New Haven Looking To Repeat in 2017-2018
Carrying a 34 game league winning streak and coming off a Class B State Championship, New Haven has deservedly high expectations this season.
Head Coach: Tedaro France (10th season)
2016-2017:
*27-1
*Class B State Champions
* “We had a special season last year becoming the first team in school history and the second team in Macomb County to win a State Championship. Winning a State Championship is always one of our goals we set in the preseason as it is for every team in the state. For us to accomplish and reach that goal was truly a Blessing and it showed the hard work, dedication, and commitment of everyone in our program.” -Coach France
2017-2018 Team Outlook:
*”Coming off a State Championship season and having one of the top players in the country in Romeo Weems expectations are very high. I just expect our kids to commit to excellence both on and off the basketball court, to continue to display great character while having great discipline in all that we do. To simply get better everyday. Win the day!” -Coach France
*”We lost two starters from last year team in wing Eric Williams Jr and point guard AJ Crawford III. We return 3 starters but its is like we return 4 because guards Tavares Oliver Jr and Ronald Jeffery III split that duty last year for us. Tavares and Ronald both had great summers and I am looking for them both to provide leadership, toughness and consistency for us at the guard spots. 6-7 Senior Forward Ashton Sherrell continues to improve. He added some strength and has a much improved overall game in his improved ability to step out and knock down the 3pt shot consistently and that will be a great asset for us. 6-7 Junior wing Romeo Weems had a great summer winning a Gold medal with team USA as a starter on the 16u team. Romeo continues to get better and his leadership and work ethic rubs off on his teammates. Romeo is a winner and he has the unique ability to make everyone around him better, not just in there play but also in there work habits.” -Coach France
Areas of concern:
*”One area of concern is at our point guard position. Replacing a great point guard in AJ Crawford our quarterback is going to be tough. The Duty will be split between Senior Tavares Oliver, Junior Jamir Farrior and Senior Da’von Hicks. I am going move Tavares Oliver off the ball at times to get him the ball on the wing. He is one of the best shooters in the state. How quickly Jamir Farrior and Da’von Hicks grasp our system and adapt to our play on both sides of the ball will be critical.” -Coach France
Key Returners:
6-7 Junior wing Romeo Weems
6-7 Forward Ashton Sherrell
6-0 Senior Guard Tavares Oliver Jr
6-1 Junior Guard Ronald Jeffery III
6-5 Senior Forward Ascuan Johnson
6-4 Forward Junior Malen Lewis
Key newcomers:
5-11 Junior point guard Jamir Farrior
5-10 senior point guard Da’von Hicks
6-6 Junior Forward Jaasan Gantt
While New Haven lost two key starters, they have experienced and talented players ready to step in. Look for New Haven to defend their Macomb Area Conference (MAC) Blue Division title and to be traveling to the Breslin Center to defend their Class B State Championship at the end of the season.