New Reality has Roseville Dreaming Big
By
Tom Markowski
Special for Second Half
January 30, 2019
ROSEVILLE – Something happened last February that produced a dramatic effect on the Roseville boys basketball team.
It’s difficult for Roseville coach Hassan Nizam to put into words – but he’s certain that his team’s trip to Ann Arbor to play Pioneer and, more importantly, their visit to the Crisler Center to watch a University of Michigan practice had a positive impact on last year’s team and the program as a whole.
“(The U-M staff) gave us a tour,” Nizam said. “It was eye-opening. There was something about it. I can’t even explain it. We’ve lost twice since. Maybe it turned them into dreamers.”
Roseville won seven straight after losing that game to Pioneer before a 44-39 defeat to Macomb Dakota in a Class A Regional Semifinal ended the Panthers’ season.
They’ve stormed back this winter and sit 13-1 entering the final month of the regular season, with their only loss coming at Dakota, 55-52, in the fifth game. Roseville avenged that loss with a 63-56 victory at home Jan. 15 and is ranked No. 3 in Division 1 in the latest Associated Press poll.
The Panthers are 8-1 in the Macomb Area Conference Red and have clinched a share of the title. They can win it outright with a victory at Sterling Heights Stevenson on Monday.
After that and over the next two months, Roseville is shaping up as a possibility to not only make school history, but carry its entire area into an elite scenario for the first time.
Teams from Macomb County have rarely been relevant come tournament time. Not only has a Macomb County team never won a Class A (now Division 1) title, the county has never been represented in a Class A Final in boys basketball. Warren DeLaSalle made the Class B Final in 1982 and has come close to breaking that county barrier, reaching Class A Semifinals in 1986, 2007 and last season. Dakota also lost in the Class A Semifinals in 2016.
Enter Roseville. The program has had limited success in the MHSAA Tournament – last season the Panthers finished 16-7 and won just the fourth District title in program history. They’ve never won a Regional.
Talent has come through in the past, but didn’t always guarantee a postseason run. Sir’Dominic Pointer (known as Dominick Pointer while attending Roseville) played two seasons at Roseville before transferring to a prep school in North Carolina, then played collegiately at St. John’s and was selected as the 53rd pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by Cleveland. He is currently playing professionally in Israel. Still, Roseville was not able to get past the District round in either of his seasons.
But on the positive side, this team is coming off that District title and has plenty of experience to go with ability. Four starters are back including seniors Darien Banks, Lazell Judge and John Ukomadu. The other returning start is junior point guard Martell Turner who, if he isn’t the team’s best, is likely the team’s most important player. The fifth starter is senior Deshaun Wright.
At 24, Nizam is one of the state’s youngest head coaches and his upbeat coaching style has had a rippling effect. This attitude impressed those who were responsible for hiring him, notably school principal Pat Adams.
“Our search for a new coach was centered on someone who loved kids and was passionate about the game,” Adams said. “In Coach Niz, we struck gold on both accounts. A big part of changing the culture in a building is to have the kids believe in themselves, feel pride in who they represent, and respect the leaders who spend time with them. We believe Coach Niz has demonstrated that he's a very important part of that formula and will continue to be as the program evolves.”
A 2012 graduate of Dearborn Fordson, Nizam spent three seasons as the junior varsity and varsity assistant at Fordson before becoming an assistant at U-M Dearborn for the 2016-17 season. Nizam said one of his first objectives when he was hired at Roseville in May of 2017 was to build consistency.
“I was just an assistant coach looking for an opportunity,” he said. “As far as the program here, I knew they had had some success. The transition was pretty smooth, and the kids bought in. (Sir’)Dominic stops by every now and then, and the kids appreciate that. The guys have to understand that individual success comes from team success.”
Last season was one of the most successful in school history. As a member of the MAC White, Roseville competed in the MAC Red/White division playoffs and defeated Clinton Township Chippewa Valley for the title. Two weeks later, Roseville won the District title by defeating St. Clair Shores Lake Shore 80-77.
Roseville opted to move up to the MAC Red this season, and one result is a more competitive schedule. In addition to the increase in competition the Red affords, the Panthers defeated DeLaSalle to open the winter, then defeated Division 2 contender New Haven at New Haven and slipped past Cincinnati Withrow (Ohio), 42-39, at the Motor City Roundball Classic.
“We kind of have the approach that we want to get better each game,” Nizam said. “We’ve got a chance to win the MAC Red, the MAC title, a District title and a Regional. It’s that day-to-day thing we like to emphasize.”
What makes this team better than last season’s is Roseville’s play on the defensive end. The players are communicating better, switching assignments when teams run a motion offense and playing help defense.
In Roseville’s 65-60 victory over New Haven, the Panthers held Romeo Weems – New Haven’s best player and a likely candidate for the Mr. Basketball Award – to 20 points. As a team, Roseville has allowed 45 points per game. And just one team, New Haven, has scored in the 60s.
“That New Haven game was big for us,” Nizam said. “They hadn’t lost a game at home in like six years. We weren’t going to let Weems beat us. Our kids believed in each other that game. After that, their confidence went way up. It showed we can be a problem for any team.”
Offensively, Roseville likes to score in transition, but its half-court sets have improved since last season as well. Banks is an accurate 3-point shooter and leads the team in scoring at 21 points per game. Turner is the table-setter who averages seven assists. Ukomadu is a 6-foot-7 post player who jumps well, and Judge is a 6-1 lefty who plays the wing.
Wright is a 6-3 power forward who possesses a good mid-range jump shot. And he’s one example of why the program has shown promise and is on the rise. Wright never played high school basketball before this season. He played basketball in middle school before concentrating on football his first three years of high school.
Wright saw the success the team had last season and, in the end, it was Nizam’s coaching style that won him over.
“I caught a few games at the end of last year,” Wright said. “I liked (Nizam’s) enthusiasm. He wants to win as much as we do. He wants it just as bad as we do. My mom (Ruth Wright) told me, to be a two-sport athlete coming out of high school would help me in college. I would love to play either one in college.”
Wright has yet to decide on which school he will attend next fall, and he is expected to take a visit to Urbana University in Ohio before making his decision.
In the meantime, Wright’s focus is on his teammates and continuing what they together have started.
“Once we step on the floor, we’re connected,” he said. “Our goal is to get better every game.
“Sharpen the ax. And we are getting better every day. I know by the way we compete against each other in practice.”
Tom Markowski is a correspondent for the State Champs! Sports Network and previously directed its web coverage. He also covered primarily high school sports for the The Detroit News from 1984-2014, focusing on the Detroit area and contributing to statewide coverage of football and basketball. Contact him at [email protected] with story ideas for Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.
PHOTOS: (Top) Roseville’s John Ukomadu throws down a dunk during a scrimmage. (Middle) Panthers players huddle with coach Hassan Nizam. (Photos by Brian Sevald Photo.)
Breslin Bound: 2022-23 Boys District Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
March 6, 2023
There’s an awesomeness that comes with nearly 100 years of tradition, and one of the MHSAA's originals begins another chapter tonight with the first games of the 2022-23 MHSAA Boys Basketball Tournament.
Up first are Districts, often with teams seeing neighbors a second or third time – but this time, it’s win or go home. Then come Regionals, where the opponents are more unfamiliar, but all on equal footing and with some added spring to their steps after hoisting trophies the weekend before. The final week of the tournament is the final week of the winter sports season as well, and everything seems to accelerate as those last 16 teams whittle down to four champions Saturday at the Breslin Center.
Everything you could want to know this week about tickets, brackets and more can be found on the Boys Basketball page. To watch any of several games online, visit the NFHS Network.
“Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid and based on results and schedules posted for each school at MHSAA.com.
Week in Review
The countdown of last week’s five most intriguing results:
1. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice 66, Detroit Cass Tech 65 (OT) The annual Operation Friendship meeting of Detroit league champions was unforgettable as Rice (21-1) handed Cass Tech (21-1) its lone loss on a final-seconds 3-pointer.
2. North Farmington 73, Ferndale 54 The Division 1 highly-regarded Raiders (19-1) completed an outright Oakland Activities Association Red title run by finishing a sweep of Division 2 contender Ferndale (14-8)
3. River Rouge 57, Ann Arbor Huron 54 The Panthers (16-5) capped an impressive six-win surge to finish the regular season with a close one over the River Rats (19-2).
4. Muskegon 67, Kalamazoo Central 60 The Big Reds (20-2) entered the postseason with a big win as the Maroon Giants (18-3) also have bigtime playoff potential.
5. Napoleon 63, Jonesville 61 The annual Big 8/Cascades conference crossover of champions went the Pirates’ way as Napoleon (21-1) bounced back from its lone loss two days earlier to edge the Comets (17-5).
Districts at a Glance
These could be among our most competitive brackets. Host sites are in bold:
DIVISION 1
Bloomfield Hills
No. 1 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (21-1), No. 2 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (9-10), West Bloomfield (15-6), Birmingham Groves (16-6), Bloomfield Hills (15-7), Birmingham Seaholm (12-10).
Topped by an overall Division 1 favorite in Brother Rice, this might be the strongest District in the state regardless of division. The Warriors have seen many of the rest of the best in Michigan and defeated them all including Grand Blanc, River Rouge, East Kentwood, Kalamazoo Central, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (twice) and Cass Tech (see above) just a few days ago. The lone loss came to reigning Division 1 champion Warren De La Salle Collegiate, and Brother Rice avenged that three weeks later. St. Mary’s hasn’t played an opponent with a losing record this season, and its most recent loss to Rice on Feb. 7 was by just five points – while the Eaglets have their share of strong wins as well. West Bloomfield and Groves shared the OAA White championship, and Seaholm won the OAA Blue.
Coopersville
No. 1 Muskegon (20-2), No. 2 Grand Haven (17-5), Grand Rapids Union (14-7), Muskegon Reeths-Puffer (13-9), Coopersville (14-8), Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (8-14), Muskegon Mona Shores (5-17).
The Big Reds are a top contender in Division 1 this month and have seen some of the rest including Kalamazoo Central (see above), North Farmington and Grand Blanc – the latter two delivering Muskegon’s losses. But they’ll still have to be careful this first week with some familiar opponents pursuing an upset. Union finished second to Muskegon in the Ottawa-Kent Conference Green, while Reeths-Puffer tied for third in that league – although Muskegon won its four combined games against them all by at least 25 points. But on the other side of the bracket, Coopersville tied for second in O-K Blue, and Grand Haven tied for third in a highly-competitive O-K Red and defeated Muskegon in a 2021 District matchup, the last time they met.
Holt
No. 1 Okemos (18-4), No. 2 Mason (20-2), Jackson (17-5), Holt (13-9), Jackson Northwest (13-9), Lansing Everett (2-20).
Mason and Jackson are coming off league championships, the Bulldogs outright in the Capital Area Activities Conference Red and the Vikings sharing the Southeastern Conference White. But the top seed is Okemos, which finished second in the CAAC Blue – which saw six of its seven teams finish 12-9 or better during the regular season – and two of the Wolves’ losses came in league play in overtime. Okemos could see Jackson in a District Semifinal, and the Vikings have made a notable jump from 8-13 a season ago but also open tonight against Holt, which defeated them 67-60 on Dec. 20. Mason’s jump has been just as impressive – from 10-11 last season – but there’s another note of interest there too as possible Wednesday opponent Northwest defeated the Bulldogs in their season opener 64-55.
DIVISION 2
Big Rapids
1. Hart (22-0), 2. Cadillac (18-4), Big Rapids (19-2), Ludington (20-2), Reed City (13-9), Remus Chippewa Hills (10-11).
Hart has made history over and over again this season with a first league title in 60 years and one of the first 22-0 regular-season finishes in MHSAA history. But how strong is this District? Counting the two weeks since seeding into MPR, Hart would’ve ranked fourth with Cadillac, Big Rapids and Ludington all moving up a spot. Big Rapids won the Central State Activities Association and Ludington shared the West Michigan Conference Lakes title, and they lead things off tonight – with the winner set to meet Hart on Wednesday, and Hart having defeated Big Rapids 92-84 on Dec. 15. On the other side, Cadillac shared the Big North Conference title and suffered three of its losses by a combined four points.
New Boston Huron
1. Flat Rock (17-5), 2. Romulus Summit Academy North (20-2), Riverview (19-3), Grosse Ile (14-8), New Boston Huron (8-14).
Summit is seeking a third-straight District title with its only losses this season to teams that are a combined 39-3 – Detroit Loyola and Warren Michigan Collegiate. The Dragons start Wednesday against Grosse Ile, which finished third in the Huron League behind co-champions Flat Rock and Riverview. Those two also could face off Wednesday, although New Boston Huron will attempt to play spoiler tonight against the Pirates. Riverview and Flat Rock split their meetings this season, Flat Rock winning 58-52 on Jan. 2s4 and the Pirates avenging 44-41 on Feb. 17.
Wyoming Godwin Heights
1. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (16-6), 2. Wyoming Lee (19-1), Wyoming Godwin Heights (12-7), Hudsonville Unity Christian (13-9), Wyoming Kelloggsville (2-20), Allendale (2-20).
The Cougars, last season’s Division 2 runners-up, have won nine of their last 11 and shared the O-K Gold championship with another Division 2 contender in Grand Rapids South Christian. GRCC could run into a familiar opponent Wednesday in Unity Christian, which tied for second in the O-K Blue but has won seven of its last nine. Those two have met the last two postseasons (and were set to meet in 2020 before COVID-19 halted the playoffs), with the Cougars winning both matchups. On the other side, Lee has had one of the biggest turnarounds in the state this season after going 5-16 a year ago. The Legends won the Alliance League but could have one of their toughest matchups of the season Wednesday if host Godwin Heights gets by Kelloggsville in an opener.
DIVISION 3
Cass City
1. Cass City (19-2), 2. Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker (16-5), Bad Axe (16-4), Sandusky (14-7), Harbor Beach (7-11), Unionville-Sebewaing (0-21).
Cass City and its late-game heroics have been one of the most fun stories this season, and they head into this District as the top seed but having been eliminated by either Laker or Bad Axe the last three playoffs (not counting 2020). Those two also own the only wins over Cass City this season, with the Red Hawks and Lakers sharing the Greater Thumb Conference West title after splitting their regular-season meetings. They’re lined up on opposite sides of the bracket as the top seeds, but Bad Axe – which defeated Cass City 50-41 on Jan. 6 – will attempt to play spoiler against Cass City on Wednesday if it gets by Harbor Beach tonight. Sandusky could make a major impact as well; the GTC East runner-up has USA tonight but would see Laker on Wednesday after winning last Thursday’s meeting with EBPB 67-49.
Lake City
1. Traverse City St. Francis (18-4), 2. Maple City Glen Lake (18-4), Benzie Central (11-11), Manton (8-14), LeRoy Pine River (8-14), Lake City (3-18).
Although they missed each other last season, St. Francis and Glen Lake have met in District play most of the last decade (and were scheduled to play in 2020), with Glen Lake winning their 2021 postseason matchup and St. Francis winning the next most-recent meeting in 2019. St. Francis shared the Lake Michigan Conference title this season with Boyne City and also had the benefit of facing Division 1 Cass Tech and Grand Haven, no doubt gaining some valuable experience in defeats. Glen Lake won the Northwest Conference and has wins over Division 1 Wayne Memorial and also the third and fourth-place teams from the LMC as a bit of a measuring stick. The Lakers also swept Benzie, which tied for second in the Northwest and would see St. Francis on Wednesday with a win tonight.
Watervliet
1. Watervliet (19-3), 2. Niles Brandywine (20-2), Cassopolis (17-4), Bridgman (11-11), Coloma (2-20).
Watervliet won the Southwestern Athletic Conference Lakeshore title and Cassopolis won the Southwest 10 Conference South, and Brandywine finished second in the Lakeland Conference but to Division 2 contender Benton Harbor – which handed the Bobcats their only losses of the season, and the second only 58-56 on Feb. 17. Brandywine also has a 61-35 win over Cassopolis from Jan. 31 but is on the other side of the bracket facing Bridgman on Wednesday. The Rangers have won their last seven and open with Coloma tonight, with Watervliet awaiting the winner and having enjoyed big wins this season over Blanchard Montabella (20-2) and reigning Division 3 champion Schoolcraft (15-7) and also having lost by only three to Benton Harbor.
DIVISION 4
Mesick
1. McBain Northern Michigan Christian (16-6), 2. Mesick (17-5), Marion (15-7), Buckley (14-8), Fife Lake Forest Area (0-19).
NMC finished third in the Highland Conference to Division 3 McBain and Beal City and carries the top seed into this week having won six of its last seven games – but after also falling to Buckley 62-58 on Thursday. Host Mesick is on the other side of the bracket after finishing second in the West Michigan D League and with 10 wins over its last 11 games, but opens Wednesday with Buckley – which tied for second in the Northwest Conference to Glen Lake and has won 10 of its last 11 as well. Marion – 7-12 just a season ago – finished third in the WMDL and opens with Forest Area with hopes of getting past NMC after that and perhaps seeing Mesick a third time after they split their regular-season matchups.
Mio
1. Mio (18-1), 2. Hillman (18-4), Hale (10-11), Fairview (4-14), Atlanta (1-15), Au Gres-Sims (1-21).
Hillman and Mio met in last season’s District Final, won by the Tigers 53-36, and Hillman also claimed their meeting just a few weeks ago – 66-41 on Feb. 13. Both were on their way to North Star League titles, Mio in the Big Dipper and Hillman in the Little Dipper. That was the Thunderbolts’ only loss as they move into District week the top seed and coming off an overtime 44-36 win over Big Dipper runner-up Alcona. Hillman has actually lost two straight and three of its last five – but likely gained some valuable experience with those defeats to Division 1 Gaylord, Division 2 Ogemaw Heights and Division 3 Tawas. The Tigers on Wednesday will see either Hale or Fairview, both familiar after finishing third and fourth, respectively, in the Little Dipper.
Onaway
1. Onaway (19-3), 2. Indian River Inland Lakes (16-6), Posen (16-6), Burt Lake Northern Michigan Christian (11-9), Rogers City (3-19), Wolverine (5-12).
Onaway and Inland Lakes were part of a three-team shared Ski Valley Conference championship (with Gaylord St. Mary), and they could meet again with Inland Lakes winning their most recent meeting 66-43 on Feb. 17. Onaway has claimed two straight District titles, however, but first Wednesday will see either Posen or Northern Michigan Christian. Posen was the runner-up in the North Star League Little Dipper and has won eight of its last nine – although Onaway did take their Dec. 21 matchup 49-48. Inland Lakes has doubled its success from just a season ago, when it finished 8-13, and has won eight of its last nine games.
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PHOTOS (Top) Detroit Cass Tech's Travon Cooper II sets up for a free throw during the Detroit Public School League Tournament championship game at Calihan Hall. (Middle) Grand Blanc's Donnie Huddleston (2) gets a hand up as Flint Beecher's Damarcus Burke Jr. (13) launches a jumper during the Bobcats' 57-43 win on Thursday. (Photos by Olivia B. Photography and Terry Lyons, respectively.)