The Spartan Shootout’s Recap I

By TJ Kelley

Inside Prep Sports.net.

6/17/08

E.Lansing, MI.- A lot of talented teams and players descended upon the Michigan State campus this past weekend. There were 56 teams overall that carried incoming freshman, transfers, and improved players. Also, the opportunity for those on jv last year were able to find where they fit in the varsity environment provided by the Tom Izzo Spartan Showcase. The event was efficiently ran, the 12 courts were only a few minutes apart, the competition was good, and the two-day event ended with a solid tournament that left Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard as champions.

Hartland and Detroit Southeastern provide a wealth of talent on either side of the ball per roster and both could make runs in the regular season or when it counts. The battle of rising sophomores was delayed for the public as Hartland's young shooting guard, 6’3 wing/guard Matt Poches, sat out resting his ankle after playing in two earlier games on Friday while 6’4 wing/guard Brandan Kearney played well under the keen eye of the MSU staff. Hartland’s 5’10 guard Vonn Jones made his case as the best guard in Michigan’s ’09 class. Jones was tossing dimes over post defenders that stepped up, took it to the rack when eager guards did the same, and he even knocked down the threes in crunch time. His most impressive play was his drive off the left elbow and dish to 6’3 forward Jon Stevens ’09 who completed the lay-up for the win, 48-46. Southeastern Head Coach Mark White played his incoming freshman group for much of the game and 6’7 center Percy Gibson ’11 is holding down the post as well as anyone in his class.

Saginaw and Utica Eisenhower presented a nice match up of post players, Saginaw’s 6’7 Tommy McCune ‘11 and Utica’s 6’8 Corey Petros ’10, squared off and both have great upside. Both run the floor well and are active players on the glass. Petros’ scores in a variety of ways from 10 and in, while McCune stands out defensively with a knack to contest shots. Look for both to gain interest when the NCAA open periods in July swing around. Saginaw’s casts a trio of quality guards starting with the evolving scorer, 6’2 Mike Green, then the shooter, 6’1 Jimmy Davis ’09, and the defender, 5’11 DeAnthony Arnett ’11. Saginaw also has one of the best incoming freshmen in 6’5 forward Kevin Marshall. Saginaw won 39-36.

Friday night featured Rockford and Powers in the Breslin’s Auxiliary Gym and the battle was a solid test for both teams. Rockford consistency over the Steve Majerle years is top notch and look for them to put up a solid record in the ’08-’09 season. The Rams have nice size with a trio of 2010 forwards, 6’5 Robert Pierson, 6’6 Jake Greene, and 6’6 Matt Karamel, along with senior 6’6 forward John Prins. 5’9 point guard Matt Van Pelt was out for Rockford due to an arm injury that will keep him out through July. Powers supplies a lot of quality from the team that lost in the state finals last season and with a key component, the long, bouncy, 6’6 forward Rodney Anderson ’09, have a solid chance of returning. An impressive sight was the Chargers 6’2 guard, Shane Moreland ’09, as he has improved his ball handling over the last couple of months helping him to become more of a combo guard. Two underclassmen that played well in the Chargers win were the Patricks, 6’3 forward O’Brien ’10 and guard Lucas-Perry ’11. O’Brien provides the added scoring while Lucas-Perry provides distribution. Powers won 56-50.

A playoff match up with Warren De LaSalle and Zeeland East was an overtime, sudden death thriller at Jenison Fieldhouse. Northwestern U. commit 6’3 guard Alex Marcotullio ’09 made clutch plays in the last two minutes of regulation before coming around a pick to hit the game winning 16 foot jumper. His match up with Z. E.’s 6’2 guard Korey VanDussen ’09 was nice to watch as both are active and the teams go to scorers. There was also a nice battle in the post between 6’9 center Kevin McCarthy ’09 and 6’5 forward Nate Snuggerud ’09. They both had their moments as Snuggerud used quickness and McCarthy used his size. De LaSalle won 23-21.

Dewitt and E. Grand Rapids met up Saturday morning and a couple of the state’s best two sport athletes went head-to-head. Dewitt’s Paul Jorgenson is 6’4/ 260 pounds and a talented rising junior who holds down the post and a talented lineman. Jorgenson is powerful and controls the paint physically. He has good hands and is a solid rebounder. E. Grand Rapids has 6’6/220 pound forward Colin Voss who is one of the best DE/TE in Michigan’s 2010 class. At this point, Voss has the strength, an improving skill set, and the athleticism to compete in Division I. He was the best player on the court. Dewitt won 48-38.