Team Preview: River Rouge Basketball
RIVER ROUGE PANTHERS
LAST SEASON: Overall 23-2 League 12-0
The Panthers Lost to Benton Harbor in the Regionals last year but the River Rouge faithful will be seeing a familiar face on their court this upcoming season as LaMonta Stone was hired as the teams basketball coach on Wednesday evening. Stone led the Panthers to Class B State Championships in 1998 and 1999 before heading off to have a successful collegiate coaching career at; Bowling Green State, Eastern Michigan, and Ohio State. River Rouge’s run to the Breslin Center last year was an impressive one.
For River Rouge to win the Class B state title, Stone knows that his team will have to possibly get past Williamston in the quarterfinals, then New Haven and Romeo Weems in the semifinals and Benton Harbor in the championship game.
“It won’t be easy to win the state championship, having to get past Williamston, New Haven and Benton Harbor, but I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Stone said. “This is the 20th year anniversary of the ’99 team so what better way to go about trying to win a state championship on the 20th anniversary of the last one you won? We have the players to get it done.”
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Micah Parrish – Sr. 6-6 F
The lanky, lefty is efficient and energetic. He does a great job of doing the expected things . He shots the ball well off the catch and bounce while not forcing anything. Parrish’s length, athleticism, and versatility will be key in Rouge’s run at a state title. He will to get stronger and has brought in multiple D2 offers.
Nigel Colvin – Sr. 6-1 G
Strong, athletic, and energy are staples in Colvin’s repertoire. He makes strong finishes on the break, finished through contact. He has a tight handle and also makes sound decisions throughout games He’s also an underrated passer as they are precise, timely, and have zip.
Dan Few – Sr. 6’6 C
Few has committed to Lake Superior State according to the River Rouge coaching staff and is expected to sign his Letter of Intent later this morning.Few is an aggressive big-man and performs well on both sides of the court.Few played AAU this past year with M2K Elite and has improved as well as anyone.
Legend Geeter – So. 6’5 F
He received his first offer on Saturday evening from Cleveland State University. The Panthers freshman sensation has had an impressive first year of high school basketball and the 6’4 forward should continue to draw much more interest in the future. AAU The Family
Donovan Freeman – Sr. 6-4 small forward M2K Elite
A pesky defender who can jump out of the gym. His toolbox is deep on both ends of the floor. Recorded a double-double — 17 points and 12 rebounds — in the 59-44 victory for River Rouge (23-1) over Dearborn Divine Child (18-7) in a Class B quarterfinal contest. One of the Panthers tops scorers last season. Look for a breakout year from Freeman this season.
Bralin Toney – Sr. PG 6-1
One of the best on ball defenders in the state, averaging 4.3 steals per game. His biggest strengths are defense, and ability to see the floor, breaking down defenders and scoring. He performs with a high motor and is perhaps the Panthers X factor going into this season.