Roundball in the NBA

Taking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 21st Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

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

(15-10, Class A): Longtime coach Greg Esler is optimistic about De La Salle’s chances for a long postseason run after advancing to the Class A regional championship game last year, losing to Detroit Western. De La Salle returns multiple starters, including Central Michigan-bound Kevin McKay (20 points, 4 assists), a 6-4 senior,  and 6-9 junior center Jack Ballantyne (8 points). Other top players include 6-5 sophomore guard Luke Pfromm, 6-4 senior Quinton Glaspie and sophomore point guard Justin Fischer. “I’m excited with this team since we have a player in Kevin McKay who can dominate and we have depth where we have a solid seven or eight players,” Esler said. -  Detroit News

Outlook: Wing Kevin McKay (CMU) has improved his three-point shooting and is 271 points away from the school’s career scoring record, which is quite an achievement given the Pilots’ history. Junior Jack Ballantyne, 6-10, moves well for his size and needs to become more assertive rebounding and shot-blocking for the Pilots to become a force in the Central Division. Sophomore Luke Pfromm, 6-4, will help inside and on the perimeter. Sophomore Justin Fischer could become an exceptional point guard. Collin Roach is the defensive stopper. -  Detroit Free Press

Warren De La Salle (15-10), A: Last season the Pilots won their 18^th district title in the last 22 seasons before losing to eventual state champion Detroit Western is a regional final. Three starters return including one of the state’s top players, Kevin McKay (6-4). This is a young team but there is experience. Junior Jack Ballantyne (6-9) averaged eight points last season and coach Greg Esler said he expects his post player to be much improved. Sophomore Luke Pfromm is strong 6-4 wing who’s one of the team’s best shooters. Sophomore Justin Fischer (6-2) will play the point. Three are but three seniors on this team so it might take time to develop the proper chemistry. - State Champs

Taking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 21st Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

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

Detroit Allen Academy (12-9) Their starting five is arguably the most talented team on paper and that’s beyond Class C.  Again, District 73.  Senior point guard Jason Williams (East Tennessee State) and senior forward Daniel Pippen (Kent State) have signed to play college basketball and provide one of the state’s top 1-2 punches.  The Wildcats also have junior wings Drequan Bell and Juwan Snoddy will also play college basketball while Mark Watts is regarded as one of the best freshman in the state. - IPS Basketball
 

Taking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 21st Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

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

Detroit Loyola (15-6) The Bulldogs have the youngest commit in Michigan with sophomore point guard PJ Mitchell committing to Central Michigan and strong guard play in senior Dequan Powell.  Football players and a solid group of basketball players round out the group.  See, District 73. - IPS Basketball

Taking a look at the pre-season top ranked teams participating in the 21st Annual Motor City Roundball Classic.

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

Detroit Pershing (10-10) Not a misprint, the Doughboys are in C and….District 73.  6’7” senior forwards David Syfax and Charles Manson will provide a tough match up as both will be on the court at the same time.  Junior guard Patrick Hatcher and sophomore point guard Ron Hill will need to stabilize the backcourt. - IPS Basketball