Walled Lake Western head coach Mike Zdebski talks to his team during the Division 2 state final Friday against Detroit King. Zdebski’s late father, Frank, was a Marine.

First-team offense

E: Cody White

Walled Lake Western, senior, 6-3, 205 pounds (captain)

Highlights: Plans called for White to catch passes, but he was pressed into service as the Warriors’ QB to start the season. Also plays slot and running back, returns kickoffs and punts, and is the team’s punter. “We can line him up at several positions. There are a lot of ways he helps us,” coach Mike Zdebski said. Rushed for 443 yards, passed for 597, had 669 yards receiving with 15 TDs. Committed to Michigan State.

OL: Ja’Raymond Hall

Oak Park, senior, 6-5, 280

Highlights: Was the Knights’ top choice as a blocker at right tackle, and was instrumental in helping develop younger teammates on the line. “He’s played pretty well in his three years on the varsity, but I think I still see a lot of untapped potential,” coach Greg Carter said. “He’s got long arms, his quickness is outstanding, he blocks equally well for the run as well as for the pass.” Committed to Michigan.

OL: Larry Borom

Birmingham Brother Rice, senior, 6-6, 325

Highlights: Began playing football as a raw ninth grader, but has taken his game up several notches. “He got better and better each year, because he has the skill and size,” coach Dave Sofran said. “He’s very athletic, has great feet, and can move really well for a big man — that’s what’s going to make him a great player. He’ll get good coaching and they’re going to tap into his potential.” Committed to Missouri.

OL: Nick Novak

Lake Orion, senior, 6-3, 250

Highlights: Coach Chris Bell calls Novak “one of the best lineman we’ve ever had” at Lake Orion. “He’s a driven, young man who sets high goals and high standards; he’s very demanding of himself,” Bell said. “He’s committed on and off the field; he’s become the player he’s become through hard work and determination. He’s everything you’d want in a student-athlete.” Accepted at U.S. Naval Academy.

OL: Blake Bueter

Detroit Catholic Central, senior, 6-4, 275

Highlights: A 2-year starter at guard, Bueter shifted up to line to left tackle this fall and did not disappoint. “He’s got the ability to move, trap, and lead a play,” coach Tom Mach said. “He’s very dominant on both sides of the line and showed great ability to improve and lead other kids.” Has offers from schools in the Big Ten, including Michigan State and Purdue, and the Mid-American Conference.

OL: Rob Hudson

Walled Lake Western, senior, 6-8, 305

Highlights: “He’s just physical,” coach Mike Zdebski said. “Once his motor’s running, he just flattens people. He likes to hit people; he’s getting used to his body.” Sticking with commitment to Purdue despite a coaching change there. “He loves the school. He’s comfortable with the members of counseling department and academics, the professors, the structure and he loves the campus,” Zdebski said.

E: Anthony D’Annibale

Novi, senior, 6-1, 190

Highlights: The Wildcats’ jack-of-all-trades caught 87 passes for 1,223 yards (averaging 13.1 yards per catch) with 18 touchdowns. Also scored by rushing (twice), on a kick return and on a fake punt. Had three interceptions. “He’s a freak of an athlete; he’s strong, he can jump and he attacks the ball in the air. When it’s a 50/50 ball, he’s going to win those matchups,” coach Jeff Burnside said. Uncommitted.

E: Taj Mustapha

West Bloomfield, junior, 6-0, 185

Highlights: Caught 47 passes, 15 of those going for 20 yards or more, for 879 yards and nine TDs. “At first we weren’t sure if he was going to be a possession guy,” coach Ron Bellamy said. “He moved himself to be our number-one receiver in his first season on varsity, and he’s still scratching the surface. He’s got ability to make plays, and he’s going to be one of the better receivers in the state of Michigan next year.”

QB: Kyle Wood

Rochester Adams, senior, 6-0, 185

Highlights: A four-year starter under center, Wood was the right fit for the Highlanders’ Triple-option, rushing for 11 TDs and throwing for four. “His knowledge of both running and passing has been so valuable to us,” coach Tony Patritto said. “He really developed his throwing motion and his ability to hit the targets. He’s a great kid and a hard worker. We’ll miss him a lot.” Considering multiple Div. II offers.

RB: Derek Lynch

Bloomfield Hills, senior, 5-5, 140

Highlights: This quick, shifty back helped lead the Black Hawks to their first undefeated regular season by gaining 1,165 yards on 126 attempts. He also had 281 receiving yards, returned kicks and scored 16 TDs. “He is fearless and he has a natural ability to make cuts. You think a play is dead, and then you see him pop out of a hole,” coach Dan Loria said. Considering Ferris State and several Div. III schools.

RB: Keith Fields

Waterford Mott, senior, 5-7, 170

Highlights: The transfer from Lake Orion accounted for 2,400 all-purpose yards, including 1,300 on the ground, 700 catching passes and 400 returning kicks. Rushed for 17 touchdowns, caught eight touchdown passes and had another four scores called back. “He’s what you call a true ‘slash’ back because he’s a dual threat,” coach Chris Fahr said. “He is electrically fast and he is also shifty.” Uncommitted.

K: Jack McKenna

Walled Lake Northern, senior, 6-0, 175

Highlights: Made 44 of 46 extra points, 8 of 12 field goals (longest of 47), had 38 touchbacks out of 56 kickoffs and averaged 39.6 yards per punt. Also played goalkeeper for the Knights’ soccer team. “Ever since he was a freshman he wanted to be a high school kicker,” coach Brett Moore said. “He helped us win the field position battles. We haven’t had a guy like that in nine years.” Considering Div. I or Div. II offers.

Detroit Free Press All-East football team

First-team defense

DL: Ovie Oghoufo

Farmington Hills Harrison, junior, 6-feet-3, 210 pounds

Highlights: The Hawks’ second-leading tackler had five sacks, three forced fumbles. Played tackle, end and outside linebacker, as well as tight end, where he led team in receptions. “He’s probably the most athletic guy on our team,” coach John Herrington said. “He’s very quick and is getting bigger and bigger. We’ve got him for one more year as a Hawk, and that’s good.” Committed early to Notre Dame.

DL: Ralph Holley

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, senior, 6-2, 285

Highlights: Helps the Eaglets control the tempo in the trenches as nose tackle and offensive guard. “He’s a big, strong kid with a great first step; he plays with his hands and gets off blocks,” coach George Porritt said. “His work ethic is excellent. He’s worked on triggering himself off the ball. He worked at his game and worked himself into his position.” Committed to Western Michigan.

DL: Cole Bearden

Detroit Country Day, senior, 6-5, 225

Highlights: A field general up front, Bearden led the Yellowjackets to the Division 4 state finals with 75 tackles and eight sacks. “He’s a tough, hard-nosed kid who plays hard and who’s going to keep going after it,” coach Dan MacLean said. “He’s strong and lean with a good football IQ. He’s like an extra coach on the line.” A three-sport athlete (basketball, track) and 4.0 student, Bearden is committed to Cornell.

DL: Jackson Ross

Detroit Catholic Central, senior, 6-3, 240

Highlights: Ross is a 3-year starter and one of the key elements on the Shamrocks’ defense, which held seven opponents to seven points or less this year. “He’s one of our toughest guys on defense. He’s an everyday player who sets a great example. The other players look up to him, as do the coaches,” coach Tom Mach said. With a 3.9 GPA, Ross is considering Ivy League schools.

LB: Nate Wagner

Birmingham Groves, senior, 6-1, 215

Highlights: A ballhawk sense helped Wagner make 122 tackles and recover two fumbles this season. Also caught two TD passes and had a 37-yard punting average. “He’s intelligent and intense,” coach Brendan Flaherty said. “His instincts are incredible. He just reads plays extremely well as an inside linebacker, especially defending against the option.” A 4.0 student, Wagner aspires to attend an Ivy League school.

LB: Nick Stalworth

Clarkston, senior, 5-10, 210

Highlights: A mainstay of the Wolves’ defense for three years, Stalworth had 52 tackles and 33 assists to go with one interception. “He’s a tough kid, he moves very well and is a very intelligent player,” coach Kurt Richardson said. “He’s our captain and calls our defenses for us. He’s just an awesome kid; a great person.” Also Clarkston’s starting fullback. Undecided; receiving offers from MAC and GLIAC schools.

LB: Lorenzo McCaskill

Southfield A&T, senior, 6-2, 210

Highlights: A repeat All-North selection, McCaskill made 141 tackles, including 17 for loss and nine sacks. Batted down four passes. “He’s very physical on both sides of the ball,” coach Tim Conley said. “He’s one of those players that can be described as an ‘athlete.’ He can play linebacker, safety or defensive line; we had him on offense too. There is a lot of versatility with him; a lot of upside.” Committed to Cincinnati.

LB: Josh Ross

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, senior, 6-1, 235 (captain)

Highlights: His instincts set the tone for the St. Mary’s defense and helped the Eaglets win the Division 3 championship for the third year in a row. “He’s got a great knowledge for the game,” coach George Porritt said. “He has all the other attributes, too: he’s big, strong, fast for his size, he has that extra-quick step, he’s good at making that read and finding the ball.” Committed to Michigan.

DB: Mark Patritto

Rochester Adams, senior, 5-11, 175

Highlights: Was the vocal leader of the Adams defense as the Highlanders advanced to the district final. “He does so many things well; he’s my voice on the field in the secondary,” coach Tony Patritto said. “He loves the game, he’s very passionate about it. Nobody outworks him, either in practice or in the off-season.” May walk on at MSU or CMU; also with offers from GLIAC schools and Butler.

DB: Jack Dodge

Walled Lake Western, senior, 6-1, 175

Highlights: Had 16 career interceptions, including seven this year with 81 return yards. “In his sophomore year we groomed him to be our free safety,” coach Mike Zdebski said. “He’s very fast; he’s able to play deep enough and we don’t give up the big plays.” An all-state track runner in three events (110m hurdles, 4x200m and 4x400m relays), Dodge plans to run track at Central Michigan.

DB: Ryan Flaherty

Birmingham Groves, senior, 6-2, 195

Highlights: Had five interceptions and 64 tackles as the Falcons closed out their best season in school history. “He’s like another coach on the field. He sets our alignments and makes every necessary check — that’s half the battle,” coach Brendan Flaherty said. “His biggest improvement was his range, and he had key interceptions against Oak Park (two) and Brother Rice.” Drawing interest from GLIAC schools.

Coach: Mike Zdebski

Walled Lake Western, 19th year, 153-57

Highlights: Led Warriors to the MHSAA Division 2 finals and won Kensington Lakes Activities Association conference titles in the past four seasons. “We scheduled some tough teams early,” Zdebski said. “We kind of figured Canton and Northville would be the best teams in the other divisions. We were really nervous in the beginning, but it ended up really grooming us for the playoffs — teams aren’t used to being tested three weeks back-to-back.”

All-Detroit football first team offense, defense

Second team

Offense

E: Kam Ford, Walled Lake Western

OL: Marquan McCall, Oak Park

OL: Dante Little, Berkley

OL: Kyle Sassack, Notre Dame Prep

OL: Adam Fakih, Country Day

OL: Noah Nicklin, Clarkston

E: Thomas Loftus, Rochester

QB: Johnny Tracy, W.L. Western

RB: Zoser Little, Ferndale

RB: RaShawn Allen, O.L. St. Mary’s

RB: Michael Fluegel, Clarkston

K: Evan Finegan, Bishop Foley

Defense

DL: Jaleel Anderson, Groves

DL: John-Paul Morris, W. Bloomfield

DL: Jack Morris, Novi Detroit CC

DL: Darius Lynum, Oak Park

LB: Guam Lee, Farm. Hills Harrison

LB: Dwayne Chapman, O.L. St. Mary’s

LB: Tyler Vestrand, Lake Orion

LB: Chris Bergin, Country Day

DB: Nicholas Capatina, Detroit CC

DB: Nick Seidel, West Bloomfield

DB: Steve Mann, Country Day

2016 Michigan high school football finals results

Honorable mention

Receivers: Drew Sheckell, Groves; Jeremy Cooper, Harrison; Kiewuan Graham, Bloomfield Hills; John Adams, Ferndale; Garrett Winn, West Bloomfield; Ryan Prisby, Clarkston; Marquise Thorns, Southfield; Matthew Gilbert, Southfield; Brady Campbell, Stoney Creek; Matt Jordan, Brother Rice; Brendan Thelen, Lakeland; Josh Johnson, Notre Dame Prep; Jeremy Cooper, Harrison; Michael Niehaus, Shrine.

Linemen: Lindon Ivzezic, Harrison; Alex Laverenz, Lakeland; Joey George, W.L. Western; Mitch Wochoski, Athens; Jaleel Anderson, Groves; Carter Stagner, Seaholm; Marsello Gashaj, Athens; John Paul Morris, West Bloomfield; Tristan Leinen, Stoney Creek; Jack Saylor, Brother Rice; Bryce Chamberlain, Ortonville Brandon; Tim Jackson, Country Day; Johnny Davis, Novi; Adam Guirey, Novi; Josh Jones, Bloomfield Hills; Jack Sape, Bloomfield Hills; Aaron Samson, Troy; Brady Anderson, Groves; Tyler Wineke, Adams; Divine Filemu, Harrison; Trevor Shankin, Bishop Foley.

Quarterbacks: John Paddock, Bloomfield Hill; Brent Burtrau, Rochester; Ross Herron, Berkley; Joey Stark, Athens; Bryce Vesley, West Bloomfield; J.T. King, Clarkston; David McCullum, Waterford Mott; Eli McLean, Notre Dame Prep; Carlos Zoratti, South Lyon; Alec Bageris, Novi; Dewan Mathis, Oak Park.

Running backs: Naje Trinity, Oak Park; Zoser Little, Ferndale; Davion Johnson, West Bloomfield; Ethan Williams, Oxford; Lew Nichols, Southfield; Amarae Kittles, Ortonville Brandon; Luke Adams, Notre Dame Prep; Nathan Hankerson, Novi; Elijah Sherman, Bloomfield Hills; Teron Kinnard, Troy; Dylan Trudo, Stoney Creek; Earnest Allen, Groves; Dylan Stackhouse, Oak Park; Devon Pressley, Harrison; Jay Hester, Shrine; Paris Partee, Holly.

Linebackers: Brendann Brown, Harrison; Victor Van Almen, Stoney Creek; Keith Powe, Southfield; Kyle Piotrovsky, Waterford Kettering; Jon Moffett, Walled Lake Western; Joey Lovasz, Ortonville Brandon; Braxton Blackwell, South Lyon; Isaac Darkangelo, Detroit Catholic Central; Patrick Najor, Bloomfield Hills; Chris Kroll, Troy; Jake Zanolli, Groves; Chase Kareta, Adams; Danny Machs, Lutheran Northwest.

Defensive backs: David Long, Berkley; Joe Slayton, Lake Orion; Marcus Fuqua, Southfield; Chris Jakubic, Catholic Central; Nick Powell, Walled Lake Northern; Matthew Harding, Detroit CC; Robert Daniel, Oak Park.

Kickers/punters: Taylor McCarty, Lake Orion; Zach Clements, Ortonville Brandon; Cam Cotter, Oakland Christian.

New Orleans Saints receiver and special-teams standout Jake Lampman will face the visiting Lions on Sunday.

Almost every possible roadblock has gotten in the way of Jake Lampman while he has pursued his dream of playing in the NFL.

The East Lansing native has overcome at least one challenge at each level of the game, whether it was sitting on the bench in high school at Haslett, getting overlooked on the recruiting trail or going undrafted after playing at Ferris State.

But none of it has stopped the 23-year-old, and it shows on the field.

As a gunner on punt team, he screams down the field and makes sure-handed tackles in the open field each week.

He has become a secret weapon for the New Orleans Saints.

• Saints’ Sean Payton ‘jealous’ of Lions’ late heroics
• Lions ‘evaluating’ left guard battle between Glasgow, Tomlinson

Now fans from his home state will get to see the rookie who wears No. 19 in action — living out his dream — when the Saints host the Detroit Lions on Sunday (1 p.m., Fox).

“I knew from a young age that football was all I wanted to do with my life,” Lampman told the Free Press last week. “I really wanted football to be my platform to influence other people, no matter how it was — as a coach, a player.

“I always knew in my mind I wanted to do it. I’ve always been around the right people to get me going in the right direction and get me the resources.”

And his attitude has been to never give up.

Only 36 touches

Lampman was a student of the game in high school and had a football IQ not many players his age could fathom. Plus he had speed and skill.

As he got closer to graduation, he became better as a player, and his dream of playing the sport at the highest level looked less farfetched each season.

He entered his senior year at Haslett in 2010 with hopes of lighting up the Capital Area Activities Conference Gold Division as a running back.

Jake Lampman at Haslett High School.

A few good highlights on film and some promising rushing stats could yield a handful of scholarship offers to play for smaller Football Bowl Subdivision schools, or maybe he could make it at the Division II level, he thought at the time.

Senior year was going to be a good one for Lampman.

And then it wasn’t.

The Vikings (4-5) missed the playoffs for the second straight season and for some reason, which Lampman still hasn’t figured out, he never saw the field.

In fact, that season the shifty running back had only 36 touches — in nine games.

“That’s not a question I’ve been able to answer and have never tried to answer it,” Lampman said. “I got to where I’m at because of what I accomplished in college.

“I got to college on my own.”

Lampman’s lackluster prep career didn’t discourage him from chasing his dreams.

It just made him work even harder to get to the next level.

Passing up West Point

Lampman didn’t blame the Haslett coaching staff for his lack of playing time but having only 36 touches made it hard for colleges to recruit him.

After his senior season, he spent four weeks after school splicing together somewhat of a highlight tape that he would later send out to schools.

He made up for his lack of film by participating in senior day camps and on-campus combines. He even went to combines sponsored by big recruiting outlets.

Those camps are where he verified his skill set. He ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash time. He graded in the 90th percentile with his Sparq score at a Nike camp. He put up numbers that made him one of the best recruits in the Midwest.

Colleges just couldn’t overlook his lack of film against big-time competition, plus he was only 6-feet tall and was well underweight to withstand the beating a running back endures at the next level.

There were some small schools that showed interest in him, though, and about 15 teams contacted him after seeing his combine results.

“A lot of the schools that saw my combine results and asked for my tape were DII and DIII schools, and maybe one or two Division I schools,” Lampman said. “The only real Division I school that truly wanted me was West Point.”

Lampman made an official visit to see Army take on rival Navy.

The Black Knights were serious about adding him to their team. Even though it looked like they might be his only option to play in college, he talked it over with his family before accepting Army’s offer.

“There comes a point when you think about everything you want out of life, in terms of where you want it to go and where you are being led,” he said. “Being in the Army, there’s a lot of guys who would consider serving in the Army at the drop of a hat, and I’m not saying that I’m not one of those guys. I have so much respect for what those guys do. If I could live a second life, I would have definitely tried it.”

Lampman instead declined the offer because, well, it would have taken him off his path of making it to the NFL because of the required service time Army players are required to fulfill after they graduate.

“My life-long dream of playing in the NFL played a factor for me,” he said. “I thought if I went to Army, it wouldn’t help me get to the NFL, and that was big.”

Lampman’s playing options looked bleak after his trip to West Point, but on a whim, he visited Ferris State with a friend and went through a workout there.

Not even 10 minutes after they returned to their car to travel back to East Lansing, the Ferris coaching staff called Lampman and offered him a spot on its team.

Going Green? 

Lampman played in all 11 games his freshman season at Ferris in 2011, catching six passes for 114 yards, including a 70-yard TD against Northern Michigan.

But the Bulldogs finished 6-5 and fired coach Jeff Pierce after the season.

“During the process of the coaching change, I was going to transfer to Michigan State and try to walk on,” Lampman said. “I kept asking myself, ‘Should I stay or go? Am I going to leave for Michigan State?’

“When Tony Annese came in as the new coach at Ferris, I immediately researched him as a coach and what kind of player’s coach he was.”

Jake Lampman at Ferris State.

Annese joined the Bulldogs after leading the now-defunct Grand Rapids Community College football team to a 30-4 record in three seasons.

His innovative veer teams averaged 500 yards and 50 points per game and won two national championships, including one in the Raiders’ final season in 2011, when they went 11-0 and won the Midwest Football Conference Championship.

Annese even had a successful coaching career at the prep level, putting together a 195-41 record at Montrose, Ann Arbor Pioneer, Jenison and Muskegon. His teams made 15 playoff appearances and won three state championships.

Lampman decided to stick with Ferris and give Annese a chance.

“I thought something special was going to happen, and I put a lot of prayer into it,” he said. “I was led the right way. Me going to MSU wasn’t a huge decision for me, but it was definitely one of those things where I always wanted to play for State.

“It was one of those things after my first year at Ferris where I thought I could have a shot at MSU. But I felt like something special was going to happen at Ferris, and I threw away the MSU dream and said, ‘Let’s make something special happen here at Ferris.’ “

Making Ferris special 

Annese and the Bulldogs quickly got to work.

They went 7-4 and 8-3 in his first two years. They beat rival Grand Valley State for the first time since 1999 and snapped a 10-game losing streak to Michigan Tech.

The next season, the Bulldogs went 11-0 for the first time in team history and won its first playoff game in 19 years. From 2014 to 2015, they put together a 25-game winning streak, while Lampman and his teammates set record marks in both the NCAA and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Quarterback Jason Vander Laan, for example, became the record holder for both the most career rushing yards and touchdowns by a QB in NCAA history at any level as well as a two-time Harlon Hill Trophy winner.

As a receiver, Lampman finished with 52 receptions for 731 yards and eight TDs as a senior in 2015, helping the Bulldogs become the No. 1 ranked team in DII throughout the regular season.

Finally getting a chance to touch the ball was eye-opening for Lampman, but he said it just proved he knew he was capable of competing in college.

“When I was given the ball, I definitely capitalized on it, but I didn’t get the opportunities a lot of these guys that go Division I get (before college),” he said. “My senior year of high school I had 36 touches my whole final season.

“My college teammates were like, ‘I got 36 touches a game!’ I knew I had the speed, skill set and toughness to make it at the college level.”

Lampman credited his receivers coach at Ferris, Sparky McEwen, as well as Annese with giving him a chance to make it to the NFL.

“I never doubted my ability as an athlete to get to where I am, but I knew it was going to be a lot harder than the average player, and I knew what the coaches were going to be looking for from me,” he said. “Coach Annese and Sparky McEwen, they told me, ‘If you do what I tell you to do, I’ll get you in front of the right people, and your toughness and athleticism will get you the rest of the way.’ “

Jake Lampman at Ferris State.

Surviving spring camp 

It wasn’t a surprise Lampman went undrafted during the 2016 NFL draft, but it also wasn’t a surprise the Saints invited him to a rookie minicamp in the spring.

There were 79 players in the camp, and he was one of 44 who were trying out for a roster spot for fall camp. He was one of only two players signed after that camp.

Saints coach Sean Payton told Lampman of the news in his office.

“We sat down for two or three minutes in his office, and he told me how he liked how I worked and ran and my ability as a blocker,” Lampman said. “He liked me, and I could feel that something special was happening with my workout.

“I felt like I put in a great workout down there, and I gave it everything I had. I think they saw that, and they respected it. So he was like, ‘I want to keep you around for OTAs,’ so I got to know the team and build relationships with them off the bat.

“I came back for camp and knew it’d be a longshot to make the team, so I didn’t focus on the signing process. I focused on the game and the process of becoming a better player on film. I got rewarded with a practice squad spot.”

Getting the promotion

Lampman went to work daily on the practice squad.

“My No. 1 goal was to put the best film out that I could every day,” he said. “I knew the special-teams route was how I was going to get my foot in the door with NFL teams, and I got my shot.

“I put my best self on the field every day.”

Because of injuries, the Saints promoted Lampman to their active roster just before their home game against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 16.

“I got the call-up and was prepared because I went against our starters every day in practice,” he said. “That helped a lot. I was definitely excited.”

The first call he made was to his parents, who had never missed one of his high school or college games. They missed his debut against the Panthers, however, because he was promoted on such short notice.

But he gave them plenty to watch on TV from home.

He recorded three special teams tackles. Payton gave him a game ball afterward.

“When you go back and look at the film, it was outstanding,” Payton told NOLA.com after the game. “His first game up, he was fantastic — kickoff coverage, punt coverage, disruptive.”

Lampman has appeared in four games since, and he doesn’t expect the Saints’ game against the Lions on Sunday to be his last either.

But if it happens to be his final game — because of injury, bad luck or whatever might come his way — he’s going to make the most out of every down he plays.

“I play every snap as if it were my last,” Lampman said. “I’ve had that motto since I tore my labrum at Ferris my senior year and was rewarded a medical redshirt to come back and have a fifth year.

“I have a 10-minute highlight tape on YouTube of just me blocking that shows that I do just that on every snap. I give it everything I have. That’s what I do here. On special teams, a lot of success is based on the effort you put in, and everyone who knows me knows I give 100% effort on every play.

“I’m going to leave the NFL with no regrets because I have no one reason to end my career or give someone a reason to keep me from living out my dream.”

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Girls basketball

Girls Basketball

Detroit East English 50, Detroit Cody 31: C’Erra McHolmes scored 34 points and picked 10 steals for East English (2-0). Jayla Smith added 10 points and 10 assists.

Madison Heights Bishop Foley 49, Sterling Heights Parkway Christian 41: Erica Mick paced Sterling Heights (0-1) with 14 points. Maddy Schook added 12 points, and Lauren Turner chipped in 10 points.

Muskegon 44, Kent City 29: Zara Weber paced Kent City (0-2) with 12 points.

Oakland Christian 38, Bloomfield Hills Academy of the Sacred Heart 33: Danielle Hopkins led Oakland (2-0, 1-0 MIAC) with 18 points scored. Madison LaLone added 10 points.

Trenton 31, Livonia Ladywood 28 SO

Wixom St. Catherine of Siena Academy 58, Farmington 41: Lizzy Turek led the Wixom attack with 15 points and eight rebounds. Becca Wyeth added 13 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

Ypsilanti Arbor Prep 68, Woodhaven 13: Lasha Petree scored 24 points for Ypsilanti (2-0). Adrienne Anderson added 15 points, and Rozhane Wells chipped in 10 points as well.

Div. 2 Men’s Basketball

Wayne State 71, Lake Erie 60: Marcus Moore scored a career high 20 points for Wayne (4-1, 1-0 GLIAC). Ronald Booth added 18 points as well.

Div. 2 Women’s Basketball

Wayne State 69, Lake Erie 67: Payton Birchmeier scored 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for Wayne (3-3, 1-0 GLIAC). Christine Dawson led Erie (2-4, 0-1) with 22 points scored.

Mustafa Khaleefah, 17, of Dearborn, puts his helmet on at the start of practice on Tuesday, April 30, 2016, at Dearborn High School, in Dearborn, MI. Khaleefah didn’t start playing football until his sophomore.

If the Detroit Free Press had an award for most improved player, Dearborn’s Mustafa Khaleefah would win by a landslide.

Even better, he is the All-West team captain – a well-earned honor for one of high school sport’s more amazing stories.

In the span of about 27 months, beginning in the fall of his sophomore year, Khaleefah went from never playing football – American football that is – to becoming one of the best offensive linemen in the state with a verbal commitment to play Big Ten football at Michigan State.

Khaleefah did play soccer when growing up in Iraq, but due to the constant danger in the war-torn country, his family made a couple moves in the Middle East before landing in Virginia, where he continued to play soccer. The family eventually moved to Michigan where Dearborn varsity football coach John Powell saw Khaleefah in school.

“One of my assistant coaches nicknamed him ‘Whiz’ because he was like a whiz-kid, and that’s still what we call him,” Powell said. “As a sophomore was 6-foot-3, 225 pounds and he could run like crazy. He just kept impressing us every day.”

He now stands 6-6 and 285 pounds, but hasn’t lost the quickness or agility.

Khaleefah accepted the prodding to give American football a try. He played three games on the JV squad before Powell brought him up to varsity. He never left. His skill set needed a lot of work but Khaleefah kept growing, kept learning the game, kept lifting weights.

“I think he went from being a big kid who was a good high school football player, to being a big kid who might be one of the best players in the country,” Powell said of Khaleefah’s progress this season alone. “I think that’s how much he improved. He was already all-league (last year), really good, but he really became dominant physically and mentally.”

According to Powell, Khaleefah never missed a game or any practices, and was blessed to complete his high school career injury free. He allowed only two sacks in three years on the offensive line, none this season.

“My footwork, my technique throughout each game has improved,” Khaleefah said about his senior season. “Last year I was mostly playing off of strength but this year I’ve got a lot more technique. It makes me feel more complete, putting it all together just makes me feel like a better player.

“It was kind of a weird change (from soccer) but I really enjoy football more. The level of aggression between the two is of course very big and I’ve just enjoyed football so much more.”

Powell said that even when Khaleefah got the offer to MSU, he kept working, didn’t act cocky and always wanted to improve.

“He has work to do to be an elite level player in the Big Ten,” Powell added. “He’s going to have to keep working like he’s doing, and if he does that I think they’re going to be really impressed.”

Dearborn Edsel Ford Coach Mark Tyler said: “Mustafa has a great skill set of athleticism and size. He had the ability to control the line of scrimmage and set the tone of a game from the first snap.”

► All-Detroit: Cass Tech’s Hall, People-Jones click on, off the field

► All-Detroit football first team offense, defense

► All-East: Eisenhower’s Max Wittwer helps the Eagles soar

► Detroit Free Press All-East football team

► All-North: Cody White did it all for Walled Lake Western

► Detroit Free Press All-North football teams

COACH OF THE YEAR: River Rouge’s Corey Parker has been named All-West coach of the year for the second consecutive season, leading what has become one of the most solid programs in the state. River Rouge was Division 5 state runner up last season, and reached the Div. 4 semifinals this year before going down to then-undefeated Detroit Country Day.

This was the seventh consecutive year the Panthers reached the playoffs, starting one year after Parker, the school’s Dean of Students, took over in 2009.

“Sometimes you beat yourself up after the game, wish we could have won, wish we could have beaten Country Day, wish we could have made it to another state championship game,” Parker said. “But after talking with other coaches, buddies of mine, that have been coaching for 25-30 years, they’re reminding me what River Rouge has done in eight years is to go farther than they’ve done in decades, so I’ve learned to appreciate the game even more. It’s just my competitive spirit that wants so much more for the kids.

“It’s been great to see what our school district has done to help so many different kids, and give them the opportunity to be successful in the classroom and on the field. We’re very proud of where we’re at but we’re not complacent. We’ll keep working harder.”

River Rouge head coach Corey Parker cheers on his team against Grand Rapids West Catholic during 2nd half action in the MHASS Division 5 football championships at Ford Field in Detroit, Nov. 28, 2015. Grand Rapids West Catholic defeated River Rouge 40-34.

First-team offense

E: Mike Hill

Livonia Churchill, senior, 5-10, 170

Highlights: Hill earned 1,036 yards on 51 receptions and turned nine into touchdowns. He also went in on defense in passing situations to lock down receivers. Also returned kicks for the Chargers. Coach Bill DeFillippo: “Mike is one of the best route runners I have coached. He has great hands and really uses great technique for separation. We created as many ways possible to get him the ball.”

OL: Aidan Hutchinson

Dearborn Divine Child, junior, 6-6, 245

Highlights: First-year offensive lineman dominated with strength, power and technique, anchoring the left side. On defense had 68 tackles, 11 sacks and a fumble recovery for touchdown. Coach John Filiatraut: “Aidan is a very talented player with all the physical tools to be great; however, it is his passion and drive to be great that separate him. He plays with great intensity each and every play.”

OL: Bobby Madley

Livonia Franklin, senior, 6-3, 255

Highlights: a two-year starting guard on the offensive line. Also made 32 tackles (3 for loss) playing defense. Coach Chris Kelbert: “The only way we are good offensively is if we have good guards and Bobby is one of the best we have ever had. In the past two years we have run for more than 7,000 yards. Bobby Madley has been the lead blocker on most of those yards.”

OL: Joe Supernois

Plymouth, senior, 5-11, 265

Highlights: Three-year starter at center anchored the line for team’s 1,800-plus yards rushing and over 1,200 yards passing. Coach Mike Sawchuk: “Joe was a grinder who loved to play physical. He made all our run and pass pro calls, which is a huge responsibility in our offense. A great student athlete that totally bought in.”

OL: Julian Ezell

Wyandotte Roosevelt, senior, 6-2, 281

Highlights: Despite not playing a skill position, Ezell was team captain and voted his team’s top offensive player. Coach Ron Adams: “Offensively, we ran the ball behind Julian 90 percent of the time. His work ethic the past four years has been outstanding. Julian excels in the classroom with a 3.9 GPA. He is considering the University of Michigan for engineering.”

OL: Mustafa Khaleefah

Dearborn, senior, 6-6, 285 (captain)

Highlights: Khaleefah didn’t allow a QB sack all season; only allowed two in 3 years starting. Earned a 98 percent efficiency rating in O-line blocking. Coach John Powell: “Such a hard worker, was a soccer kid growing up, loves lifting weights and gained confidence that allowed his athletic talent to explode.” Committed to Michigan State.

E: A.J. Abbott

Northville, junior, 6-2, 180

Highlights: Led the KLAA Central division champs with 46 receptions for 906 yards and 6 touchdowns. Coach Matt Ladach: “AJ is a tremendous receiver. He can run by people, and he is also dangerous after the catch. He puts a great amount of stress on opposing defenses.”

QB: Jairus Grissom

River Rouge, senior, 6-3, 215

Highlights: Rushed for 1,390 yards and 18 TDs, and passed for over 2,000 yards and 24 TDs, with only two interceptions. Coach Cory Parker: “I was proud to watch him compete every down like it was his last. Made great plays with his arm and feet, but led the way by being an awesome teammate.” Committed to Eastern Michigan.

RB: Markus Sanders

Canton, senior, 5-7, 185

Highlights: set Canton school records for career 6,197 yards rushing and 70 touchdowns. Had 17 TD’s and 1,702 yards rushing in 2016 for 154.7 yards per game. Three-year starter. Coach Tim Baechler: “Markus was incredibly strong, had great vision and balance, and he was so difficult for one person to tackle. He has explosive quickness as well. The most impressive asset Markus had was his ability to gain yards after first contact. Great running back.”

RB: Andrew Davis

Salem, junior, 5-8, 165

Highlights: Rushed for 1,326 yards and 18 touchdowns on 165 carries. Caught 11 passes for 237 yards and 3 TDs, including 73-yard score. Coach Kurt Britnell: “Andrew is an excellent running back. He is a TD threat every time he touches the ball and can beat you inside or on the perimeter. Has the skills to be a receiving threat as well and is a physical cornerback on defense too.”

RB: Nyassinu Crowell

Livonia Franklin, senior, 5-10, 201

Highlights: Crowell averaged over 8 yards per carry on 133 runs for 1,153 yards and 17 touchdowns in 11 games. Coach Chris Kelbert: “Nuke is one of the most physical runners we have had at Franklin. What makes him a special is the combination of speed and power.”

K: Jake Moody

Northville, junior, 6-0, 171

Highlights: made 30 of 32 PAT kicks; the two misses were blocked. Made 14-of-17 field goal attempts, including 50 and 53 yards (three misses were 45 yards or more). Coach Matt Ladach: “Jake is one of our most valuable players. He can put the ball anywhere he wants on kickoffs, and he has a strong leg. Not many coaches can imagine having a kicker that they’d let (try) a 60-yard field goal. I’m blessed to say that I can.”

► All-West: From soccer to All-West captain for Dearborn’s Mustafa Khaleefah

First-team defense

DL: Ali Fayad

Dearborn, senior, 6-2, 225

Highlights: The 2-year starter recorded 60 tackles, 17 sacks (school record), 22 tackles for loss. He added 2 TDs playing tight end. Coach John Powell: “Ali’s a dominant player. So physical, so athletic. Very coachable, he was like a sponge in wanting to learn. He reads the block, sheds the block and still makes the play. Ali is humble and wants to do whatever he can to help the team.” Committed to Eastern Michigan.

DL: Liam Soraghan

Dearborn Divine Child, senior, 6-7, 240

Highlights: made 46 tackles, 6 were sacks, 7 pass deflections and 3 fumble recoveries (one for TD). Played TE on offense and caught 32 passes for 348 yards and 13 touchdowns. Coach John Filiatraut: “Liam is a great player on both sides of the ball. He has tremendous length and athletic ability, and always seemed to come up with big plays when we needed them – a big tackle, catch or block. Liam is a clutch player and a great leader.” Committed to Northern Illinois.

DL: Darrell Latham

River Rouge, senior, 6-0, 250 (captain)

Highlights: Latham recorded 82 tackles, 26 for loss, and made 15 sacks. Coach Cory Parker: “He is strong, agile and can run – definitely a hybrid player. I love his attitude and work ethic. He was our leader in the trenches.”

DL: Alex Hinojosa

Allen Park, senior, 6-2, 215

Highlights: Made 49 tackles, 8 sacks, 7 hurries, 3 fumble recoveries and a TD. Caught 4 touchdown passes on offense. Coach Tom Danosky: “Alex is tough football player and a leader. On defense, he was relentless causing havoc for opposing teams especially in the pass game. He never came off the field and never quit. He is going to be very difficult to replace.”

LB: Lou Baechler

Canton, junior, 5-10, 205

Highlights: 2-year starter with one season to go. Only third time ever teammates voted a junior the captain. Team’s leading tackler for the second season, with 83 and 5 sacks. Played TE as a blocker but caught 5 passes. Coach Tim Baechler: “Lou is very strong, but his intelligence and discipline were uncommonly good. He made all of our checks and calls defensively, could anticipate plays by understanding formations and was spot on with his reads. Perhaps his best asset is his physicality and ability to attack and get rid of blockers.”

LB: George Douglas

Belleville, senior, 6-1, 210

Highlights: Led his team in tackles for loss (7). Made 80 total (38 solo, 42 assist), 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles. Coach Jermain Crowell: “An awesome utility back and an aggressive tackler. Is a unique player because of his ability to both play in the box as well as play in space. His best football is ahead of him.” Scored five touchdowns on offense as well. Committed to Central Michigan.

LB: Jacob Simons

Carlson, junior, 5-11, 190

Highlights: made 91 tackles (24 solo, 67 assists, 10 for loss), plus one QB sack, 2 interceptions, and 3 fumble recoveries. Team captain who rarely left the field. Interim coach Ryan Buttson: “Jake was one of the top defensive players in the Downriver League. Other teams had to account for him in their offensive game plan. Jake has and extremely high football IQ and innate ability to adapt to other teams plan of attack during the game.”

DB: Reggie Pearson

River Rouge, junior, 5-10, 185

Highlights: Already committed to Wisconsin, Pearson made 120 tackles in 13 games, plus 6 pass deflections and 7 INTs. Coach Corey Parker: “Reggie’s a smart and physical player that loves the game. He does a great job being a traffic control guy and getting everyone where they need to be. He’s a coach on the field.”

DB: Jack Burke

Northville, senior, 6-1, 193

Highlights: Made 57 tackles, 7 pass break-ups, 3 interceptions (one returned for a TD). Accounted for 22 additional touchdowns on offense as quarterback; was 114-of-188 passing for 1,653 passing yards (11 TDs). Rushed 104 times for 484 yards (11 TD’s). Coach Matt Ladach: “A tremendous young man, a selfless teammate, and an awesome football player. He is among the toughest and best athletes that I have had the privilege of coaching.”

DB: Jordan Ulmer

Belleville, senior, 6-2, 190

Highlights: In just 8 games, made 83 Tackles (52 solo, 31 assist, 4 for loss). Snatched 4 interceptions, forced 4 fumbles, made 2 sacks and a punt block. Coach Jermain Crowell: “Hard hitting, vertical playing free safety. He’s a throwback player, loves to hit people. Great combination of ball skills, coverage and anticipation.” Committed to Iowa State.

DB: Jamal Allen

Livonia Churchill, senior, 6-0, 195

Highlights: The University of Toledo commit snagged two interceptions on defense, and on offense was able to grab four touchdown passes and ran for a fifth. He also retuned kicks for the Chargers. Bill DeFillippo: “Jamal is the fastest player I have coached. He is a 3-year starter and a dynamic athlete.”

Coach: Corey Parker

River Rouge, eighth year

The Panthers have qualified for the post-season playoffs every year since 2010, the year after Parker took over the head coaching job. Last year the team was state runner up to Grand Rapids West Catholic in Division 5. The school enrollment has grown and this season the Panthers made it to the semifinals before bowing out to Detroit Country Day in Div. 4.

► All-Detroit: Cass Tech’s Hall, People-Jones click on, off the field

► All-Detroit football first team offense, defense

Second team

Offense

E: Darryis King, Thurston

OL: Alex Howie, Salem

OL: Dave Gunnis, Canton

OL: Charlie Chevillet, Riverview

OL: Zac Darwiche, Fordson

OL: Devonay Dobbi, Belleville

E: Alexander Stevens, Romulus

QB: Hamze Eleayat, Fordson

RB: DaRaun McKinney, Melvindale

RB: Nyassuno Browell, Livonia Franklin

RB: Andrew Vollmerhausen, Grosse Ile

K: Trevor Goodman, Trenton

Defense

DL: Jordan Jones, Divine Child

DL: Evan Vegeman, Riverview

DL: Austin Scheffer, Plymouth

DL: Stefan Bates, Wyandotte

LB: Jalen Wellons, Woodhaven

LB: Baron Sholar, River Rouge

LB: Trenton Guthrie, Northville

DB: Elijah Cross, Lincoln Park

DB: Devonni Reed, Belleville

DB: Chris Hehasil, Livonia Franklin

DB: Jamal Allen, Churchill

► All-East: Eisenhower’s Max Wittwer helps the Eagles soar

► Detroit Free Press All-East football team

Honorable mention

Receivers: Ian Knoph, Stevenson; Austin Boike, Riverview; Andrew Miller, New Boston Huron; Hassen Beydoun, Dearborn; Adam Elder, Dearborn; Elantre Alston, Robichaud; Isaac Emminger, Plymouth; Kendrick Stanley, Wyandotte; Tyler Beachnau, Allen Park; Elantre Alston, Robichaud; Erik Gibson, Thurston; Nathan Hayes, Thurston; Lee Payton, River Rouge.

Linemen: Brandon Taylor, River Rouge; Vince Vanderroest, Salem; Brent Kosikowski, New Boston Huron; Jacob Agemy, Dearborn; Stefan Bates, Wyandotte; Jax Gasaway, Franklin; Jacob Warner, Canton; Dominic Trombley, Grosse Ile; Evan Vegeman, Riverview; Amir Siddiq, Fordson; Mason Hamilton, Flat Rock; Cam Goode, Canton; Jax Gassaway, Franklin; Joe Barney, Carlson; Josh BarneyCQ, Carlson; Stefan Bates, Carlson; De’Von Mines, Romulus; Carlos Agens, Allen Park; Christian Short, Trenton; Blake Hartsfield, Redford Union; Brandon Askins, Robichaud; Darrell Williams, Robichaud; Ali Saad, Fordson; Owen Wiewiura, Grosse Ile.

Quarterbacks: Antonio Mangiapane, Allen Park; Theo Day, Divine Child; Connor Charping, Trenton; Alex Theissen, Woodhaven; Evan Cummins, Churchill; Jacob Clark, Franklin; Chris Tanderys, Stevenson; Justin Moores, Grosse Ile; Jahz Watts, Belleville; Mikey Phillips, Dearborn; Jaylin Tatum, Romulus; Jacob Dotson, Flat Rock; Jaylin Franklin, Carlson; Jahz Watts, Belleville.

Running back: Jalen Wellons, Woodhaven; Raekwon Castelow, Woodhaven; Reid Paffhausen, Allen Park; Mike Foor, Airport; Demetrius Dowd, Thurston; Hussien Hannawi, Dearborn; Reid McDonnell, Canton; Sameer Tayeb, Flat Rock; Nick Becker, New Boston Huron; Isaac Grant, Redford Union; Julian Thornton, Canton; Darius Timmons, Plymouth; Allen Woodard, Wyandotte; Kabian Graham, Southgate; Marquise Hathaway, Redford Union; Thorton Caine, Redford Union; Demetrius Dowd, Thurston; Alex Carter, River Rouge.

Linebackers: Trevo Nowaske, Salem; Lyth Shalout, Dearborn; Issa Khali, Dearborn; Sameer Tayeb, Flat Rock; Noah Brown, Canton; Jacob Maas, Franklin; Javante Van Buren, Churchill; Logan Freier, Churchill; Zavion McCrary, Carnson; Tyler Marsee, Allen Park; Jacob Simons, Carlson; Mohamed Amen, Fordson; Eric Gillis, Divine Child; Brendan Speer, Melvindale; Stephen McGill, River Rouge.

Defensive backs: Chris Hehasil, Franklin; Josh Moskall, Grosse Ile; Cameron Stitt, Flat Rock; Kejuan Wilkins, Dearborn; Devon Carson, Lincoln Park; Colin Troup, Canton; Jacob Donnelly, Canton; Chase Timko, Plymouth; Chris Hehasil, Franklin; Jake Olsen, Churchill; Ryan Fish, Allen Park; Dontel Hampton, Trenton; Devin Dunn, Stevenson; Keion Harris, Thurston.

Kickers/punters: Hunter Morse, New Boston Huron; Ben Tubaro, Canton.

► All-North: Cody White did it all for Walled Lake Western

► Detroit Free Press All-North football teams

Okemos guard Laya Hartman

OKEMOS — Laya Hartman hates to be caught off guard.

The Okemos sophomore guard likes to know the questions before you ask. She likes to ponder over them before giving her responses.

Facing scrutiny since the eighth grade, the glare from the spotlight doesn’t bother her anymore, even though she can be reserved.

Hartman is a 5-foot-11 guard who is ranked as the 29th best sophomore in the country for the class of 2019, according to ESPN’s Dan Olson.

In her season opener against Chandler Park Academy, she had 28 points with six three-pointers to lead the team to a 57-28 victory.

As a freshman on a team that went 8-12 she averaged 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists. She has already hit game-winning shots and caught the eye of some of the country’s top programs.

She has 12 Division I offers, including Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Villanova, Oregon State, Purdue, Indiana, Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Akron.

“It’s been going good so far,” said Hartman. “We have three freshman this year. Jasmine (Clerkley) is in the post and we have Leah (Zaleski) at point guard. So I won’t have the ball in my hands as much. I won’t be the main point guard. I’m OK with that. I don’t see myself being a point guard in college. I’ll probably be a wing, slash guard.’’

►Related: Hartman among top 20 girls basketball players in the state

►Related: Michigan’s top 20 girls basketball teams

Okemos has a new coach in Kristen Rasmussen, who played at Michigan State and in the WNBA.

“Our coach this year is more developed, so it’ll be a lot different this year,” she said. “I’ll have more help.”

That already is evident.

Clerkley had 13 points and pulled down 17 rebounds in her varsity debut, so Hartman does have more help. Young but talented, Okemos has the potential to make some noise around the Lansing area this year.

“There was a lot of freedom last year; there’s more structure this year,” said Hartman. “There’s more structure offensively, but (Rasmussen) is really big on defense. My role has changed because I won’t be the main point guard. I’ll still do scoring and assists. I like how she stresses defense.”

Hartman plays for an AAU team in Indiana, where she carved out a reputation at an early age.

“I like things about AAU basketball and high school basketball,” said Hartman. “I don’t feel as much pressure in high school basketball. There’s more room for me to play my game. AAU, there aren’t as many opportunities, but the level of play is a lot higher. There isn’t as much responsibility on you. There’s not as much ball movement. I just play my game and not be concerned about what other people are doing. Just know what you can do. Play with a lot of intensity.”

One of Hartman’s biggest fans is Okemos athletic director Ira Childress, who made sure he brought in a quality coach this year.

“Laya is not only of the best basketball student-athletes in the state, but she’s a great young lady and an excellent student,” said Childress. “Laya has a great work ethic and spends hours in the gym working on her game. Her success on the basketball court didn’t come by accident.”

The early offers didn’t faze her until she sat down and thought about it.

“I realized how it’s important, but I didn’t focus on it that much because there’s still things that I want to do,” she said. “I was thankful for it. I knew I didn’t need to stop practicing.”

Her conversation needs to improve on the court.

“I think I need to communicate more,” she said. “Be louder on the court and that’ll help with leadership and defensive intensity.”

Her game already speaks volumes.

Contact Perry A. Farrell: 313-222-2555 or pafarrell@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @farrellperry. 

Girls basketball

Girls basketball

Ann Arbor Pioneer 48, North Farmington 39 (OT): Asaria Turman led all scorers with 25 points. Kierra Crockett scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds for North Farmington (2-1).

Bellevue 62, Tekonsha 6: Casie Shannon led all scorers with 16 points for Bellevue (2-0, 1-0 SCAA). Bailey Whitcomb also added 12 points and six assists.

Berkley 53, Madison Heights Madison 27: Taylor Roasa and Nina Palazzolo each scored nine points for Berkley (2-0) Leading Madison (0-2), Alexus Pack scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Kelsey Williams also added seven points and seven rebounds.

Birmingham Groves 66, Lakeland 43: Kalen Nelson led with 17 points while Shay Carter added 20 points for Groves (1-1).

Clarkston 48, Oxford 32: Oxford was led by Ashley Hershman with 15 points.

Dearborn Heights Annapolis 39, Melvindale 28: Sabrina Lutzen paced Annapolis (1-1) with 10 points.

Gaylord 52, Cadillac 45: Casey Korte led all scorers with 16 points for Gaylord. Adrienne Edwards added 14 points. Kylie Christianson led Cadillac with 15 points, and Kallie Poulus chipped in 12 points.

Gross Ile 31, Allen Park Cabrini 37: Abigail Burke scored 11 points while Sydney DeBlander added 10 points for Cabrini (1-0). Madison Swick scored 10 points for Isle (0-1).

Gross Pointe North 56, Chippewa Valley 36: Katie Snow had a huge game with 23 points for North (2-0) while Julia Ayrault added 14 points. Zhyon Mitchell scored 15 points for Valley (0-2).

Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett 56, Detroit CMA 45: Nia Ahart scored 35 points, dished 10 assists and grabbed six rebounds for Liggett (1-0). Daleney Bandos added 18 points. Vantane Garrett scored 21 points for CMA (0-1).

Hartland 62, Fenton 36: Mitchell Moraitis put up 13 points while Graycen Cockerham added 12 points for Hartland (1-0). Emma Evo scored 14 points for Fenton.

Lake Orion 58, Linden 26: Maddie Novak had a monster game with 25 points for Lake Orion (1-1). Sterling Degayger put up 12 points for Linden (0-2).

Macomb Dakota 61, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 42: Emily Langolf put up 20 points while Tara Bieniewicz added 14 points for Dakota (1-0). Cameron Grant scored 13 points. Shanna Choipick scored 13 points while Cortney Fournier added 12 points for Anchor Bay (1-1).

Macomb Lutheran North 57, Rochester Lutheran Northwest 41: Hannah Milligan led Macomb (2-0) with 15 points. Ashleigh Thomas added 14 points, and Emily Schomaker chipped in 11 points. Kaily Grulke led all scorers with 19 points for Rochester (0-2).

Novi Franklin Road Christian 37, Walled Lake Central 17: Chanelle Lochrie scored 10 points for Franklin Road (2-0), and Danielle Fusco added another 10 points.

Romulus Summit Academy 38, Detroit PSA 35: Heavenly Bynum led all scorers with 27 points.

Roseville 57, East Detroit 23: Chantae Parker scored 12 points, eight steals, seven rebounds and six assists for Roseville (1-1). Maddy LaGassa added 14 points, and Jo’el Stump chipped in 11 points.

Royal Oak 43, Royal Oak Shrine 21: Samantha Potter led Royal Oak (2-0) with 13 points. June Donnellon added 12 points.

Stanton Central Montcalm 59, White Cloud 36: Libby Ledford scored 16 points for Stanton, and Kenzie Rutz registered a double-double, with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Sterling Heights 57, Warren Mott 55: Tayana Hardwick led Sterling Heights (1-0) with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Danielle Kluz added 14 points, and Brenna Kassab chipped in 13 points. Mariah Taylor led all scorers with 27 points for Mott (0-2). Ellington Poston added 11 points.

Sterling Heights Stevenson 40, Warren Fitzgerald 38: Tone Oglesby led Fitzgerald (0-1) scored 16 points. Maletta Brown grabbed 10 rebounds.

Stevensville Lakeshore 42, Portage Central 30: Sarah Dubbert led Lakeshore with 14 points.

Temperance Bedford 40, Garden City 37: Madison King led Bedford (2-0) with 21 points. Aleea Montgomery scored 10 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Garden City (0-2).

Hockey

Bay City Western 5, East Kentwood 2: Travis Raible led East Kentwood with two goals.

Houghton 5, Traverse City Central 3: Kyle Knowles, Jack Olson and Barrett Bishop each scored a goal for Traverse City.

Macomb Dakota’s Brett Droski

Receivers

Skyler Spangler, Central Lake; Grant Pittmer, Bay City All Saints; Zach LaRoy, Ottawa Lake Whiteford; Chris Kolarevic, Traverse City St. Francis; Cody Turner, Homer; Nolan Anspangh, Schoolcraft; Noah Lindhout, Grandville Calvin Christian; Anthony Tavano, Richmond; Kelvyn Valdez, Wyoming Godwin Heights; Cole DeVries, Hudsonville Unity Christian; Khari Fey-Walton, Lansing Sexton; Amarae Kittles, Ortonville-Brandon; Dillon Webb, Grosse Pointe North; Mike Hill, Livonia Churchill; Keegan Cossou, Grenville; Jack Uecker, Forest Hills Central; Troy Brown, Flint Carman-Ainsworth; Xavier Wade, Holland West Ottawa; Blake Bogan, Grand Blanc; Taj Mustapha, West Bloomfield; Kalon Gervin, Detroit Cass Tech; Bryan Carie, Romeo; Austin Branagan, Lowell; Hunter Bailey, Lapeer; Michael Munderloh, St. Louis; DJ Atkins, Detroit Central.

Linemen

Seth Miatech, West Iron County; Brad Cassanova, Norway; Ryan Ervin, Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart; Parker Minier, Athens; Austin Curtis, North Dickinson; Carter Tallaire, St. Ignace; Tristan Smith, Beal City; Jared Helms, St. Ignace; Kody Rickley, St. Ignace; Tyler Droekhuizen, Michigan Lutheran; Cory Arnold, Hartford; Sean Sikkema, McBain; Mason Wiseley, Gobles; Trevor Shankin, Madison Heights Bishop Foley; Riley Hafner, New Lothrop; Logan Thompson, Elk Rapids; Ryan Nadlicki, Maple City Glen Lake; Jake Kies, Kalkaska; Jack Martin, Saginaw Swan Valley; Nick Jones, Ithaca; Ryan Pini, Lutheran North; Ian Francisco, Grant; Mike McParlan, Hancock; Joe Germain, Frankenmuth; Adam Fakih, Country Day; Thomas Eads, Monroe Jefferson; Dominic Trombley, Grosse Ile; Darrell Latham, River Rouge; Mike Kizer, Warren Fitzgerald; John Rogalke, Lowell; Nevin Brittain, Haslett; Erik Ditzhazy, Forest Hills Northern; Alex Guillaume, DeWitt; Brady Anderson, Birmingham Groves; Trevor Carr, Temperance Bedford; Andrew Sharp, Grosse Pointe South; Ovie Oghoufo, Farmington Hills Harrison; Alex Hinojosa, Allen Park; Paris Partee, Holly; Jack Morris, Novi Detroit Catholic Central; Jax Gasaway, Livonia Franklin; Wynn Wasmer, Saginaw Heritage; Ben Sherwin, Traverse City Central; Zac Darwich, Dearborn Fordson; Salvator Vultaggio, Utica Eisenhower; Matt Surma, Utica Eisenhower; Jack Saylor, Birmingham Brother Rice; Dave Blake, Detroit Denby; Wes Smith, Pinckney; Eric Mitchell, Detroit Western.

►Related: Free Press All-East football team

Quarterbacks

Zach Schwartzenberger, Saline; Caden Zeien, Au Gres-Sims; Ian Ruggles, Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart; Trevor Sutton, Bay City All Saints; Steve Seccia, St. Ignace; Cameron Martinez, Muskegon Catholic Central; Cade Kestner, Michigan Lutheran Seminary; Thomas Eitniear, Ottawa Lake Whiteford; Drew Stout, Carson City-Crystal; Nolan Armock, Manistique; Tyler Hunt, Gobles; Connor McCarron, Grosse Pointe Liggett; Cameron Rendo, Watervliet; Ricky Clark, Schoolcraft; Mason Powell, LeRoy Pine River; El Julian Jordan, Detroit Central; Troy Kutcha, Jackson Lumen Christi; Joey Bentley, Ithaca; Travis Vida, Clare; Brendan Piper, Algonac; Jake Bouma, Grandville Calvin Christian; Cam Summers, Grayling; Darren Shearer, Buchanan; Mason Gee-Montgomery, Stockbridge; Gaetano Vallone, Grand Rapids West Catholic; Suriya Davenport, Wyoming Godwin Heights; Demetrius Barnes, Milan; Colton Kloote, Allendale; Omar Pagan, Detroit Mumford; Zach Saltzgaber, Byron Center; Josh Czarnota, Fenton; Bruce Mann, Midland Dow; Johnny Tracy, Walled Lake Western; Kyle Wood, Rochester Adams; Theo Day, Dearborn Divine Child; Aaron Sarkon, Linden; Ben Maleszyk, Warren Cousino; Tanner Hallock, Forest Hills Central; Mikey Phillips, Dearborn; Max Wittwer, Utica Eisenhower; Brett Droski, Macomb Dakota; Hamze Elzayat, Dearborn Fordson; Dequan Finn, Detroit King.

►Related: Free Press All-Detroit football team

Running backs

Jay Hester, Royal Oak Shrine; Hunter Rummler, White Pigeon; Isaac Olson, Ishpeming; Brendan Middleton, Lake Linden Hubbell; Adam Schantz, Climax-Scotts; Wyatt Greenia, Marine City Cardinal Mooney; Hunter Collins, Breckenridge; LaTommy Scott, Muskegon Catholic Central; Connor Hoogendoorn, Ottawa Lake Whiteford; Kern Reeves, Harbor Springs; Ryan Crews, Madison Heights Madison; Dallas Burger, Springport; Steve Laurell, Clinton; Derek Brown, Ubly; Chris Bosworth, Gwinn; Alec Muck, Sand Creek; Kyle Yuncker, Beal City; Markus Sanders, Canton; Gavin Mase, Houghton Lake; Joe Rigling, LeRoy Pine River; Brock Franklin, Lincoln-Alcona; Jake Wilson, Jonesville; Keith Fields, Waterford Mott; Micah Raby, Brooklyn Columbia Central; Emmett Boehler, Saginaw Swan Valley; Kevin Willis, Detroit King; Ethan Mileski, Menominee; Lance Mitchell, South Lake; Dante Chreek, Marysville; Noah Caudy, Lake Odessa Lakewood; Luke DeGroot, Hudsonville Unity Christian; Alex Carter, River Rouge; Thomas Plunkey, Flint Kearsley; Cam Cooper, Chelsea; Daraun McKinney, Melvindale; Corey Hampton, Stevensville-Lakeshore; Kerry DeBose Jr., Warren Cousino; Jared Jordan, Grosse Pointe North; Joe Brown, Portage Northern; Shonte Suddeth, Jackson; Chris Wise, St. Clair Shores Lakeview; Ernest Allen, Birmingham Groves; Gavin Masse, Houghton Lake; Adonte Calhoun, Detroit Denby; Najon Moore, Warren Fitzgerald.

►Related: Free Press All-North football team

Linebackers

Derrick Cassiday, Merrill; Elijah Newton, Central Lake; Sebastian Castro, White Pigeon; Logan Helton, Muskegon Catholic Central; Calen Heyn, Michigan Lutheran; Daniel Smith, Carson City-Crystal; Terrance Brown, Madison Heights Madison; Jacob Ager, Boyne City; Mitchell Bender, Reese; Tristan Terry, Galesburg-Augusta; Devin Brisky, Hudson; Danny Machs, Lutheran Northwest; Buchanan Seabrook, White Cloud; Dallas Watts, Fowler; Nicholas Huntey, Morley Stanwood; Tony Duperon, Maple City Glen Lake; Max Kubiak, Freeland; Chaquille Tolbert, Carrollton; Dylan Jack, Algonac; Rylee Schultz, Grant; Andrew Foerster, Lake Fenton; Nick Stallworth, Clarkston; AJ Christie, Bay City Glenn; Connor Bruinius, Forest Hills Northern; Spencer Stephenson, Midland Dow; Easton Brotherton, Flushing; Clayton Lynn, Swartz Creek; Thor Soffredine, Traverse City West; Vincent Coakley, Kalamazoo Central; Danny Smyk, Utica Eisenhower; Jayce Kuehnleon, St. Louis; Jace Dailey, Kent City; Kanin Witte, Hesperia; Nick Humphrey, Monroe Jefferson.

Defensive backs

AJ Weisnicht, West Iron County; Cody Richardson, Athens; Levi Ladd, Petersburg-Summerfield; Amire Blake, Flint Hamady; Payton Schrader, Homer; Brad Klinger, Charlevoix; Jacob Hartman, Reese; Cody Richardson, Athens; Jared McLean, Charlevoix; Tristen Nelson, LeRoy Pine River; Leo Dorr, Birch Run; DJ Lowery, Chippewa Hills; Blake Opdyke, Shepherd; Mark Patritto, Rochester Adams; Brandon Evans, Reed City; Daric Craig, Lutheran North; Marcus McKenney, Menominee; Sam Russell, Lowell; Anthony Hamm, Alma; Chris Bergin, Country Day; Nick Seidel, West Bloomfield; Antonio Strong, Grand Rapids Catholic Central; Joe Hill, Swartz Creek; Collin Heard, Birmingham Groves; Scott Nelson, U-D Jesuit; Johnathon Stroble, Utica Eisenhower; Jacen Norman, St. Clair Shores Lakeview; Jordan Ulmer, Belleville; Leotis Briggs, Detroit Central; Shea Vanness, Pinconning.

►Related: Free Press All-West football team

Kickers/punters

Trenton Bordeux, Muskegon Catholic Central; Cam Cotter, Oakland Christian; Spencer Iaquinto, Whitmore Lake; Jon Purvis, Quincy; Bryan Williams, Michigan Center; Adam Cole, Ithaca; Jesse Wiles, Shepherd; Austin Monville, Bay City Glenn; Connor Charamella, East Lansing; Luke Ezzo, Haslett; Zach Clements, Ortonville-Brandon; Jake Giacobbi, Livonia Franklin; Cam Shook, Grosse Pointe South; Dan Riser, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central; Taylor McCarty, Lake Orion; Brady Buell, Traverse City St. Francis.

Elliot Uzelac took over a program on a 19-game losing streak and has turned out 6-5 and 10-1 seasons.

On their now-famous 2015 drive to Alabama when Wendy Uzelac told her husband, Elliot, she thought he should coach again and he said he wanted to do something “better” than that, and she responded that he should coach at Benton Harbor and he nearly drove the car into a ditch … neither saw any of this coming.

In two seasons, Uzelac has transformed Benton Harbor from a program that never had made the state playoffs, was riding a 19-game losing streak and had totaled only four victories in the previous eight seasons combined into a two-time playoff participant and one that this fall posted the school’s first unbeaten regular season in history.

“I hoped for this, and sometimes I would kind of like daydream about it,” Uzelac said, “but I didn’t know if it would be possible.”

Uzelac, 75, has done an amazing job turning Benton Harbor into a team that finished the regular season ranked No. 3 in Division 4. But that is not the only reason Uzelac is the Free Press all-state coach of the year.

The truth is Uzelac, who began his coaching career in 1964 and had been head coach at Navy and Western Michigan and had been an assistant at Michigan (twice), Ohio State and six other colleges, has done “better” than just coach the Benton Harbor players.

►Related: Free Press high school football All-State honorable mention

In one of the most desolate and underachieving school districts in the state, Uzelac has changed the course of many of his players’ lives.

He has turned into a fund-raiser extraordinaire, raising thousands of dollars, and mobilized volunteers in the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area to feed and tutor his players.

“I don’t feel we’re succeeding if we don’t do well academically, but win on the field,” he said. “That wasn’t our goal when we did this, Wendy and I. We wanted them to succeed academically and on the field and we are, but we’ve got to get more, and I need the help of our administration and teachers to do that.”

To that end, Uzelac has enlisted the help of Benton Harbor superintendent Shelly Walker and everyone else connected with the school district.

“I’m trying to reach excellence, and I’m trying to demand it on the field,” he said. “I want us to do the same thing academically. However, to do that you have to be vested in the kids. You have to know about them. You have to have feelings about them and understand them. If you do that, then you can do a better job with them academically.”

Before Uzelac could get his players to buy in to what he was selling off the field, he had to prove to them they could be successful on it — which they did a year ago when the Tigers were 6-5 and won the school’s first playoff game. They followed that this season with a 9-0 regular season and another first-round playoff victory.

“The football side of it was more natural to me,” he said. “The academic side and doing everything else was not natural. We never did that before. This was different. This has been more rewarding than anything we’ve ever attempted or anything we’ve ever accomplished. But it’s difficult.”

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

Detroit Cass Tech’s Hall Rodney (7) runs the ball against Detroit Catholic Central during the Division 1 High School Championship game on Saturday November 26, 2016, at Ford Field in Detroit, MI.

Division 1

Offense

E: Jaylen Hall, Macomb Dakota

OL: Joe Schneider, Romeo

OL: Blake Bueter, Novi Detroit Catholic Central

OL: Matt Kelly, Grandville

OL: Chris Campbell, Warren Mott

OL: Nick Novak, Lake Orion

E: Hunter Rison, Ann Arbor Skyline

QB: Rodney Hall, Detroit Cass Tech

RB: Tariq Reid, Davison

RB: Derek Lynch, Bloomfield Hills (captain)

RB: Connor Hibbard, Saline

K: Luis Borjas, Detroit Cass Tech

Defense

DL: Ali Fayad, Dearborn

DL: Dezmond Lance, Sterling Heights Stevenson

DL: Eric Smith, Detroit Cass Tech

DL: Ed Brecht, Lapeer

LB: Lou Baechler, Canton

LB: Sam Kinne, Lapeer

LB: Dalton Agers, Hudsonville

LB: Treshaun Hayward, Ann Arbor Skyline

DB: Caden Messner, Romeo

DB: Jack Burke, Northville

DB: Donovan Johnson, Detroit Cass Tech (captain)

►Related: Free Press high school football All-State honorable mention

Division 2

Offense

E: Kam Ford, Walled Lake Western

OL: Sam Allen, Portage Central

OL: Ja’Raymond Hall, Oak Park

OL: Joe Schaefer, Lowell

OL: Bobby Madley, Livonia Franklin

OL: Orniska Webster, Detroit East English

E: Ryan Hayes, Traverse City West

QB: Joey Wiemer, Temperance Bedford (captain)

RB: Elijah Collins, U-D Jesuit

RB: Dequez Weathers, Bay City Central

RB: Devante Walker, Traverse City Central

K: Jack McKenna, Walled Lake Northern

Defense

DL: Dillon Webb, Grosse Pointe North

DL: Antonio McCants, Detroit Western

DL: Greg Landis, Midland

DL: Patrick Nauert, Grosse Pointe South

LB: Nate Wagner, Birmingham Groves

LB: Cepeda Phillips, Detroit King (captain)

LB: Guam Lee, Farmington Hills Harrison

LB: Nate Stephens, Lowell

DB: Jae’Veyon Morton, Detroit King

DB: Jack Dodge, Walled Lake Western

DB: Ryan Flaherty, Birmingham Groves

Muskegon’s Andrew Ward

Division 3

Offense

E: JD Ross, DeWitt

OL: Aidan Hutchinson, Dearborn Divine Child

OL: Devin Sanders, Muskegon

OL: Sean Fitzgerald, Mt. Pleasant

OL: Evan Gast, Byron Center

OL: Brady Eding, Hamilton

E: Jacorey Sullivan, Muskegon

QB: Jack Bush, Chelsea (captain)

QB: Steele Fortress, Parma Western

RB: Sam DeMeester, Coldwater

RB: RaShawn Allen, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

K: Hunter Morse, New Boston Huron

►Related: All-State coach Elliot Uzelac making life better in Benton Harbor

Defense

DL: Ralph Holley, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

DL: Liam Soraghan, Dearborn Divine Child

DL: Jayk Slager, Zeeland West

DL: Owen Carter, Bay City Glenn

LB: Austin Cline, Edwardsburg

LB: Dwayne Chapman. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

LB: Andrew Ward, Muskegon (captain)

LB: Storm Miller, Mason

DB: Ryker Rivera, Linden

DB: Darian Holbrook, East Lansing

DB: Chase Tarwacki, Edwardsburg

Dearborn Heights Robichaud’s Jarius Grissom runs the ball against Redford Thurston during the first half of Robichaud’s 49-21 win over Redford Thurston Friday at Robichaud.

Division 4

Offense

E: Jerodd Vines, St. Clair Shores South Lake

OL: Dane Stambaugh, Lake Odessa Lakewood

OL: Cooper Clap, Corunna (captain)

OL: Kyle Sassack, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

OL: Mike Furtney, Milan

OL: Christopher Smith, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook

E: Drew Shafer, Eaton Rapids

QB: Jairus Grissom, River Rouge

RB: Trace Lindemann, Milan

RB: Cody Blankenburg, Lansing Sexton

RB: Owen Walker, Corunna

K: Pierson Cooke, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook

►Related: Free Press All-East football team

Defense

DL: Jalen Mayfield, Grand Rapids Catholic Central (captain)

DL: Cole Bearden, Birmingham Detroit Country Day

DL: Nate Umlor, Allendale

DL: Parker Scholten, Hudsonville Unity Christian

LB: Ryan Cornejo, Alma

LB: Derek Saukas, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

LB: NeVen Simington, Saginaw

LB: Trent Hilger, Lake Fenton

DB: Steve Mann, Birmingham Detroit Country Day

DB: Reggie Pearson, River Rouge

DB: Mike Brown, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Division 5

Offense

E: Sam Neville, Grand Rapids West Catholic

OL: Marcus Maraccini, Kingsford

OL: Brandon Suydam, Ida

OL: Robert Jewell, Algonac

OL: Willoughby Urquhart, Lansing Catholic

OL: Nathan Bellinger, Ithaca

E: Koedy Dole, Grayling

QB: Michael Lynn III, Lansing Catholic

RB: Keifer Rasner, Menominee

RB: Logan Straub, Reed City

RB: Nick Levicki, Ida (captain)

K: Liam Putz, Grand Rapids West Catholic

Defense

DL: Tanner Mathias, Menominee

DL: Drew Kraatz, Standish-Sterling

DL: Treyvin Groesser, Portland

DL: Billy Koepf, Chippewa Hills

LB: Jake Lemerand, Hillsdale

LB: Steven Spenner, Berrien Springs

LB: Mike VanSumeren, Essexville-Garber

DB: Tonato Tutt, Detroit Denby

DB: David Fox, Grand Rapids West Catholic (captain)

DB: Zachary Townsend, Freeland

DB: Jared Davis, Frankenmuth

►Related: Free Press All-Detroit football team

Division 6

Offense

E: Tyler Brant, Watervliet

OL: Zach Erwin, Jackson Lumen Christi

OL: Jacob Paquet, Negaunee

OL: Darnell Adams, Byron

OL: Hunter Babbitt, Kent City

OL: Max Mickelson, Montague

E: Hunter Eseline, LeRoy Pine River

QB: Bryce Bearss, Millington

QB: Cade Peterson, Maple City Glen Lake

RB: Bo Bell, Jackson Lumen Christi (captain)

RB: Trey Lewandowski, Roscommon

K: Josh Shaski, Montrose

Defense

DL: Nick Eickhoff, Millington

DL: Jacob Huysken, Schoolcraft

DL: Jake Palmer, Maple City Glen Lake

DL: Brian Bearss, Millington

LB: Russ Bjorn, Calumet

LB: Duke Angers, Maple City Glen Lake

LB: Chaim Austin, Detroit Central

LB: Kyle Minder, Jackson Lumen Christi

DB: Gabe Kanouse, Hemlock

DB: Brad Klinger, Charlevoix

DB: Brock Aho, Negaunee (captain)

►Related: Free Press All-North football team

Division 7

Offense

E: Jake Arnold, Manistique

OL: Kailen Abrams, Detroit Loyola

OL: Devon Pung, Pewamo-Westphalia

OL: Matthew Biggar, Traverse City St. Francis

OL: Ben Alston, Sand Creek

OL: Dominic Spitzley, Pewamo-Westphalia

E: Malik Ellison, Flint Beecher

QB: Blake Dunn, Saugatuck

RB: Charles Caine, Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett

RB: Jared Smith, Pewamo-Westphalia (captain)

RB: Tony Brooks Jr., Concord

K: Evan Finegan, Madison Heights Bishop Foley

Defense

DL: Carson Wonders, Iron Mountain

DL: Peyton Slogin, Saugatuck

DL: John Linardakis, Cassopolis

DL: Darren Soule, Ubly

LB: Malcolm Mayes, Detroit Loyola

LB: Skip Schorfhaar, Harbor Springs

LB: Nick Feekins, Hudson

DB: Jonathon Brandel, Ubly

DB: Shane Los, Cassopolis

DB: Gabe Callery, Traverse City St. Francis

DB: Erik Birchmeier, New Lothrop (captain)

►Related: Free Press All-West football team

Division 8

Offense

E: Michael Niehaus, Royal Oak Shrine

OL: Lucas Tesznar, Ottawa Lake Whiteford

OL: Andrew Owczarzak, Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary

OL: Stephen Dudenas, Lake Linden Hubbell

OL: Brendan Ehrhart, Bay City All Saints

OL: Tanner Curry, Martin

E: Cade Steelman, AuGres Sims

QB: John Peramski, Newberry

RB: Walker Christofferson, Muskegon Catholic Central

RB: Jesse Kiefer, Ottawa Lake Whiteford (captain)

RB: Griffin Kelly, Frankfort

K: Abram Garcia, White Pigeon

Defense

DL: Kenyon Story, Breckenridge (captain)

DL: Matthew Stefanski, Frankfort

DL: Cameron Siler, Merrill

DL: Robbi Stuart, Saginaw Nouvel

LB: Andrew Schulte, Muskegon Catholic Central

LB: Noah Eshuis, Climax-Scotts

LB: Gabe Nickels, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

LB: Triston Smith, Beal City

DB: Casey Williams, Michigan Lutheran Seminary

DB: Mitchell Peterson, St. Ignace

DB: Tyler VanBrandt, Morenci

LB: Josh Ross, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (Captain)

Offense

E: Cody White

Walled Lake Western, senior, 6 feet 3, 205 pounds

Highlights: White was pressed into service at QB to start the season. Also played slot receiver and running back, returned kickoffs and punts, and was the punter. “We can line him up at several positions. There are a lot of ways he helps us,” coach Mike Zdebski said. Rushed for 443 yards, passed for 597, had 669 yards receiving with 15 TDs. Committed to Michigan State.

OL: Phil Paea

Berrien Springs, senior, 6-4, 287

Highlights: Made 53 tackles (eight for loss), three sacks, two fumble recoveries and two batted balls. Started on an offensive line that helped rushers to 3,242 yards, 48 TDs and a 7.9 per-carry average. Coach Tony Scaccia: “I think it comes down to his athleticism and work ethic. He’s almost 6-5 and 300 pounds, and he has the athleticism of someone who is 6 foot, 220.”

OL: Mustafa Khaleefah

Dearborn, senior, 6-6, 285

Highlights: After only three years of playing the sport, Khaleefah was a force on the offensive line that led Dearborn to a 9-2 record. Didn’t allow a sack all season; allowed only two in his career. Earned a 98% efficiency rating in O-line blocking. Coach John Powell: “Even when he got the offer to MSU, he kept working hard, didn’t act cocky and always wanted to improve.”

►Related: Free Press high school football All-State honorable mention

►Related: Free Press All-East football team

►Related: Free Press All-North football team

►Related: Free Press All-Detroit football team

►Related: Free Press All-West football team

OL: Reid Thompson

Fenton, senior, 6-0, 285

Highlights: Three-year starter made 94 knockdowns blocking and was the anchor on the line that led to 3,087 team rushing yards. Team broke 12 offensive records. Coach Jeff Setzke: “He was a good player last year, but this year he went to a whole new level. Everything came together in his leadership as a captain and the drive to be the best offensive lineman to come though the school.”

OL: Jordan Reid

Detroit Cass Tech, senior, 6-4, 280

Highlights: He finished with 12 pancake blocks, one fumble recovery and allowed no sacks. Defensively, he helped with 21 tackles (11 for loss) and two sacks. Coach Thomas Wilcher: “Right now, he’s doing a great job at the offensive end and outside linebacker since moving him there from the nose. He utilizes his technique, size and speed. He’s fast.” Committed to Michigan State.

OL: Rob Hudson

Walled Lake Western, senior, 6-8, 305

Highlights: “He’s just physical,” coach Mike Zdebski said. “Once his motor’s running, he just flattens people. He likes to hit people; he’s getting used to his body.” Sticking with commitment to Purdue despite coaching change there. “He loves the school,” Zdebski said. “He’s comfortable with the members of counseling department and academics, the professors, and he loves the campus.”

E: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Detroit Cass Tech (Captain)

E: Donovan Peoples-Jones

Detroit Cass Tech, senior, 6-2, 190 (captain)

Highlights: Had 52 receptions for 1,007 yards and 17 TDs. He added 114 rushing yards, four interceptions, one fumble recovery, two TDs defensively and three punt returns for TDs. Coach Thomas Wilcher: “He likes to compete and is a hard worker. He’s very athletic, big, fast, strong, quick and has great athleticism. He does whatever it takes to win. He focuses on the ball.”

TE: Bryce Wolma

Saline, senior, 6-4, 250

Highlights: Caught 48 passes for 694 yards and six touchdowns. Coach Joe Palka: “What makes him special is his blend of speed and skill and physicality. He can play on the line as a traditional blocking tight end, or you can split him out as a receiver. He does both equally well. He is our hardest-working player. He has the speed to run away from DBs. He is the complete package.”

QB: Kalil Pimpleton, Muskegon

QB: Kalil Pimpleton

Muskegon, senior, 5-7, 160

Highlights: Rushed 130 times for 1,520 yards and 24 TDs; was 41-for-75

passing for 770 yards and 14 TDs with only two interceptions. Returned 11 punts for 241 yards and three TDs. Accounted for 2,855 all-purpose yards and 43 TDs. Early enrolling at Virginia Tech in January. Coach Shane Fairfield: “Amazing young man, a committed kid who loves his teammates before himself. Always has a smile.”

RB: Jeremy Burrell

Benton Harbor, senior, 5-11, 184

Highlights: Rushed for 2,260 yards and 30 TDs, ran back two kicks for TDs. Broke multiple school records, including 392 yards rushing vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, most yards (season and career) and most TDs (35). Played safety on defense. Coach Elliot Uzelac: “No one heard of him before this year but he’s had such a great season, his talent level just blew up. He did more things than anyone.”

►Related: Free Press All-Divisions teams

RB: Jack Provencher

Utica Eisenhower, senior, 5-9, 195

Highlights: Set the school record for rushing yards in a season with 1,434 on 165 carries, an 8.7 average, and scored 24 rushing TDs. Also started at safety and recorded 36 tackles and three interceptions. Coach Chris Smith: “Jack is a tough running back with a great will to succeed. His speed, agility and hard-nosed running style helped spark many big plays in our season.”

K: Jake Moody

Northville, junior, 6-0, 171

Highlights: Made 30 of 32 PAT kicks; the misses were blocked. Made 14 of 17 field goal attempts, including 50 and 53 yards (the three misses were 45 yards or more). Coach Matt Ladach: “Jake is tremendous kicker and even better person … one of our most valuable players. Not many coaches can imagine having a kicker they’d let (try) a 60-yard field goal.”

Defense

DL: Ian Hall

Grandville, senior, 6 feet 1, 230 pounds

Highlights: Created havoc with 16 sacks and 19 tackles for loss as the Bulldogs shared the OK Red crown and reached the regionals. “He’s incredibly quick and powerful; I don’t know if there’s a kid faster from zero to 10 yards,” coach Eric Stiegel said. “He can react to blocks well, get through the line and find the football, which is a lot to do in a short amount of time.”

DL: Deron Irving-Bey

Flint Southwestern, senior, 6-5, 270

Highlights: Had 44 tackles for loss in his junior and senior seasons, double-digit sacks and four forced fumbles. Named a U.S. Army All-America. Coach Chane Clingman said: “He’s hungry and motivated by success. He’s an extremely coachable kid who has gotten better each year. His work ethic was always there.” Considering Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, Tennessee and Cincinnati.

DL: Corey Malone, St. Joseph

DL: Corey Malone-Hatcher

St. Joseph, senior, 6-3, 205

Highlights: Handcuffed by injuries as an underclassman, remained healthy this fall to finish with 90 tackles (28 for loss) and six sacks. Despite limited playing time, drew attention at camps. “I don’t think that’s the normal route, but it worked for him,” coach Gandalf Church said. “He’s deceptively fast for his size, he’s got good a burst of quickness.” Committed to Michigan.

DL: Johnathan Burghorst

Zeeland East, senior, 6-3, 275

Highlights: Has been all-state twice on the gridiron, as well as an all-state shot-putter. “Obviously, it starts with his size, but he carries it really well right now and plays like he weighs 240. He’s worked hard to develop lean muscle mass,” coach Derek Pennington said. “He faced a lot of double teams this year but was able to fight through that and make plays.” Committed to Central Michigan.

►Related: All-State coach Elliot Uzelac making life better in Benton Harbor

LB: Josh Ross

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, senior, 6-1, 235 (captain)

Highlights: Set the tone for the defense and helped the Eaglets win the Division 3 championship for the third year in a row. “He’s got a great knowledge for the game,” coach George Porritt said. “He has all the other attributes, too: he’s big, strong, fast for his size, he has that extra-quick step, he’s good at making that read and finding the ball.” Committed to Michigan.

LB: Lorenzo McCaskill

Southfield A&T, senior, 6-2, 210

Highlights: McCaskill made 141 tackles, including 17 for loss, and nine sacks. Batted down four passes. “He’s very physical on both sides of the ball,” coach Tim Conley said. “He’s one of those players that can be described as an ‘athlete.’ He can play linebacker, safety or defensive line; we had him on offense, too. There is a lot of versatility with him — a lot of upside.” Committed to Cincinnati.

LB: Antjuan Simmons, Ann Arbor Pioneer

LB: Antjuan Simmons

Ann Arbor Pioneer, 6-1, 215

Highlights: Had 73 rushes for 433 yards and two TDs, and 10 receptions for 155 yards and one TD. On defense, made 73 tackles (43 solo, three for loss), two interceptions and blocked two field goals. Coach Jari Brown: “He reads things quickly defensively, and he plays extremely fast to the front side of the play or the backside of the ball. He’s a dynamic player who can play any position.”

DB: Jaylen Kelly-Powell

Detroit Cass Tech, senior, 6-0, 180

Highlights: Had 52 tackles, 22 pass breakups and three interceptions. On offense, he rushed for 647 yards and eight TDs, and netted 119 yards receiving with three TDs. Coach Thomas Wilcher: “He has quick feet and a great skill set. He’s a smart player. He has great hand-eye and hand-feet coordination. His primary focus is on defense, but he’s played a lot of different positions.”

DB: Ambry Thomas, Detroit King

DB: Ambry Thomas

Detroit King, senior, 6-0, 174

Highlights: Had three interceptions (one returned for a TD), 42 tackles and 14 pass breakups as a shutdown cornerback, and 43 receptions for 895 yards and 13 TDs on offense. Coach Tyrone Spencer: “On top of his elite speed and quickness, he’s very competitive and is always working to perfect his craft. He affects the game on offense, defense and special teams.”

DB: Reggie Pearson

River Rouge, junior, 5-10, 185

Highlights: Pearson made 120 tackles in 13 games, plus six pass deflections and seven interceptions. He has verbally committed to Wisconsin and is on track to graduate midway through his senior year. Coach Corey Parker: “Reggie’s a smart and physical player that loves the game. Reggie has become a complete student athlete. He is taking senior classes now. We couldn’t be more proud.”

DB: Jack Mandryk, Hudsonville

DB: Jack Mandryk

Hudsonville, senior, 6-1, 180

Highlights: Led team in tackles with 68, grabbed four interceptions and made 91/2 tackles for loss in just 10 games. Made 23 tackles in one game vs. Grandville. Voted all-league at QB. Coach Dave Lidgard: “Jack led the team in offense and defense and even returned punts. He was Mr. Do Everything, and his teammates respect him for that. To do that, you have to be in top physical condition.”

Coach: Elliot Uzelac

Benton Harbor

Highlights: 47th year in coaching. Former head coach at Navy and Western Michigan and assistant coach at Michigan, Ohio State, Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota and Maryland. Led the Tigers to first-ever unbeaten regular season this year and second straight playoff appearance. Two years ago, inherited a program that had never made the playoffs and had won only four games total in previous eight seasons.

When the squall hit Belle Isle, 14-year-old Tristan Ferrara was paddling furiously up the Detroit River, against the current.

Tristan Ferrara in Frankfort, Mich.

Not for survival in torrential rain and wind gusts of up to 30 miles an hour, but for position.

Ferrara, now a ninth-grader at Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, was competing in the August 2016 OABI (“Once around Belle Isle”) race for paddle boarders, kayakers and surf skiers.

His thoughts as the wicked weather engulfed the island and waters around it?

“I can ride it out and move up (in the race),” recalled Tristan on Wednesday inside the Great Lakes Surf Shop, 9 Mack Dr. in St. Clair Shores. “No one was trying to paddle much in the pelting rain. I figured I could catch a lot of people.”

He did, finishing second in class in the six-mile event, in a field of 250 paddlers.

Tristan Ferrara in Frankfort, Mich.

Ferrara has an iron will and warrior’s way that has stamped him as the Midwest’s top standup paddle board (SUP) competitor for his age and one of the best in the country.

The fastest-growing watersports activity in the world, SUP traces its roots to Africa, where armies once used stand-up canoes to ambush enemies in battle; and later to Hawaii in the 16th century, where natives surfed waves on crude wooden boards using paddles.

Over the past decade, SUP has swept the West Coast and has become a popular pursuit on the Great Lakes in the Midwest, no more so than on the east and west sides of Michigan and Up North.

Through the support of his parents, Chris and Cathy Ferrara, and Brian and Melanie LeFeve, owners of Great Lakes Surf Shop, Tristan has emerged as a future pro star of the sport.

Tristan has already competed in the Pacific Paddle Games (PPG) – the World Series of SUP — at Dana Point near San Diego, where he finished third in the 13-14 age group, and is still training in the now-icy waters of Lake St. Clair and Lake Michigan for the 2017 season.

“I got started paddling at 9 because my Aunt Gina got a paddle board and then my mother,” explained Tristan. “I heard about racing and met Brian (LeFeve) and he told me all about the sport. I went out and caught a few bumps (waves) and that was it, I was hooked.”

Tristan Ferrara in Frankfort, Mich.

A few of Tristan’s classmates at school followed him into the water at first.

“But we went out in bad conditions and they decided they didn’t want to do it,” said Tristan, who describes himself as “goofy” and who likes to tell “dumb jokes.”

But for Tristan, training in rough conditions “is just a normal day,” he said. “The rougher the better.”

Standup paddle boarding demands focus and commitment – not to mention balance, core strength, and stamina.

It can involve racing on lakes, surfing ocean and lake waves, and paddling river rapids.

You can also fish from a board if you like.

Boards made of fiber glass and carbon fiber can be as short at 7 feet and as long as 14.

Costs can range from under $1,000 to over $4,000, a carbon-fiber paddle up to $1,500 for the latest and lightest models.

There are an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. participating in some form of SUP, either for plain fun or to race.

Manufacturers of standup paddle boards include Naish, Infinity, Boardworks and Milford-based Pursuit.

Tristan worked for his first board, said Chris Ferrara, 43, who competes too in SUP events, having been a skateboarder and windsurfer in his youth.

“He walked dogs, cut grass and shoveled snow,” said Ferrara. “He didn’t get it for nothing.”

Tristan, who is 5-feet-7 and a lean and muscular 147 pounds, piped in.

“Don’t forget emptying the dishwasher – I hated doing that,” he said. “And remember, our neighbor paid me $5 for shoveling her snow and I lost it in one of the piles.”

For LeFeve, 45, one of Michigan’s elite SUP athletes and surfers, Tristan’s willingness to work for his board was one of the reasons he became his mentor, coach and training partner.

“The fact he wanted to buy his own board,” said LeFeve. “How many 9 year olds want earn and spend their own money. That showed me right there he was committed and passionate about the sport.”

So when Tristan needed to get to the Pacific Paddle Games, LeFeve and his shop, with the help of the Midwest Race Series, helped with airfare and accommodation.

“You could see how much drive Tristan had,” said LeFeve. “It was great we could help him.”

Cathy Ferrara admitted she could hardly watch Tristan’s first race on Lake Michigan.

“It was freezing that day and I was pretty reluctant about Tristan competing at 9,” said Cathy. “He just went straight out on the lake. I was pretty scared.”

Tristan did the one-mile lake race event on a 14-foot board.

“That’s my baby out there,” recalled Cathy. “But he came back in with a smile on his face and a second-place finish.”

Cathy and Chris Ferrara realized Tristan had something special going on with a board and paddle.

“Tristan is singularly focused – he’s a bit obsessive, like me,” said Chris. “He’s determined; he just wants to be the best.”

At school, Tristan is a normal kid.

“I’m not that popular, but I know everyone,” said Tristan. “I’m really in to golf, and hope to be on the golf team. I’m also going out for football next year.”

And a pro SUP racer one day.

“Those are some serious athletes,” said Chris Ferrara of the SUP pro tour. “They go around the world, competing in Hawaii, Australia and Europe. They have a cross-channel race over 30 miles in Hawaii. It would be a wonderful opportunity for Tristan.”

Tristan knows dreams of going pro within a year or two means a ton of work in between now and then, and some good luck and sponsor backing.

In preparation for next season, he’ll hit the waves with his dad and Brian until conditions on Lake St. Clair make it impossible to train on the water and then take his workouts inside to the pool and the gym.

Tristan, who hopes to attend San Diego State University and “train and race out there all year around,” will use the Syphus high-intensity progressive circuit workout that many of the Detroit Red Wings follow.

“It’s great for balance and core strength,” said Tristan.

Tristan is also planning to work and Brian LeFeve and his wife at Great Lakes Surf Shop soon, selling product and giving SUP and surfing lessons.

As Brian closed up the shop Wednesday evening, he and Tristan shared the “Shaka” pinky finger-and-thumb Hawaiian sign for “hang loose” until we hit the waves again, which will probably be this weekend.

“Our favorite time to go out there are when conditions are at their worst,” said Tristan. “I can’t wait.”

PADDLE ON!

What: Standup Paddle Boarding (SUP).

Where: Ocean, lakes, rivers and canals across the U.S including strong Midwest representation in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

Who: More than 2 million recreational and race participants in the U.S.

Manufacturers: Naish, Infinity, Boardworks and Milford-based Pursuit.

Costs: New paddle boards from $1,000-$4,000 and up; paddles up to $1,500; used equipment considerably lower.

Michigan paddleboard/surfing hotspots: Port Huron, Lexington, Lake St. Clair, Grand Haven, Alpena, Frankfort, Sheybogan, Marquette.

Visit Great Lakes Surf Shop (23517 Nine Mack Drive, St. Clair Shores) for more information at www.greatlakessurf.com or call on 586-359-6951.

Tristan Ferrara at surf shop.

Detroit Cass Tech’s Donovan Peoples-Jones (9) during the Division 1 High School Championship game against Detroit Catholic Central on Saturday November 26, 2016, at Ford Field in Detroit, MI.

National Signing Day is now less than two months away, and while Michigan is ninth overall in 247Sports’ 2017 recruiting rankings, there are double-digit targets remaining on its recruiting board, many of whom are four- and five-star prospects. Better yet, the staff is planning to host a bunch of these targets, along with some key commitments, in what should be the final major recruiting weekend of the cycle before February’s signing.

The headliner for the weekend is the nation’s top overall prospect, Antioch (Calif.) five-star running back Najee Harris, who has been verbally committed to Alabama for over a year and has kept a low profile but an open recruitment. Michigan appears to be the program best suited to swipe him from the Crimson Tide, which once again is in position to sign the nation’s top class. Tight ends coach Jay Harbaugh was in California on Friday to see Harris at his school. UCLA and Cal are among the other schools reportedly still in the race for the five-star.

Detroit Cass Tech five-star wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and Detroit King four-star cornerback Ambry Thomas are also expected to be in Ann Arbor. Both have been top targets for nearly two years, and the Wolverines are currently favored for both prospects, according to the 247Sports Crystal Ball. If the Wolverines can sign both prospects, it will mark the first time in school history they’ve signed the top five players in the state (247Sports Composite) and the first time since 2005 they’ve signed the top three. Ohio State and Florida are the main competition for Peoples-Jones, while Michigan State and Penn State are factors for Thomas.

The nation’s top cornerback prospect, Calabasas (Calif.) five-star Darnay Holmes, also is expected to be in Ann Arbor for the second time of the recruiting process. UCLA long has been considered the favorite for Holmes, but both U-M and Ohio State continue to push hard for his services. Holmes is best friends with U-M freshman cornerback David Long and also is friends with freshman wide receiver Kekoa Crawford.

Michigan’s current prize commitment, quarterback commitment Dylan McCaffrey, also will be in town for his official visit. McCaffrey is coming off of a state championship game in which he led his Littleton (Colo.) Valor Christian team to its seventh title in eight years. He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in a 30-14 victory over Pomona and did it in front of Jim Harbaugh and wide receivers coach Jedd Fisch.

Here’s a full list of who will visit Michigan this weekend. This list will be updated throughout the week.

Full list: Michigan’s recruits (with highlight videos)

Steve Lorenz is the editor and publisher of Wolverine247 of the 247Sports Network. You can follow him on Twitter @TremendousUM and sign up for our FREE newsletter today!

Nov 24, 2016; Paradise Island, Bahamas; Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston and Baylor Bears forward Terry Maston go for a loose ball in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort.

Boys basketball

Ann Arbor Pioneer 66, Southfield Christian 62: Trenton Temple led Southfield (0-1) with 24 points, while Bryce Washington had 14 points. Pioneer (1-0) was led by Drew Lowder with 24 points, and Mo Soumaoro added 13 points

Ann Arbor Prep 77, Columbia Central 22: Adrian Anderson scored 20 points for Prep (4-0) while Lasha Petree added 17 points. Rozhane Wells scored 15 points.

Armada 77, Memphis 37: Adam Job scored 18 points for Armada while Cameron Hart added 12 points. Mitch Ruczynski scored 10 points.

Battle Creek Central 54, Jackson 47: Juan Warren put up 21 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks for Battle Creek (1-0). Rashid Owen scored 15 points for Jackson.

Birmingham Detroit Country Day 58, Canton 53: Wendell Green scored 15 points for Country Day (1-0). Paul Mocur added 12 points, and Dylan Sandhu also added 12 points. B.Artis White scored 17 points for Canton (0-1), and Vinson Sigmon added 10 points.

Bloomingdale 52, Watervliet 51: Ryan Chisek led Watervliet with 14 points.

Buckley 91, Bear Lake 50: Denver Cade led with 26 points while Austin Harris added 23 points for Buckley (1-0). Gary McBride put up 20 points in the loss for Bear Lake (0-1).

Clinton Twp. Clintondale 66, Clausen 46: Tyler Speed scored 14 points for Clintondale (1-0). Richard Washington added 12 points. Leading Clausen (0-1), Courtney Manley scored 18 points.

Dearborn Divine Child 66, Lakeview 47: Quinn Blair led all scorers with 18 points for Divine Child. Liam Soragahan added 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Scott Combs chipped in 11 points. For Lakeview, Deandre Jones scored 16 points, and Joe Charette added 12 points.

Dearborn Edsel Ford 66, Monroe 61 (OT): Jalal Baydoun scored 23 points, six rebounds and five assists for Dearborn (1-0). Melessio Kendrick added 17 points and seven rebounds. Robert Tatum chipped in 11 points and 11 rebounds. Leading Monroe (0-1), Mikal Farris scored 22 points.

Dearborn Fordson 59, Dearborn Heights Annapolis 47: Hamze Elzayat led with 22 points for Fordson (1-0) while Abbullah Bushsani added 14 points. Alex Ishmael scored 12 points for Annapolis.

Dearborn Heights Crestwood 71, Lincoln Park 45: Tavion Dowell led Dearborn (1-0) with 15 points. Bilal Taleb added 12 points, Asa Robertson chipped in 11 points, and Malik Rogers contributed 10 points. James Ware led Lincoln Park (0-1) with 12 points.

Dearborn Heights Robichaud 48, Detroit Jalen Rose Academy 30: Jasir Poole scored 13 points and five assists for Robichaud (1-0). Shannon Woods also scored 13 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished five assists.

Detroit Community 60, Detroit Westside Academy 19: DeMario Turner led all scorers with 19 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked four shots for Community (1-0).

Detroit Douglass 60, Detroit PSA 57: Kelly Broadus scored 23 points for Douglass (1-0). Carlos Walker added 18 points, and Jarnard Smith Jr. also added 18 points. Thomas Henderson led PSA (0-1) with 18 points.

Detroit Loyola 66, Royal Oak Catholic 62 (OT): Jalen Hill had a huge game with 20 points, 10 rebounds and four steals for Loyola. Keith Johnson added 15 points and six rebounds. Asher Smith led with 15 points for Shrine.

Detroit Old Redford Academy 89, Pontiac Academy of Excellence 51: Rocket Watts scored 37 points, grabbed seven boards and dished out five assists for Old Redford (1-0). Bobby Walton added 15 points, and Jawan Snoddy chipped in 10 points.

Garden City 64, New Boston Huron 56: Eian Castonguay led with 16 points for Garden City (1-0) while Jacob Sadowski added 14 points. Philip Martin scored 13 points for Huron.

Greenville 55, Stanton Central Montcalm 49: Austin Proctor scored 17 points for Stanton.

Grosse Pointe South 71, Woodhaven 65: Brennen Buszka led Grosse Pointe (1-0) with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Dane Draper added 13 points, and Ryan Doney chipped in 12 points and dished out eight assists. Noah Davey added eight points and 10 rebounds. Josh Warren led Woodhaven (0-1) with 23 points. Deandre Walker added 11 points.

Lapeer 69, Fenton 54: Drew Miller led Fenton (0-1) with 23 points, and AJ LePage added 11 points.

Livonia Franklin 51, Trenton 47: Mark Mettie scored 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and blocked four shots for Franklin (1-0). Keyon Brown added 13 points. Ryan Barker led Trenton (0-1) with 16 points.

Macomb Lutheran North 70, New Baltimore Anchor Bay 46: Drew Arft led North (1-0) with 23 points. Josh Greenberg led Anchor Bay (0-1) with 10 points.

Martin 66, Saugatuck 63: Tanner Curry scored 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for Martin. Andrew Boss added 16, and Matt MacVean chipped in 15 points. Blake Dunn led Saugatuck with 19 points.

Northville 50, Saline 43: Jake Justice had 13 points, and Phil Jobanovski had 11 points for Northville (1-0). In the loss for Saline (0-1), Calder Pellerin recorded 13 points.

Okemos 48, Lansing Catholic 39: Jordan Henry scored 18 points for Okemos. Chuck Plane scored 14 points for Catholic.

Oxford 57, Waterford Kettering 20: Jordan Jaden led Oxford with 21 points, and Ray Luvine added 11 points. Waterford was paced by Immanuel Gates’ 11 points.

Pickford 67, Indian River Inland Lakes 53: Derrick Edington led all scorers with 28 points for Pickford. Ian Clancy scored 24 points for Inland Lakes.

Plymouth Christian 49, Ann Arbor Greenhills 48: Levi Yakuber led all scorers with 20 points for Plymouth. Ramandeep Sahota scored 15 points for Greenhills.

Plymouth Salem 72, Ann Arbor Skyline 67: For Salem (1-0), Cameron Grace had 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Kyle Winfrey finished with 19 points. Brandon Wade finished with a game-high 23 points for Skyline (0-1).

Redford Thurston 84, Taylor Prep 45: Dorian Nayler scored 18 points for Redford (1-0). Malik Hill and Dequan Gadson each added 10 points.

Southgate Anderson 53, Riverview 26: Deven Fields scored 14 points and six rebounds for Souhtgate (1-0). Jace Matkin added 10 points and eight rebounds. Ross Bogart and James Bowman each chipped in 10 points.

Sterling Heights 76, Eastpointe East Detroit 50: Shawn Kama had a game-high 32 points for Sterling Heights (1-0). Antonio Sinishtaj had 14 points, while Percy Daniel finished with 10 points and 11 boards.

Sterling Heights Parkway Christian 55, Allen Park Inter-City Baptist 53: Luke Stricker scored 24 points for Parkway (1-0), and Kyle Hensley added 15 points. Micah Mclain chipped in 11 points. For Allen Park (0-1), Nathaniel Pardo led with 18 points. Cameron Hunter scored 13 points, and Mason Howell added 12 points.

Troy Athens 46, Rochester Adams 45: Brendt Stephens had 10 points for Athens (1-0), while Antonio Rosado had 14 points in the loss for Adams (0-1).

Utica Ford 66, Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley 62: Alek Ivanovic led Ford (1-0) with 16 points, while Alex Iafrate finished with 14 points and Kenyatta Byron had 10. In the loss for Chippewa Valley (0-1), D’lano Woods recorded 16 points, and Myren Harris chipped in 12.

Walled Lake Central 43, Detroit University Prep 42: Runako Ziegler scored 22 points for Walled Lake (1-0), and he also hit the game-winning buzzer beater. Houston Tucker added 10 points. Terrence Bowens scored 16 points for Detroit (0-1), and Kenon Roberts Jr. added 13 points.

Walled Lake Northern 46, Birmingham Seaholm 39: Jalen Kelso led with 19 points for Northern (1-0). Brady Flynn scored 18 points for Seaholm.

Warren Lincoln 60, Madison Heights 56: Deangelo White, Jalen Passmore and Jordan Singleton each scored 14 points for Lincoln. Jalen Welch put up 25 points in the loss for Madison Heights.

Wayne Memorial 64, Detroit Cornerstone 59: Rashad Williams and Terrence Williams each scored 13 points for Wayne (1-0). Trevez Nyxs also scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Keion Epps chipped in 13 points and 12 rebounds. Jamal Cain scored 23 points for Cornerstone (0-1).

Girls basketball

Allen Park 38, Woodhaven 27: Izzy Slape scored 12 points for Allen Park (2-0, 1-0 Downriver). Kendall Hamilton added 10 points. Kennedy Johnson led Woodhaven (0-2, 0-1) with 10 points.

Allen Park Cabrini 53, Melvindale 21: Abigail Burke led the way with 13 points for Cabrini 2-0). Courtney Waltonbaugh scored nine points for Melvindale (0-3).

Belleville 52, Dearborn Fordson 35: Victoria Perez and Raven Grantham each finished with 15 points, while Katelyn Sherwood had 12 points and seven steals for Belleville.

Bellevue 48, Potterville 19: Casie Shannon led Bellevue with 16 points, seven steals and four assists. Bailey Whitcomb added 14 points and eight steals. Gabby Costello grabbed 11 rebounds.

Center Line 59, Madison Heights Madison 37: Alexus Pack scored 14 points and eight rebounds for Madison (0-3).

Dearborn 56, Livonia Churchill 25: Harper Vandenbosch led Dearborn (2-0) with 16 points, and Nasreen Kobeissi added 10 points.

Detroit Edison 82, Southfield Bradford Academy 9: Rickea Jackson scored 25 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Edison (1-0). Daija Tyson added 24 points and pocketed nine steals. Gabrielle Elliot scored 23 points.

Fenton 61, Lapeer 55: Chloe Idoni finished with a double-double of 25 points and 15 rebounds. Emma Evo also had a double-double, 11 points and 17 rebounds. Aly Lenz added 14 points. Lapeer’s Samantha Thicke scored 12 points.

Gaylord 48, Grayling 35: Caset Korte scored 22 points for Gaylord.

Gibraltar Carlson 43, Dearborn Heights Annapolis 12: Bailey Mruzik led Carlson (2-0) with 14 points.

Grosse Pointe North 61, Sterling Heights 30: Katie Snow led North (3-0) with 21 points, and Julia Ayrault added 14 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

Hartland 69, Linden 26: Lexey Tobel scored 18 points for Hartland (2-0), and Whitney Sollom added 15 points. Sterling DeGayner scored 21 points for Linden (0-2).

Kent City 41, Coopersville 36: Zara Weber led all scorers with 13 points for Kent City (1-2), and Teanna McCuaig added 11 points.

Lake Orion 68, Troy 35: Maddie Novak had 27 points, and Sophie Wyborski recorded 13 points for Lake Orion (2-1). Additionally, Shannon Lin had 14 points in the loss for Troy (1-2).

Lakeland 46, Ferndale 23: Lauren Castellon led Lakeland (1-2) with 15 points. Skylar Baer pulled down 11 rebounds.

Macomb Dakota 58, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North 26: Tara Bieniewicz scored 18 points for Dakota (2-0). Emily Langolf added 14 points, and Cameron Grant chipped in 13 points. Mya Oleksiak led L’Anse Creuse (1-1) with 12 points.

Northville 60, Saline 37: Jessica Moorman led Northville (1-1) with 19 points. Kendall Dillon added 11 points.

Novi 56, Auburn Hills Avondale 33: Ellie Mackay led Novi with 21 points.

Novi Franklin Road Christian 41, Clarkston Everest Collegiate 28: Rachel Bause had 13 points, eight rebounds and six blocks, while Reagan Mumford had 11 points and eight boards for Franklin Road (3-0). Serra Lowney had 12 points for Everest.

Pinkney 62, Dearborn Heights Robichaud 60: Dakota Selma hit the game-winning lay-up and finished with 10 points for Pinkney (1-1). Morgan Elliot led with 14 points, and Kelly McGrath added 13 points. For Dearborn (1-1), Kamaria McDaniel finished with 32 points, and Kayla Brown added 18 points.

Reese 56, Millington 51 (OT): Hannah Hall and Haley Trickey each scored 14 points for Millington (1-1). Elizabeth Selich added 11 points and notched eight rebounds.

Rochester Stoney Creek 54, Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy 40: Emily Eckhout scored 15 points while Emily Solek added 12 points and 10 steals for Creek (1-1). Diamond Williams led with 19 points for Chandler Park (1-2).

Royal Oak 41, Milford 27: Sammy Potter and Mikea Williams led Royal Oak (3-0) with 12 points each. Mallory Barrett scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Milford (0-1).

St. Claire Shores Lakeview 64, Richmond 32: Nicole Austin scored 12 points for Lakeview (2-0). Lashana Young also scored 12 points, and Alicia Bullaro added 11 points.

Stanton Central Montcalm 52, Greenville 40: Libby Ledford led Central Montcalm with 13 points, and Hannah Putnam chipped in 12 points.

Southfield Christian 40, Detroit Cristo Rey 39: Kelly Hunter and Allison Sullivan each scored 13 points for Southfield (1-1). Cristo Rey was led by Olivia Miller’s 16 points.

Trenton 43, Riverview 22: Sydney Voss led all scorers with 11 points for Trenton, and Therese Hebda finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Troy Athens 41, Clawson 28: Maddie Crum had a huge game with 20 points and 13 rebounds for Athens (1-0). Jackie Hausar scored 12 points for Clawson.

Watervliet 62, Bloomingdale 36: Leading the way for Watervliet was Logan Mizwicki, who nearly recorded a triple-double with 22 points, nine rebounds and seven steals.

Wixom St. Catherine of Siena 52, Redford Union 46: Lizzy Turek led Wixom (2-1) with 21 points. Johnnae Stelle scored 16 points and six blocks.

Ambry Thomas, Detroit King defensive back.

Michigan is beginning to grab a hold of Detroit in the talented 2017 class.

The No. 2 player in the state, Detroit King’s Ambry Thomas, announced he’ll be a a Wolverine in a YouTube video.

Thomas, a 5-10 receiver/defensive back, chose Michigan over Michigan State and Pittsburgh, Penn State and Florida on the weekend he was scheduled to be visiting Ann Arbor.

youtu.be/BhQowZ_hRiE Just watch ..

—
Ambry Thomas 1⃣3⃣ (@Tavonn_) December 08, 2016

His cousin Jaylen Kelly-Powell, a corner from Cass Tech, announced he was coming to U-M a few weeks ago and celebrated Thomas’ decision on Twitter.

We're going maize and blue !! #GoBlue https://t.co/XmiUnfPCnx

—
Jaylen Kelly-Powell™ (@JKellypowell) December 08, 2016

Thomas is the No. 11 cornerback in the country and No. 102 overall player on 247sports.

He joins Kelly-Powell, Josh Ross and Corey Malone-Hatcher as four of the top five players in the state committed to U-M.

The only one who isn’t: No. 1 Donovan Peoples-Jones, who is a top-10 national player and considered a heavy U-M lean.

Recruiting: Michigan hopes to score rare commitment from Mississippi

Recruiting: Michigan preparing for final huge weekend in 2017 cycle

Full list: Michigan’s recruits (with highlight videos)

Detroit Cass Tech’s Donovan Peoples-Jones (9) runs against Novi Detroit Catholic Central on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016, at Ford Field in Detroit.

Sean Merriman is a recruiting aficionado who used to work for rivals.com and the Big Ten Network and now is with Intersport. Look for his mailbag every other week (with some live chats sprinkled in, too). If you have a recruiting question for Sean, email him at merriman.sean@gmail.com or tweet him @merrimantweets. 

There seemed to be a lot of MSU recruits who helped their stock with the way they played in their (senior) season. Do you think any will get reclassified up to 4 stars by NSD? If so, who? – Sparty Fan

Great question, Sparty Fan. I guess it depends on which rankings you look at, but Cody White is a guy who really stands out to me as someone who could boost his star ranking. The do-it-all athlete from Walled Lake Western had an outstanding senior season, and his versatility makes him a candidate for playing time as a freshman. I would be shocked if he isn’t a four-star prospect across the board by the time the final 2017 recruiting rankings come out.

Who are the most likely guys to join Henderson as MSU 2018 football commits? – Sparty

There are a couple offensive linemen and defensive backs who I think have a good chance to join Xavier Henderson in the Spartans’ 2018 class. On the offensive line, keep an eye on Ryan Hayes, Antwan Reed and Marquan McCall. All three are four-star prospects, and all three have been offered by MSU. Hayes and McCall are both in-state kids and are considered two of the best in Michigan. Also keep an eye on Michael Dowell and DeAndre Square. Dowell is the younger brother of current Spartans Andrew and David Dowell. Square is a four-star prospect from Detroit Cass Tech, which has produced numerous Michigan and Michigan State players over the past decade.

Langford was a 5-star recruit, McDonald’s All-American. You would expect someone with those accolades to make an immediate contribution. He certainly hasn’t played like it. Is there still an injury issue? Was he over-rated? – bleed_n_green

I agree that you would expect someone with those accolades to make an immediate impact, but I think Langford is still gaining a feel for the college game. Remember, he is still dealing with a hamstring issue, and coach Tom Izzo has said on multiple occasions that his stamina and conditioning are nowhere near where it should be right now. I thought Langford looked much better against Youngstown State this week. Look for him to take a big leap with the absence of Miles Bridges, as MSU needs him to be effective on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. If he can get healthy and become the player that Izzo and his staff recruited out of Alabama, I think Michigan State has a good shot at competing for a Big Ten championship this season.

Do you expect Donovan Peoples-Jones to commit on or very close to National Signing Day? – Sessions

I expect Donovan Peoples-Jones to commit in the next couple of weeks. Following Cass Tech’s win in the Division 1 state championship game, Peoples-Jones said he probably would make his decision within the next month. He also has said that he plans to enroll early, which means that a decision would be expected sooner than later. I still think Michigan is the leader, but as of right now, it’s between Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Florida and Florida State. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, as he could make his college announcement any day now.

How much will the bad season hurt MSU in recruiting? – Will

There are positives and negatives when it comes to recruiting for Michigan State. The negative is that the prestige of the program took a hit after a surprising 3-9 season. While you would like to see prospective recruits judge the Spartans on the sustained success they had before this season, that won’t necessarily be the case. On the positive side, Dantonio and his staff showed that they are not afraid to play true freshmen early and often. That has to be enticing to recruits looking to come to a school where they can make an immediate impact in a conference that was the best in the country this season. The other positive is that Dantonio and his staff are able to hit the recruiting trail hard right now, as they aren’t busy preparing for a bowl game. The chance to get one-on-one face time with recruits during this time period is an advantage.

Does the fact Michigan is losing so many starters give them an advantage in recruiting? – blueblazer

As I mentioned in the previous answer, early playing time is something that is always enticing to recruits. With losing so many starters from this year’s team, that does open the opportunity for immediate playing time. Both wide receiver and offensive line will be hit hard by graduation this year, which is why you could see someone like a Peoples-Jones or Tarik Black come in and play right away for the Wolverines. On defense, the Wolverines will be tasked with replacing pretty much the entire starting unit. That has to be enticing for young players interested in playing right away, especially if they look at the success this unit had under new DC Don Brown.

What percentage do you give Michigan of flipping Najee Harris? – Michael

I’d give it 15%. My guess is that Harris stays committed to Alabama. However, a lot depends on how his upcoming visit to Ann Arbor goes. If Jim Harbaugh can work his magic during that visit, it’s possible we could see Harris shock the world and end up as a Wolverine.

Detroit King star DB Ambry Thomas commits to Michigan

Detroit Martin Luther King Ambry Thomas (13) runs the ball against Walled Lake Western.

In what is very likely to be the most hotly contested in-state recruitment of the 2017 cycle, Michigan scored a major coup over rival Michigan State with the late Wednesday commitment of Detroit King star Ambry Thomas, who recently helped lead his team to their second straight state championship at Ford Field.

While Penn State made a late push to get involved, the long-held belief was that Thomas was destined to either be a Spartan or a Wolverine. As a prospect who planned to enroll early at the school of his choice, Thomas and his family decided Wednesday was the time to finally end what became a stressful recruitment.

“It was stressful because the process changed him,” Carmen Thomas, Ambry’s mother, told Wolverine247.com on Thursday morning. “(Ambry) was so stressed out through the whole thing. Before Michigan was the actual choice, there were plenty of other schools who offered and wanted him to become a part of their program. He had some closer personal bonds with (other schools), but at the end of the day, the better decision for him was Michigan in the long-term. Michigan was just the better choice.”

• The latest recruiting mailbag

For Thomas, he says the appeal of the Wolverines stemmed from coach Jim Harbaugh’s approach to recruiting and the types of players he wants to build the program around.

“I wanted to accept Coach Harbaugh’s challenge,” he said of the opportunity to compete in Ann Arbor. “You can’t go wrong with life after the game is over there either. It feels good to get the decision made and get to work. It’s the best lifetime choice for me on and off the field and I am looking forward to getting to work under (defensive coordinator) Coach Brown.”

Thomas is currently ranked 32nd overall in the country, according to 247Sports, and has shown flashes of being both an elite player on the offensive and defensive end. While he is a prospect that could see time offensively at some point, he’s being recruited as a cornerback by the Michigan staff.

Perhaps Thomas’ best performance came without the pads on, when he was one of the biggest standouts at Nike’s The Opening event in July. The Opening is a gathering of the nation’s top high school players, who compete in 7 vs. 7 events and other drills. Thomas stood out on both sides of the ball.

“Thomas was the best two-way threat of anybody in attendance,” 247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons wrote. “He’s a baller in that he could beat you 40 yards down the field for a touchdown on offense and then line you up defensively and beat you one on one on the same route going the other way. He’s a special athlete.”

Steve Lorenz is the editor and publisher of Wolverine247 of the 247Sports Network. You can follow him on Twitter @TremendousUM and sign up for our FREE newsletter today!

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Detroit Cornerstone’s Jamal Cain before a game against Wayne Memorial on Dec. 6, 2016, at Wayne Memorial high school.

It always has been about the mission for Jamal Cain.

“My father was in his life a lot before he passed away, and he always told him if basketball was important to him, there was a mission he had to complete,” said Amanda Branner, Cain’s mother. “He instilled that in him until the day he passed away and then (Cain’s) father picked up where my father left off.”

Shellie Branner, Cain’s grandfather, was the one who first sent Cain to a basketball camp when he was in early elementary school. He was the one who first signed him up for an organized team in the fifth grade.

He preached about the mission to the youngster until his death in July 2013. Then Cain’s father, Hasen, carried on the talk of the mission – even if he didn’t know much basketball.

“He didn’t know anything about basketball,” Jamal Cain said, laughing. “He’d say something, and I’d be like: ‘What are you talking about?’ He was a basketball fan because I played basketball. He really had no choice but to pay attention to basketball.”

But that ended in July when Hasen died – and suddenly Cain’s mission seemed more like Mission Impossible.

Cain is a 6-foot-8 senior at Detroit Cornerstone Health and Technology, a charter school located in what used to be St. Scholastica Elementary School on West Outer Drive. Last month, he signed a national letter of intent with Marquette and is the No. 2 player in the Free Press’ Top 100 players in the state.

He began the season with a bang Tuesday night, scoring 25 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in a 64-59 loss to a good Wayne Memorial team.

But for a time this summer after his father died, Cain forgot about his mission.

“It was hard for at least awhile, but then I realized I just had to get back to what the mission was,” Cain said. “He told me to keep working and don’t let anything keep you back.”

Detroit Cornerstone’s Jamal Cain, 17, photographed on Dec. 6, 2016, at Wayne Memorial high school.

The mission has helped Cain become one of the best players in the state – and a leading candidate for the Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award.

A year ago, Cain, who chose Marquette over Michigan and Georgia, averaged 26 points and 15.7 rebounds.

But from where Detroit East English Village coach Juan Rickman sits, Cain looks better than ever. Like anyone who sees him play, Rickman is impressed with Cain’s raw athletic ability.

“He’s stupid athletic; he’s silly athletic,” Rickman said after scrimmaging Cornerstone last week. “No, listen, he’s athletic. As far as explosion and getting off the floor, Jamal is ridiculous.”

That athleticism has guided Cain throughout his career. It enabled him to dominate games in middle school even though his skill set was nowhere near what it is now.

“I thought I was good, but I wasn’t playing against any competition in middle school,” Cain said. “I was always the tallest player, and I could just jump and grab rebounds over everyone else until I got in high school. That’s when my eyes opened.”

Cain played his freshman year at Melvindale AB&T for coach Myke Covington and transferred to Cornerstone when Covington took that job for one season.

Derrick Edwards is in his second season as Cornerstone’s coach, but when Cain was a sophomore, he was an assistant at Detroit Henry Ford, which played Cornerstone.

“Back then you could see his strength, which was he was a spot-up shooter,” Edwards said. “He was a dead-eye three-point shooter, but as time has evolved, he’s worked on his game and now he’s an all-around player.”

But until he got to work on other aspects of his game, Cain spent most of his time on the court retreating behind the three-point line and launching bomb after bomb.

“Growing up, that’s all I did was shoot and shoot threes,” he said. “I didn’t really have handles or anything like that, so I really wasn’t focused on it, so I would shoot.”

While he enjoyed shooting three-point bombs – who doesn’t? – Cain realized his mission was to become a complete player, and he was far from that as a freshman and sophomore.

So Cain worked to improve his “handles.” He spent hours working on ball-handling drills without ever taking a shot, which is difficult for someone who shoots as well as Cain.

Once he became an adept ball handler, Edwards pried him away from the three-point line and introduced Cain to the paint and a post-up game, which did not exist in his skill set.

“With his height and his athleticism, nobody can block that shot,” Edwards said. “I told him from Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant perfecting it, once you get in the post and once you can turn and elevate and get a view of the basket, it’s easy.”

Making it easier is the fade-away jumper Cain has learned to use in the lane. And because he is more athletic than most post players, Cain does not have to be in the low post to use his post moves.

Detroit Cornerstone’s Jamal Cain dribbles against Wayne Memorial on Dec. 6, 2016, at Wayne Memorial high school.

Edwards likes to use Kevin Durant as an example of what, at the high-school level, Cain is capable of doing from different sports on the court.

“Even though Jamal might post up, it’s like a midpost where he can catch the ball and face up,” Edwards said. “He’s more comfortable facing the basket. Once he catches it and faces the basket, then he can go into his repertoire of moves.”

Since last season ended, Cain has tried to perfect a jump hook for the times he is in the paint. And unlike a number of talented perimeter players, Cain doesn’t mind playing inside. Actually, he enjoys it now that he understands his shooting percentage skyrockets when he gets the ball in the post.

“To be honest, that’s the reason why,” he said. “It was like – wow! – I can score so easy in the post and so many various ways. I love playing in the post.”

But it’s really not Cain’s first experience playing in the paint. When he first stepped onto the court – even before his grandfather sent him to a basketball camp – Cain found himself in the paint trying to play defense.

That was when he was playing one-on-one against his mother, who averaged 18 points a game as a senior at Pontiac Northern.

“We played games, but he wasn’t as tall as he is now,” said his mother, who is 5-10. “The taller he got, I couldn’t post him. He was always blocking my stuff. But I used to post him up.”

Back then, Cain wasn’t much of a defensive player. Only recently has he begun playing defense with the same enthusiasm he shoots three-pointers.

But better defense is what you get when your coach played high school ball for Detroit Western coach Derrick McDowell, who coached Edwards at Detroit Redford.

“We do more defensive stuff in practice than we do offensive stuff,” Edwards said. “I’m from that McDowell tree, so that’s what we do. The biggest goal from me to Jamal, when I got here, was to get his defense to catch up with his offense and then he’d be out of sight.”

Of course, getting a player of Cain’s ability to buy into playing defense could be problematic. But it turned out to be the opposite.

“That’s the first thing I noticed we when I got here last was that he loves to work; his work ethic is unmatched,” Edwards said. “The thing I love about Jamal is he’s so determined. If he doesn’t get something, he wants to do it over and over until he gets it.”

Cain gets it now, even though this season he won’t have his father sitting in the stands watching as he strives to make it mission accomplished.

“I think about him every day,” Cain said. “It’s not painful, really, because I know he’s in a better place. I knew what his words would have been – he was good and keep doing what I had to do. That’s the only thing I can think.”

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

Grand Rapids Christian’s Xavier Tillman.

The top 50

1. Xavier Tillman, 6-8, senior, Grand Rapids Christian

2. Jamal Cain, 6-6, senior, Detroit Cornerstone

3. Isaiah Livers, 6-8, senior, Kalamazoo Central

4. Brandon Johns, 6-9, junior, East Lansing

5. Foster Loyer, 5-11, junior, Clarkston

6. Amauri Hardy, 6-3, senior, North Farmington

7. Ike Eke, 6-10, senior, U-D Jesuit

8. Thomas Kithier, 6-8, junior, Macomb Dakota

9. Trevion Williams, 6-8, junior, Henry Ford Academy

10. Terry Armstrong, 6-5, sophomore, Davison

►Related: Michigan’s top 20 boys basketball teams

11. Jermaine Jackson, 5-8, senior, Macomb Dakota

12. Dylan Alderson, 6-5, senior, Clarkston

13. Greg Elliott, 6-3, senior, Detroit East English

14. Jaron Faulds, 6-10, senior, Holt

15. Romeo Weems, 6-7, sophomore, New Haven

16. Greg Eboigbodin, 6-8, senior, U-D Jesuit

17. Matt Beachler, 6-4, senior, Lowell

18. Kevin McAdoo, 6-1, senior, West Bloomfield

19. Mike Flowers, 6-1, senior, Southfield

20. Mark Watts, 6-2, sophomore, Detroit Old Redford

21. David DeJulius, 6-1, junior, Detroit East English Village

22. Lamar Norman, 6-2, junior, Wyoming Godwin Heights

23. Duane Washington, 6-3, junior, Grand Rapids Christian

24. Darian Owens-White, 6-1, senior, River Rouge

25. Blake Verbeek, 6-10, junior, Grandville Calvin Christian

26. Brandon Wade, 6-1, junior, Ann Arbor Skyline

27. Malik Ellison, 5-8, senior, Flint Beecher

28. Jason Whitens, 6-5, senior, Powers North Central

29. Keion Epps, 6-5, senior, Wayne

30. Davion Williams, 6-2, junior, Belleville

31. Zack Nieuwkoop, 6-7, senior, Wayland

32. James Beck, 6-7, senior, Grand Rapids Christian

33. PJ Mitchell, 5-10, junior, Detroit Edison

34. Quinn Blair, 6-6, junior, Dearborn Divine Child

35. Demetri Martin, 6-4, senior, Big Rapids

36. Bryce Washington, 6-4, junior, Southfield Christian

37. Mario Whitley, 6-4, junior, Frankenmuth

38. Devontaye Webb, 6-1, senior, Detroit Henry Ford

39. Nick Welch, 6-7, senior, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central

40. Carlos Johnson, 6-5, freshman, Benton Harbor

41. Brennen Buszka, 6-5, senior, Grosse Pointe South

42. Taylor Currie, 6-8, sophomore, Clarkston

43. Jason Dietz, 6-3, junior, Troy

44. Josh Long, 6-5, senior, Detroit Western

45. Latravion Jackson, 6-7, senior, Ypsilanti Lincoln

46. Leonard Silas, 5-10, senior, Detroit Cass Tech

47. Jake VanTubbergen, 6-6, senior, Holland West Ottawa

48. Jesse Hillis, 6-2, senior, Caledonia

49. Marcus Pittman, 6-3, senior, Birmingham Groves

50. Austin McCullough, 6-5, senior, Portage Central

The next 50 (in alphabetical order)

Sy Barnett, 6-2, senior, Williamston

Trent Bell, 6-7, senior, Negaunee

Dawson Bilski, 6-3, senior, Powers North Central

Jacob Boonyasith, 6-3, junior, Jenison

Carl Bow, 6-0, junior, Hazel Park

Marcus Bingham, 6-9, junior, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Gabe Brown, 6-7, junior, Belleville

Kylen Brown, 5-8, senior, Michigan Center

Zach Burk, 6-3, senior, Lutheran Westland

Denver Cade, 6-3, junior, Buckley

Blake Dunn, 6-0, senior, Saugatuck

Derrick Edington, 6-7, senior, Pickford

Daniel Everhart, 6-0, junior, Marine City Cardinal Mooney

Nolan Foster, 6-10, sophomore, Mattawan

Jaivian Fowler, 6-6, sophomore, Grand Rapids Union

Randy Gilbert, 6-6, junior, Detroit Cass Tech

Jordan Graham, 6-6, senior, Farmington

Preston Granger, 6-4, senior, Lansing Christian

Charles Harris, 5-10, senior, Flint Hamady

Markese Hastings, 6-5, junior, Wyoming Godwin Heights

David Hearns, 6-0, junior, Hazel Park

Trey Helinski, 5-11, junior, Adrian Lenawee Christian

Caleb Hodgson, 6-9, sophomore, Dansville

Avery Hudson, 5-10, senior, Wayland

Luke Hyde, 6-6, junior, DeWitt

Alex Ismail, 6-10, senior, Dearborn Heights Annapolis

Deante Johnson, 6-7, junior, Detroit Edison

Drew Lowder, 5-10, sophomore, Ann Arbor Pioneer

Gunnar Libby, 5-9, senior, Hillman

Gabe Meriweather, 6-3, senior, Bellaire

Jalen Miller, 6-3, senior, Lake Fenton

Mason Pline, 6-6, junior, Fowler

Dreyon O’Neal, 6-6, sophomore, Detroit Edison

Jayden Perry, 5-8, junior, Manton

Delbert Redfield, 5-11, senior, Olivet

Tanner Reha, 6-4, junior, DeWitt

Diego Robinson, 6-6, senior, Lansing Everett

Christian Rodriguez, 5-10, senior, Wyoming Godwin Heights

Jaylon Rogers, 6-1, junior, Frankfort

Malik Rogers, 6-6, senior, Dearborn Heights Crestwood

Henry Speight, 6-3, senior, Saginaw

Jalen Tobias, 6-6, junior, Detroit Cass Tech

Demario Turner, 6-4, senior, Detroit Community

Chase VanderKlay, 6-3, senior, Wyoming

Juan Warren, 6-4, senior, Battle Creek Central

Brock Washington, 6-4, senior, Southfield Christian

Carrington Wiggins, 6-6, junior, Goodrich

Eric Williams, 6-4, senior, New Haven

Jacob Witt, 6-7, senior, Ewen-Trout Creek

Carson Wonders, 6-4, senior, Iron Mountain

Contact Mick McCabe: 313-223-4744 or mmccabe@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mickmccabe1.

Brandon Johns, who is bucking the trend of the state’s top players leaving for prep schools, is a top reason why East Lansing is a Class A state title contender.

Recaps of games from across the state:

Boys basketball

Ann Arbor Pioneer 76, Taylor Kennedy 42: Deric Murray scored 30 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Pioneer (2-0). Drew Lowder added 11 points and pocketed five steals, and Will Kirk chipped in 10 points.

Bloomfield Hills 70, Birmingham Detroit Country Day 46: Justin Henry had 16 points, while Josh Jones added 11 points, nine rebounds and four blocks for Bloomfield Hills (2-0). Wendell Green finished with 23 points for Country Day (1-1).

Center Line 72, Ferndale University 64: Lantz Barton scored 27 points for Center Line (1-1). Joe Dibella added 14 points. Andrew Legardye scored 23 points for Ferndale (0-2).

Detroit Cornerstone B 72, Detroit Westside 68: Queron Towns led Cornerstone (2-0) with 23 points, seven rebounds and five steals. Marcus English added 18 points and dished out six assists. Scott Nelson led all scorers with 35 points for Westside (0-3).

Grosse Point North 66, East Detroit 41: Steven Levick finished with 16 points for North (1-0). Aaron Springfield had 15 points for East Detroit (0-2).

Lakeland 61, South Lyon 55: Kyle Soderberg led Lakeland (1-0) with 25 points. Cass Phillips added 13 points. Nick Flynn led all scorers with 26 points for South Lyon (0-2).

Livonia Churchill 77, Garden City 50: Alan Hammett scored 21 points for Livonia (1-1). Evan Cummins added 19 points. Jacob Sadowski paced Garden City (1-1) with 11 points.

Mumford 60, Carlson 55: Josh Lazarski led Mumford with 16 points. Ian Stewart added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Oxford 66, Romeo 59: Ray Luvine led Oxford with 21 points. Jordan Jaden added 16 points, and Michael Raisch chipped in 10 points. Chad Brown added nine points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Quincy 54, Addison 34: William Dunn had 15 points and Nathan Karney added 10 points, five assists and four rebounds for Quincy (1-0). Drew Rokita had 10 points for Addison (1-1).

Rochester Hills Stoney Creek 57, Utica Ford 43: Nate Davis had 17 points and Evan Becker scored 16 for Stoney Creek (2-0). Mario Djeljaj had 15 points for Ford (1-1).

Roseville 68, St. Clair Shores Lakeview 66: Austin Lorentzen had 21 points, while Martell Turner scored 13 for Roseville (1-0). DeAndre Jones finished with 25 points for Lakeview (0-2).

Sterling Heights 88, Warren Mott 81: Shawn Kama led all scorers with 29 points for Sterling Heights (2-0). Malot Dushaj added 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Percy Daniel chipped in 14 points and 12 rebounds. Jaalon Brown and Charles Johnson each scored 17 points for Warren (0-1).

Warren Woods Tower 69, Warren Cousino 38: Charles Anderson and Deshawn Merriweather each scored 13 points for Woods Tower (1-0). Caz Lawrence added 11 points.

Girls basketball

Ann Arbor Skyline 53, Adrian 20: Janee Faulkner had 14 points and Cammi Tirico scored nine for Skyline (2-2).

Birmingham Groves 67, Troy Athens 56: Sha Carter had 24 points for Groves (1-1). Nicole Hughes finished with 13 points and six rebounds for Athens (1-1).

Detroit CMA 43, Detroit Delta Prep Academy 13: Vantane Garrett had 19 points, four steals and three assists, and Jamiya Owens added 10 rebounds for CMA (1-2). Delta Prep is 0-2.

Detroit Denby 44, Detroit Henry Ford 33: Jamila Gortham scored 13 points for Denby (1-1). Kendal Taylor also added 11 points, and Asjah Hayes chipped in 10 points.

Detroit Renaissance 55, Detroit International Academy 2: Nina Reynolds led all scorers with 12 points for Renaissance.

Fruitport Calvary Christian 49, Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian 23 SO

Novi 40, West Bloomfield 29: Ellie Mackway led the Novi attack with 19 points.

Shelby 55, Whitehall 38: Jenny Beckman scored 23 points and pocketed five steals for Shelby. Tori Mussell added 11 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and pocketed five steals.

Southfield Christian 38, Livonia Clarenceville 12: Allison Sullivan scored 14 points for Southfield (2-1, 0-1), and Kelly Hunter added 10 points.

Wixom St. Catherine of Siena Academy 47, Riverview Gabriel Richard 29: Lizzy Turek led Wixom (3-1) with 13 points, and Gabby Green added 12 points.

Hockey

White Lake Lakeland 7, Grand Blanc 0: Brendan Ramboer scored a hat trick for Lakeland (3-3, 3-0). Ben Getzen, Sepncer Sienkiewicz, Ricky Rayner and Blake Jackson also found the back of the net.

Women’s Div. II basketball

Tiffin 79, Wayne State 76 F/OT: Nastassja Chambers led all scorers with 22 points for Wayne (4-4, 2-1 GLIAC). Shannon Wilson added 19 points. Leading Tiffin (3-4, 1-2 GLIAC), Kristen Massey scored 14 points.

Men’s Div. II basketball

Wayne State 70, Tiffin 68: Chuck Key scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Wayne (6-1, 3-0 GLIAC). George Spencer added 15 points off the bench. Alex Brown paced Tiffin (3-6, 0-3 GLIAC) with 18 points.