Stepping Up

From role players to studs

By Gavin Raath

2 December 2007

greatlakeshoops.com

Colin Angle  6’1”  Senior  Goodrich (right)

Might just be the best player in the GAC Red.

Kieon Arkwright  5’11”  Senior  Flint Carman Ainsworth

No longer just a 3-point threat. He’s one of the finest point guards in the area.

Aaron Badour  6'5"  Senior  Davison

Blue-collar guy that's turning out to be the top Card'.

Brandon Baryo  6’3”  Senior  New Lothrop

Big guy that’s putting to rest the belief that NL graduated all its talent.

Brandon Binkley  6'0"  Senior  DeWitt

Athletic guard that's taken the reins over at DeWitt.

Joe Blanchett  6'1"  Sophomore  Owosso

Has turned into Owosso's top player. Underrated defender with a great three-ball.

DeOndre Callahan  6'0"  Senior  Lansing Christian (right)

Aggressive guard that was good last year, but now one of the state's leading scorers.

Demondre Chapman  6'6"  Sophomore  Flint Carman Ainsworth

Strong and freakish athlete improves with every game.

Kyle Corts  5'10"  Senior  Leslie

Quietly having a great season.

Daniel Elliott  6’4”  Senior  Lapeer East

No longer just a defensive stopper.

Justin Elliott  6’5”  Junior  Carrollton

Big guy that’s not afraid to play like it.

Ryan Erickson  6’0”  Senior  Okemos

Tough floor general as a junior, scoring machine as a senior.

Mike Garza  6’2”  Senior  Lansing Christian

From hustling role player to all-state performer. One of the biggest surprises of the year.

Russell Hope  5’9”  Junior  Swartz Creek

In his third year as a starter, he’s emerged as a star. One of the smartest players in the state.

Omari Humes  6’5”  Junior  Saginaw Arthur Hill

Tough and athletic banger that’s helping the Hillites forget about what they lost.

Demarkus Jackson  5’11”  Senior  Flint Hamady

It was supposed to be Darius Brady’s year, but Jackson and Brian Echols are killing it instead.

Lau’ren Jones  6’0”  Senior  Burton Bentley

Good scoring option for the Bulldogs. Learning the point guard spot.

Ryan Keith  6’0”  Senior  Frankenmuth (right)

Didn’t look like much last season, but now he’s Brad Redford’s Robin.

Chet LaFave  6’1”  Junior  Charlotte

He and Derik Southern are a tough backcourt to handle.

Charles Lawler  6'3"  Senior  Albion

Worth noting alone for his huge game against Detroit Northwestern.

CJ Lott  6’0”  Senior  Ovid-Elsie

Pat Schiffer’s heir apparent.

Will Marlow  6'0"  Senior  Saginaw (right)

Defensive stopper that's found some offense.

Michael Martin  6’4”  Junior  Flint Northern

This high-flyer is making the most of his chances as Northern’s major post threat.

Joe McCarty  6'2"  Senior  Webberville

Solid guard that's rounding out a very good Webberville team.

Kyle McIntyre  5’9”  Senior  Williamston

Williamston fans are thrilled that his transfer rumors were just that.

Nikola Mihajlovic  6'7"  Senior  Portland

Transfer that can be as good as he wants to be.

Jordan Moore  5’10”  Junior  Burton Atherton

Putting up insane numbers; anyone that can score 40 can play.

Austin Nichols  6’0”  Junior  Lansing Catholic Central

Leading, along with Pat Duda and Michael Murray, in the absence of Max Gover and Mike Repovz.

Brad Norman  6’0”  Senior  Bay City Central

Tough guard on both ends. Flying up the charts with recruiters after 44-point game.

Martell Northern  6’4”  Senior  Flint Southwestern (right)

High-flyer that has turned into the Knights' second option to Tyrone Ward.

Pat O’Brien  6’3”  Sophomore  Flint Powers Catholic

I should probably throw both Morelands in here too, but O’Brien’s gaudy output has been a huge surprise.

Torian Oglesby  6’6”  Senior  Saginaw Buena Vista

Long and freakish athlete that’s a guaranteed double-double, no matter the competition.

Trent Page  6’4”  Junior  Leslie (right)

It was supposed to be Charlie Snow’s big year, but this long forward has been the one leading the Blackhawks.

Jason Pratt  6’7”  Junior  Merrill

Taking advantage of his size in an undersized conference.

Ryan Reister  5’11”  Senior  Ionia

Vastly improved guard.

Frank Rogers  6’3”  Senior  Holly

Tough banger that’s getting more of the attention he deserved.

Eddie Salazar  5’10”  Senior  Lakewood

He and Nick Hilley are as potent a backcourt as you’ll find.

Zach Saylor  6'8"  Senior  Lansing Waverly

Doubling his output from a season ago. It was just a matter of time.

Jordan Schafer  6’4”  Senior  Grand Ledge

Forget about the other Horford, (for now) this is Schafer’s team.

Mark Schneider  5'9"  Senior  Bath

Hero from deep in the state title game last season, following it up with a nice senior year.

Darickieo Stewart  5’10”  Junior  Lansing Eastern

While Henton and Titus Baldwin get most of the attention, this little slasher has been putting up big numbers.

Drew Valentine  6'5"  Junior  Lansing Sexton (right)

Another guy that was bound for big things. Sexton is reaping the rewards.

Collin Ward  6’3”  Junior  Potterville

This transfer from one season ago is paying huge dividends. The CMAC should serve notice.

Kyle Wakeman  5’10”  Senior  Midland

One of the best three-point shooters in the state. Somebody guard this kid.

Janero Walker  5’8”  Junior  Beecher

Played behind Kirby Johnson last season – he evidently learned a lot. Lightning quick.

Courtney Washington  6’2”  Senior  Saginaw

Saginaw’s third option. Always looked good.

Garrett Webb  6’2”  Junior  Eaton Rapids

The beneficiary from all the attention directed towards Alex Gauna. Gauna and Webb will bring ER back to respectability.

Rufus Wehgar  5’10”  Senior  St. Louis

This athletic guard was bound to have a big season.

Tyler Wilson  5’10”  Senior  International Academy of Flint

Graduation and transfers killed IAF, but Tyler and Lee Caldwell have been doing more than their part.

Charlie Woods  6’6”  Senior  East Lansing

It’s hard to believe he averaged less than ten-points per game last year. Probably the state’s most improved player.