Traverse City Record-Eagle

Prep Sports

March 23, 2012

Area players earn honorable mentions

Costello named Player of the Year

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Associated Press

EAST LANSING — Matt Costello became the center of attention — physically and figuratively — immediately after hitting the hardwood for the 2011-12 season.

The 6-foot-10, 245-pound Bay City Western High School senior center quickly became a key player for the Warriors, and a formidable foe for opponents. Now the first-team All-State selection, who won the Mr. Basketball award earlier this week, has been named The Associated Press Class A Player of the Year.

Costello's physical size meant he was probably the tallest player on the floor, but it was his game that separated him from the pack. Bay City Western head coach Chris Watz could use his nimble and agile four-year varsity player as a shooting guard if necessary, or play him at power forward or center.

In short, Costello was a match-up nightmare and has been exactly that since he earned a starting job halfway through his sophomore season.

The future Michigan State Spartan saved his best for last in 2011-12 though as he led the Warriors to a second straight district title, despite having four new starters around him. For the season Costello, who led the Warriors to an 18-6 record in the ultra-competitive Saginaw Valley League, averaged 25 points per game. He also tore down 18 rebounds while blocking four shots and dishing out four assists. He scored 49 points in a double overtime win over Flint Southwestern and had 22 double-doubles and two triple-doubles.

Costello also completely rewrote the Bay City Western record books as he finished as the all-time leading scorer with 1,500-plus points and over 1,000 career boards.

"He's one of those guys who understands the angles and how to use his body and how to play the game," Watz said. "He brought an intensity with him and he always worked extremely hard. I've seen a number of 6-10 guys but none of them could dominate a game like Matt could. He was the hardest worker whether it was in the weight room or at 6 a.m. shooting baskets. Rarely is he satisfied because he's driven to succeed."

Joining Costello is on this year's Class A team along with 14 other players from around the state.

Saginaw Arthur Hill's Jalen Adams averaged 21 points per game, five rebounds, two assists for the Lumberjacks.

Senior guard Travontis Richardson of Saginaw poured in 15 points per game while averaging five boards and five assists.

Junior Bishop Robinson of Kalamazoo Loy Norrix led the Knights to the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference crown, averaging 24 points and 12.2 rebounds.

Flint Carmen-Ainsworth's Denzel Watts averaged 20 points per game for the Cavaliers. A junior, Watts is already drawing looks from the likes of Baylor and Kansas State..

Detroit Pershing's Kahlil Felder averaged 19 points, seven assists, five steals and four rebounds at point guard.

Detroit King's Malik Albert closed his career for the Crusaders by averaging 23 points, four steals, five rebounds.

Junior Jonathan Williams of Southfield Lathrup scored 27 points per contest while averaging six assists and five rebounds.

Romulus junior Wes Clark is getting looks from USC after averaging 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Temperence Bedford's 6-foot-7 junior Jackson Lamb came on in 2011-12 as he averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Kicking Mules.

Warren De La Salle Collegiate's Connor Tava averaged 20 points, four assists and 11 rebounds.

Lansing Eastern senior Fredrick Edmond averaged a double-double for the Quakers — 25 points, 14 rebounds.

Down the road at Okemos Chris Harrison-Docks averaged 22 points for the Chieftains. The Butler recruit added in five assists, three steals.

Troy's James Young is another player to keep an eye on next year as he averaged 25 points and 11 rebounds this past year for the Colts.

North Farmington senior Dorrell Foster closed his career scoring 25 points per game.

Petoskey's Zak Lewis and Traverse City West's Graeme Placek were honorable mentions.Coach of the Year honors in Class A are shared by Saginaw's Julien Taylor and Rochester's John Pleasant.

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