Some of the state’s better and lesser-known players are right here under my nose. Everyone knows Flint by its reputation, but ever-so-slowly Genesee County (Flint and the ‘burbs) is catching up.
Here are the 20 best players in the county for 2009-10, first and second teams:
First team
Patrick O’Brien, senior forward, Powers Catholic: Euro-style game with Irish hospitality. (Player of the year)
Demarco Sanders, senior guard, Powers Catholic: Arguably the best pure scorer in the area. Self-made player with virtually no hype.
Patrick Lucas-Perry, junior guard, Flint Powers Catholic: Really nice point guard that helped lead on the state’s best teams.
Glenn Cosey, senior guard, Carman-Ainsworth: Would love to see Glenn play anywhere other than C-A. Quick, physical, heads-up PG.
Jaylen McGee, junior guard, Flint Northwestern: Power guard who reminds me of former SWA standout Rickey Dent.
Dominez Burnett, junior forward, Hamady: By this time next year, if he puts in the time, he’ll be a wing.
Cody Campbell, senior guard, Swartz Creek: Most skilled FML guard I’ve seen in many years. He’s Jordan Fowler with a better shot.
Andrew Patrick, senior guard, Goodrich: Made basketball in Goodrich legit for four years.
Joey Jerisk, senior guard, Burton Bentley: Lock-down defender who led county in scoring.
Jojuan Graham, senior guard, Flint Southwestern: Green-light Graham was the Knights one and only scoring option.
Shaquille Smith, junior guard, Flint Northern: Looked more like a point guard at times this season.
Second Team
Monte Morris, freshman guard, Flint Beecher: Top five freshman in Michigan, easily.
Patrick Haggin, senior guard, Grand Blanc: Purest stroke in Mid-Michigan since Brad Reford.
Thomas Jean, senior forward, Genesee: Workhorse who earned a college scholarship.
Justin Fowler, senior guard, Holly: He’s not just a shooter anymore.
Javontae Hawkins, sophomore forward, Powers Catholic: High-major recruit, if he stays focused, has potential to be best Charger ever.
Mitch Vallie, senior forward, Goodrich: Undersize d small forward that can score and rebound.
Marcus Tucker, senior guard, Grand Blanc: Most improved player in the county. Commands the game; he can shoot and beat his man to the basket.
Travon Mitchell, senior forward, Flint Northwestern: Looks more like a power forward than a wing these days, but fought off an injury during his senior season.
Gerald Williams-Taylor, senior forward, Flint Northern: Smooth 6-4 kid will loads of potential.
Lance Hopkin, senior forward, Holly: Long and lanky prototype high school big man. Best all-around athlete at Holly.
Honorable Mention: Dylan Hickoff, Fenton; William Sams, Montrose; Tyler Hamilton, Fenton; Lance Hopkin, Holly; Roy Jackson, Hamady; Logan Hull, Swartz Creek; Quin Langston, Hamady; Thomas Lovachis, Holly; Tyler Harris, Flushing; Dee Chapman, Carman-Ainsworth; Luke Sorenson, Clio; Denzel Watts, Carman-Ainsworth; Ke’aris Perryman, International Academy of Flint; Capus Robinson, Kearsley; Jordan Fields, Grand Blanc; Zachary Treib, Flushing; Deandre Johnson, New Lothrop; Nathan Landsgaard, Goodrich; Parker Scott, Lake Fenton; Matt Walker, Genesee Christian; Sean Canning, Lake Fenton; Deondre Parks, Flint Northwestern; Daryll Dixon, Hamady; Anton Wilson, Carman-Ainsworth; Richmond Lewis, Flint Northern; Kyle Landis, Davison; Garrett Cook, Genesee; Ryan Hickoff, Fenton.