I know like my game. I'm not going to brag and say I'm the best, because I don't think I am. I could get better, but so could everyone else. I like where I'm at ...if I keep improving. I need to put on a few pounds and I'm right up there."

Redman and his Bees check in at #5 in our preseason class C rankings.

Another frontline prospect primed to lead his team to the Brez

Saginaw Buena Vista's top returning post player, 6'6'' senior Torian Oglesby (left), is more of a conventional high school post player, at least when compared to the aforementioned Redman.

"I'm a solid player," said the long and bouncy Oglesby. "I like to play as a team, but the best thing I do is dunk."

Since Buena Vista, ranked #1 in our preseason poll, doesn't compete in a conference like most high school teams, players and coaches from all over the state can testify--the kid can rise.

And, even when he's not scoring a ton of points, Oglesby makes him presence known on the floor at all times. He can close down the shop for opposing guards driving the lane, hoping for clean looks at the basket.

Oglesby, who played only sparingly on the 2005 Buena Vista squad that won the class C state championship under head coach Chris Chaffer, is now adjusting to some new teammates and a new coach.

"Coach Brinkman is a young man who knows a lot about the game, and he's only going to get better," he said.

Of course he didn't say he's going to be better than Coach Chaffer; he's not so bold. Unless, of course, he's asked about sophomore Devonte Jackson (right).

"I played with Tory in 2005 and with Devonte (last season)," said Oglesby of Buena Vista's all-everything guard and Devonte's older brother, now starring at Notre Dame. "He's going to be better than Tory."

Class C Preseason Rankings

Compiled by Gavin Raath

1. 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. Torian Oglesby, a 6’6” 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 about. Transfers Demarcus McKormick and Joseph Bond will be solid on the perimeter. McKormick in particular is a big time scorer. Running the show will be ultra-talented point guard Devonte Jackson. 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. Coaching may be a question, but talent is not.

2. 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 (right). He’s a great marksman and an underrated defensive player who 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. A couple of juniors in John Ludka and Alex Lake could emerge as the floor general. Coach Wood has another very good team on his hands.

3. 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. 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 (right). 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 athletic [he can put it between his legs and dunk it] and a nice long term prospect. They may not be as strong as last year, but they will be close.

4. Carson City-Crystal

After forgettable back-to-back playoff performances, this has to be a big year for the Eagles. They have every reason to succeed in their new conference with quite possibly the top two players in the conference in 6'11" senior Sean Jones and 6'0" senior Cory Schneider. Jones offers something that few teams see at the class C level with his height and Schneider is as cool as they come at the point guard spot. For this team to succeed, however, Jones has to get more aggressive. Tyler Williams, a 6'3" senior, is the team's top athlete and should make Jones' life a little easier inside. The conference is CCC's for the taking.

5. Bath

No Kokx, no Monroe, no Chaffee, but somehow I still think the Bees will be alright mainly because of the return of their 6'7" star senior Eli Redman. Eli can flat out play, whether it's inside or out. He's a major talent deserving of, at the very least, division two looks. Helping him out in the backcourt will be returning starter Mark Schneider whose three-point shooting sealed Bath's state title. In addition, 6'2" senior Mike Hawkins is a player that will be able to pick up a large bulk of the scoring load.

6. Laingsburg

I believe the best coached team in the CMAC is Laingsburg. Coach Mitchell always seems to have his guys well prepared and this season he will have some talent to go with his coaching prowess. Returning is arguably their top player in 6'3" senior Jacob Woodworth. Klinton Koonter, a 6'3" junior, should become that second option to Woodworth. Stefan MacMaster, a 6'4" senior, and Eric Silvernail, a 6'2" junior, should make for a balanced attack. Coach Mitchell also has to be tempted to insert some of the top tier talent out of his 2010 class into the lineup with a pair of 6'6" guys in Nico Rios and Tyler White and guards like 5'10" Dillon Bates and 6'1" Scott Wickham. There's a bright future in Laingsburg.

7. Flint Hamady

Hamady returns the conference’s leading scorer from last season in 6’2” senior Darrius Brady. Brady is an athletic slasher and tough on the boards. Demarkus Jackson (right), a 5’11” senior guard, is another player with serious game. They have some other guys that should contribute like a pair of 5’11” combo guards in senior Jaqevis Patrick and junior Jaquan McGee. Another one to watch will be 6’2” high flying junior Mark Taylor. Size will ultimately be an issue for the Hawks, but with their strong perimeter they should be able to run teams out of the gym. Some things never change.

8. Pewamo-Westphalia

After a dream season with a strong senior class and a little luck from Bath's misfortunes, coach Luke Pohl found himself looking at perfect season and a conference championship. After falling a little short of the perfect season and dropping just one conference game to healthy and eligible Bath, the Pirates still turned in a fantastic season. This coming year they will have to focus on replacing the seniors, but they are on the right track with the likely return of 6'0" senior Chad Piggott who sat out this past season with a football injury. His return, coupled with 6'1" senior Travis Pohl, will should give P-W a shot in the arm. Kaleb Thelen, a junior guard, will also be expected to step up his efforts. A trio of seniors in Jason Fedewa, Jay Spitzley and Ryan Klein will insure another good season, but don't expect last year's.

9. Burton Bentley

This has to be a big year for the Bulldogs. They return the top big man in the conference in 6’5” senior Patrick Ellison. Ellison has good bounce, which allows him to be a very good shot blocker and rebounder. He’ll likely score a lot of points this season on offensive put-backs and quick half-hooks in the lane. The losses of Aaron Mangham (transfer) and Johnny Irvin (discipline) hurt, but the Bulldogs received a nice transfer in Lau’Ren Jones (right) from Carman Ainsworth, a scoring guard that also plays great defense. He and Patrick may make for the two most difficult match-ups in the conference. Joey Jerisk, a 5’9” sophomore, earned a lot of minutes on the varsity last season and he may be a starter with the losses in the backcourt. Cory Mouser, a 6’3” senior, gives them some bulk inside. A nice addition from the JV will be 6’1” junior Jermaine Wyatt, an energized, though undersized, forward. This should be a big year for the Bulldogs who are trying to avoid the silver medal in the GAC Blue for the third straight season.

10. Unionville – Sebewaing Area

USA returns all of the key players from a successful 17-win 2006-2007 campaign in which the Patriots defeated GTC West champion, Reese, three times. Tim Holland, a 6’2” senior, is a quality big man and the perimeter is loaded with guys like Brandon Bitzer, Taylor Cramer and Lance VanHoost. USA is a lot like New Lothrop – it's a school that produces winners.

All Class C Team:

Starters

Sean Jones 6’11” Senior Carson City – Crystal

Eli Redman 6’7” Senior Bath - MM class C player of the year

Torian Oglesby 6’5” Senior Saginaw Buena Vista

Taron Boose 6’2” Sophomore Beecher

Ty Graham 6’3” Senior Reese

Bench

Dominique Allen 6’4” Senior Beecher

Patrick Ellison 6’5” Senior Burton Bentley

Brad Iskow 6’6” Senior Bad Axe

Devonte Jackson 5’6” Sophomore Saginaw Buena Vista

Mitch Mulcahy 6’2” Senior Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central (right)

Cory Schneider 6’0” Senior Carson City – Crystal (lower right)

Charlie Snow 6’3” Senior Leslie

Second Team

Brandon Bitzer 5’10” Junior USA

Darrius Brady 6’2” Senior Flint Hamady

Lau’ren Jones 6’0” Senior Burton Bentley

Donovan Ogboh 6’1” Senior Brown City

Kyle Oosterhoff 6’0” Senior Ithaca

Grant Pichla 5’8” Senior Ubly

Chad Piggott 6’0” Senior Pewamo – Westphalia

Travis Pohl 6’1” Senior Pewamo – Westphalia

Cory Radak 6’5” Senior Ithaca

Jahred Rapin 6’8” Junior Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central

Jacob Woodworth 6’3” Senior Laingsburg

Isaac Zimmer 6’1” Senior Reese