Boys 1997

Taking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 20th Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

Team Page (Team info, Schedule, Results, Stats)

2014 Outlook: After a deep semifinal run, with veterans, Powers returns a young and untested team. However the Chargers are deeply skilled -- with a high basketball-IQ – and will shock many teams as underdogs.  Powers has a very tough schedule, and high expectations to get better as the season progresses, but is feeding off that energy. Mlive

Taking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 20th Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

Team Page (Team info, Schedule, Results, Stats)

7. Detroit Cass Tech (16-7)
Despite lacking size once again, Detroit Cass Tech is never short on athletes. Having played second fiddle to Detroit King in the PSL in recent years but will once again be a contender. Taylor Parker and K’Lynn Willis are veterans leading an experienced varsity.  Mlive

Taking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 20th Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

Team Page (Team info, Schedule, Results, Stats)

Coach: Brad Kurth (8th season, 102-51).

Last season: 17-5 overall; 8-2 OK Black, tied for 1st place.

Key players: Jordan Walker (So., G), Kelsey Wolffis (Sr., F/C), Josalin Sanders-Walker (Sr., G), Shamara Tumblin (Jr., G), Jena’a Matthews (Sr., F).

Outlook: Fresh off a shared conference championship, the Sailors return many of the players that made last year’s team so successful. Losing the program’s No. 2 scorer in school history, Jasmyn Walker, who now plays at Valparaiso, is going to hurt. But Kurth said the team’s top five or six players are “really good,” and the team has built some strong chemistry the past several years. Jordan Walker might be the area’s top point guard prospect as a sophomore and she’s done well on both on offense and defensively early in her career.  If leaders develop to replace seven departed seniors from last year’s squad, look for Mona Shores to compete for a conference championship against Muskegon and Reeths-Puffer this season.   -- Dillon Davis  Mlive

Taking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 20th Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

Team Page (Team info, Schedule, Results, Stats)

Coach: Niesha Lowe (1st year).

Last season: 5-15 overall; 2-8 OK Black, tied for 5th place.

Key players: Tyra Williams (Sr., G/F), Pat Whittington (Sr., G), Fayth Talbert (So., PF), Muslima Sheikh (Sr., G).

Outlook: With Niesha Lowe returning to coach her alma mater, the Red Hawks will take the floor with a fast-paced game plan. Led by fourth-year starter Tyra Williams (5-8), their quickness might surprise opposing defenses. Williams is an athletic guard/forward with a tremendous work ethic and an ability to score. Senior Pat Whittington (5-7) has a strong basketball I.Q., with the smarts to read opposing defenses as well as their offensive scheme. At 5-10, Fayth Talbert returns for her second year with the length and ability to play mid-range as well as down low. Even though this is Muslima Sheikh’s first varsity season, she will turn some heads when she takes the court. Not to be underestimated, Sheik is a fast guard with a top-notch work ethic. “We have eight girls on the team, and it’s a great group of girls,” Lowe said. “We are a small team, but really quick. I figure that although we are small, we can use that quickness to our advantage and push the ball up the court for some easy layups. I like the fact they can work together and that they are working so hard.”-- Jen Judson Mlive