Top Returning Downriver League Players
The Michigan high school basketball season is right around the corner, and the Downriver League is loaded with talent this season. Woodhaven should be a top contender with a few key players returning, while Southgate could make some noise as a sleeper team. Here are my top returning Downriver League players.
Josh Warren: Woodhaven Junior Guard
2016-17 Stats: 16 ppg, 6 apg and 5 spg
What to know: If you haven’t seen him play, I recommend heading to Woodhaven this season to catch a glimpse of this kid. He can do everything you need him to do and more. He can score, he can pass, he can rebound and he is a menace on the defensive end of the floor. He is currently ranked as Prep Hoops’ No. 41 prospect in the state of Michigan for the class of 2019, but I could easily see him rising before his senior season.
Bryce Armstong: Wyandotte Roosevelt Senior Guard
2016-17 Stats: 19 ppg, 4 apg, 2.4 rpg and 1 spg
What to know: Armstrong is going to be one of the most prolific scoring guards in the Downriver League this season. He attacks the basket with tenacity and makes finishing around the rim look effortless. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him average 20-plus points per game to go along with five or six assists. He is going to be tough for anyone to guard. I’m looking forward to watching Warren and Armstrong square off this year.
Renaudd Broaden: Taylor Kennedy Senior Guard/Forward
2016-17 Stats: 14.8 ppg, 6 rpg and 1.8 spg
What to know: Broaden is one of the more versatile players returning to the Downriver League this season. Wherever he needs to play, he is willing and able to do it. He is a monster on the boards and is also one of the better defenders in the league. If he’s able to take some steps forward this year, he could average near a double-double.
Tyler Koons: Gibraltar Carlson Senior Forward
2016-17 Stats: 13.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.3 spg
What to know: Koons is actually committed to play baseball at Eastern Michigan University, but he’s pretty dominate on the hardwood. Carlson coach Rob Raymond told the News-Herald that Koons was the “heart and soul” of the team last year. The 6-foot-2 senior should be in for a big season and could lead the Marauders to big things.
Jace Matkin: Southgate Anderson Senior Guard/Forward
2016-17 Stats: 11 ppg, 7 rpg and 2 apg
What to know: Like Koons, Matkin is pretty darn good at baseball. His pinned tweet on Twitter is a video of him taking former Detroit Tigers pitcher Joel Zumaya deep in what looks to be a batting practice session at Comerica Park. But outside of baseball, Matkin is going to lead a dangerous Southgate Anderson team. They aren’t going to be preseason favorites, but if Matkin can take on a bigger scoring load, the Titans are going to be tough to beat on any given night.
Honorable Mention
Ryley Stewart: Wyandotte Roosevelt Senior Guard
2016-17 Stats: 10 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg and 3 spg
Donovan Ebo: Allen Park Senior Guard
2016-17 Stats: 11 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3 rpg and 1.7 spg