2017 Horatio Williams Tip Off Classic 1st Team
The Horatio Williams Tip Off Classic took place last Saturday at Cass Tech High School in Detroit. This event is arguably the biggest high school basketball event in the winter in Michigan. This event featured top prospects such as: David DeJulius, Harlond Beverly, Tariq Shepard, Randy Gilbert, Mike Fletcher, Jalen Terry, Bryce Washington, and many other college bound ballers.
This article highlights the top players from this event who played exceptionally well and led their team to victory.
Prior to announcing the five stellar players who received the honors of 1st Team, I would like to notice Detroit Edison’s senior lock down defender, Timothy Steward. Steward had the defensive challenge of guarding Belleville’s senior star, Gabe Brown. Steward played tight defense on Brown, a Michigan State commit. Brown was put into uncomfortable positions and Steward did a superb job denying the ball. Brown was still efficient during this contest, but Steward’s defensive contributions played a large role in this big win for Detroit Edison. Their Coach Brandon “Boe” Neely had this to say on Steward, “He volunteers to guard the other team’s best player so we trust Tim and understand that he is going to compete.”
Now without further ado, I introduce the Horatio Williams Tip Off Classic 1st Team:
Nigel Colvin 6’1River Rogue (’19)- Colvin led his team with 22 points in a win against Detroit Osborn prior to the Horatio Williams Tip Off Classic, so it was no surprise when he dominated against Detroit Western. Colvin played exceptionally well on both ends of the court. The junior guard got to the basket against a talented Detroit Western squad. He showed his versatility by stretching his game to the outside by hitting two threes for River Rogue. Colvin was very vocal on defense and was never seen ball watching. He led the River Rogue Panthers with 17 points in a 49-33 win against Detroit Western .
Randly Gilbert 6’6 Cass Tech (’18)- Gilbert could not be stopped against Flint Beecher. It may have been the home court advantage… or it may be that he is just that good. The Ferris State commit put on a show for the crowd with multiple dunks against the reigning Class C State Champions. If you watched Gilbert over the summer and now there is a noticeable improve
ment in his game. Gilbert is lethal from beyond the arc. He shot 3/5 from the perimeter in his matchup against Flint Beecher. Gilbert ended with 20 points and 7 boards in a 84-56 win against Flint Beecher.
Kyle Washington 6’3 Hazel Park (’18)- Washington is not the type of player that will blow you away with his ball handling or jump shot. However, he played incredibly smart. Washington rebounded very well and ran the floor like no other. Hazel Park’s fast pace offense and strong rebounding gave Washington a lot of easy transition buckets against a stacked East English Village Preparatory Academy (EEVPA) Team. Washington and his teammate, Khari Adams, both rebounded exceptionally well and finished in transition. Washington ended with 18 points and 6 rebounds in a 86-72 win against EEVPA.
Omari Duncan 6’4 Flint Carman-Ainsworth (’18)- Duncan is a freak athlete and he showed that in his matchup against a skilled Detroit Renaissance team. He ran the court well on both ends of the floor. Whether he was running down the floor in transition to get a bucket, or getting back on defense to stop a Detroit Renaissance fast break, he was there. Aside from scoring in transition, Duncan rebounded and distributed the ball well. Duncan’s strong defense and scoring led Flint Carman-Ainsworth to a 61-57 win. Duncan ended with 15 points.
D’Juan Seal 6’4 Detroit Pershing (’18)- Seal had a big summer playing with REACH Legends on the NY2LA circuit. He continued his dominant play against a LOADED Southfield Christian team. Seal was very efficient,
finishing inside the paint. He also got the filled to capacity Cass Tech gymnasium on their feet with a couple of his flashy finishes. Seal played smart and rebounded well. He finished with 13 points in a 81-74 (OT) win against Southfield Christian.
Players who also played well and led their teams to victory: Jayvien Torrance-Jackson/River Rogue, Ja’Kavien Lewis/Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Carl Bow/Hazel Park, Khari Adams/Hazel Park, Paire Hill/Detroit Pershing, Jaylyn Benning, Charles Brown/Detroit Pershing, Ron Hill/Detroit Pershing, Pierre Mitchell/Detroit Edison, Gary Solomon/ Detroit Edison, Tyson Acuff/Cass Tech, Kalil Whitehead/Cass Tech.