Skyline: Team Preview
Ann Arbor Skyline has secured its place on the map of Michigan high school basketball. Coming off its best season in school history, Skyline brings another talented roster to the table in 2018-2019.
Head Coach: Mike Lovelace (11th season at Skyline, 9thVarsity Season since started with freshmen only in 2008)
2017-2018 Record: 23-1
How did last year’s team finish compared to expectations?
“Last year our team had the goal of winning our SEC Red Conference and winning the State Championship. We won our SEC Red Conference finishing undefeated in conference and went 23-0 including many wins over many really good teams (Novi, Belleville, Pershing, Wayne Memorial, Huron, Pioneer and Old Redford) before losing in the regional final to Novi on a buzzer beater shot.” – Coach Lovelace
Overall Team Outlook 2018-2019
“We should be a very good defensive and offensive team. We have players with a lot of defensive potential to be a great defensive team. We should be able to pressure the ball with great help side defense and rim protection. We also have players with strong offensive ability with an inside and outside game. If we play to our strengths on both ends of the court with our high talent level, we will be very strong.”
– Coach Lovelace
Expectations:
“We are determined to win the SEC Red Conference for the 3rd straight year and to contend for a State Championship.”
– Coach Lovelace
Key Returnees:
Ryan Wade (6′ 3” Sr., SG/SF)
“Committed to Holy Cross. Outstanding defender and 3 point shooter. Has developed into a more physical player that can also rebound very well. Improving on slashing to the basket.”
– Coach Lovelace
DeSean Munson (6’7” Sr., PF/C)
“D1/D2 prospect. Outstanding athleticism running the court, finishing at the basket, rebounding and blocking shots at the rim. He plays above the rim. He can defend multiple positions including guards with his incredible agility for his size. He is really developing as an interior offensive threat.” – Coach Lovelace
Kabir Bergin (6’5 Jr., SF)
“D1/D2 Prospect. Outstanding outside shooter behind the arc and has very strong interior post moves and footwork. Very in control on the court, excellent awareness and confidence. He positions himself very well for rebounding. Takes care of the ball and is improving on his defensive skills and physicality.” – Coach Lovelace
Chris Clayton (5’11 So., PG)
“D1/D2 Prospect. Outstanding on ball defender and he works extremely hard on the defensive end. He is exceptional for his age at breaking people down off the dribble and attacking the basket. Much improved on his outside shooting behind the arc. Continues to get better at taking care of the ball and working as a facilitator while also being able to create his own shot and shots for others.” – Coach Lovelace
Key Supporting Players:
Jaylin Cooper (6’1” Sr)
“He is a very quick and explosive player who is gaining confidence. He can really get hot from the 3 point line and he should continue to improve on the defensive end as someone who can disrupt and pressure the ball well.”
– Coach Lovelace
Robert Malcom Jr.: (6’4” Sr)
“An excellent defender who is gaining confidence on the offensive end. He is very unselfish and a great teammate who should continue to gain confidence in a much larger expanded role from last year. He is very steady and reliable.”
– Coach Lovelace
Spencer Morgan (6’4” Sr)
“A very dependable and hard-working player who will not back down from anyone. He does a great job of always getting his hand on a ball wether it is a rebound, deflection or block. He is gaining confidence on the offensive end and is a great team player.” – Coach Lovelace
Areas of Concern:
“Players taking ownership/leadership of the team/program after being led by Brandon Wade and Jack Ammerman for 4 years. We will have to work hard to be a strong rebounding team. That will have to be a constant priority to emphasize.” – Coach Lovelace
Best-Case Scenario:
“Win the SEC Red Conference and the State Championship.” – Coach Lovelace
Do you have any All-State caliber players?
“Yes: Ryan Wade and DeSean Munson.” – Coach Lovelace
Any players with the ability to play at the next level?
“Ryan Wade (D1: Committed to Holy Cross).”
“DeSean Munson (D1/D2).”
“Kabir Bergin (D1/D2).”
“Chris Cayton (D1/D2).”
“Jaylin Cooper (D2/D3).”
“Robert Malcom Jr. (D3).”
“Spencer Morgan (D3).”
– Coach Lovelace
Ann Arbor Skyline looks to follow up a historic season with another memorable campaign. They lost 2 stars, but are definitely reloading not rebuilding. Skyline has talent up and down the lineup. They have players with varying skill sets that are willing and able to play roles on the team. Skyline should be the odds on favorite to win the SEC Red. After that, this team is a legitimate threat to make it through Districts, Regionals, and take the floor at the Breslin Center at the end of the year.