Sons of NBA Legends Dominate High School Basketball

Sons of NBA Stars in High School Basketball

Image: MaxPreps | YouTube

There are currently 36 second-generation players in the NBA, including Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, Darius Garland, Jaren Jackson Jr., Kevin Love, Domantas Sabonis and Klay Thompson.

That list has the potential to expand in the coming years as Ray Allen, Carmelo Anthony, Gilbert Arenas, Cameron Boozer, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Hakeem Olajuwon and Dominique Wilkins all have sons playing high school basketball this season.

Currently, 11 sons of current and former players are regarded as top 50 prospects in their class, including Kiyan Anthony, Alijah Arenas, Tajh Ariza, Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Erick Dampier Jr., Obinna Ekezie Jr., Kaden House, Jaxon Richardson, Jacob Wilkins and Elijah Williams.

Read on for a look at 64 sons of former and current NBA players competing on the prep hardwood this season.

Dante Allen, Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)

Father: Malik Allen, 10-year NBA veteran scored over 2,000 points in his career.

Son: MaxPreps Junior All-America honorable mention selection averaged 21.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 3.0 assists per game to guide Riviera Prep to their second consecutive Class 3A state title.

Walker Allen, Gulliver Prep (Miami, Fla.)

Father: Ray Allen, 10-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion.

Son: 5-foot-8 Class of 2024 guard tallied 3.7 points and 1.1 rebounds per game as a junior.

Reese Alston, Second Baptist (Houston, Texas)

Father: Rafer Alston, 11-year NBA veteran tallied 6,799 points and 3,202 assists in his career.

Son: Promising sophomore guard is averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 steals per outing through nine games this season.

Kiyan Anthony, Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.)

Father: Carmelo Anthony, 10-time NBA All-Star, six-time All-NBA and one-time NBA champion.

Son: Top 40 Syracuse signee is expected to see increased usage for the Crusaders after putting up 8.2 points and 2.3 assists per contest to help LuHi finish ranked No. 2 in the final National Top 10.

Alijah Arenas, Chatsworth (Calif.)

Father: Gilbert Arenas, three-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA.

Son: First team MaxPreps Sophomore All-America selection averaged 33.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game to help the Chancellors reach the Division IV state title game.

Tajh Ariza, Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.)

Father: Trevor Ariza, 18-year NBA veteran and 2009 NBA champion scored 11,593 career points.

Son: After spending his first two seasons at St. Bernard (Playa del Rey, Calif.), Ariza will play his junior season at Westchester. The 6-8 wing is regarded as a top 10 prospect in the Class of 2026.

Julius Avent, Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.)

Father: Anthony Avent, 6-year NBA veteran tallied 1,958 points and 1,584 rebounds in his career.

Son: Four-star Class of 2026 forward averaged 11.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per contest to help the Crusaders reach the Non-Public A state semifinals last season.

Carter Barnes, Crespi (Encino, Calif.)

Father: Matt Barnes, 14-year NBA veteran and 2017 NBA champion scored 7,589 career points.

Son: Showed promise in his debut season, averaging 7.3 points, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game as a freshman.

Isaiah Barnes, Crespi

Father: Matt Barnes, 14-year NBA veteran and 2017 NBA champion scored 7,589 career points.

Son: Averaged 8.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per contest as a freshman, helping the Colts finish the season with a record of 24-8.

Brandon Bass Jr., Windermere Prep (Windermere, Fla.)

Father: Brandon Bass, 12-year NBA veteran tallied 6,575 points and 3,448 rebounds in his career.

Son: MaxPreps Sophomore All-America honorable mention selection averaged 20.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game to help the Lakers (24-8) reach the Class 3A state title game.

Zeke Battier, Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.)

Father: Shane Battier, 13-year NBA veteran, two-time NBA champion and two-time All-Defensive team selection.

Son: Following a dominant sophomore campaign that saw him average 24.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per outing at Ransom Everglades (Miami, Fla), Battier will spend his junior year with the Chargers.

Jamison Blake, Olympia (Orlando, Fla.)

Father: Steve Blake, 13-year NBA veteran tallied 5,662 points and 3,446 assists in his career.

Son: 6-0 sophomore guard will play his first season of varsity basketball under his father, who is an assistant coach on the staff.

Nicholas Blake, Olympia

Father: Steve Blake, 13-year NBA veteran tallied 5,662 points and 3,446 assists in his career.

Son: Senior guard played sparingly last season, averaging 1.4 points per game for a group that reached the Class 7A state quarterfinals.

Cameron Boozer, Columbus (Miami, Fla.)

Father: Carlos Boozer, 13-year NBA veteran and two-time NBA All-Star.

Son: Top 25 Duke signee earned MaxPreps National Junior of the Year honors after averaging 22.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 blocks per game to guide the Explorers (28-5) to their third consecutive 7A state championship.

Cayden Boozer, Columbus

Father: Carlos Boozer, 13-year NBA veteran and two-time NBA All-Star.

Son: Top 25 Duke signee was a MaxPreps Junior All-America honorable mention pick after putting up 12.0 points, 7.6 assists and 2.7 rebounds per outing to help the Explorers finish the season ranked No. 2 in the final MaxPreps Top 25.

Ozmel Bowen, TMI-Episcopal

Father: Bruce Bowen, 13-year NBA veteran, three-time NBA champion and eight time All-Defensive team selection.

Son: Class of 2026 guard is expected to be a key cog for a group rich with NBA bloodlines.

Justin Burrough, Norfolk Collegiate (Norfolk, Va.)

Father: Junior Burrough, played 61 games and started three games in one NBA season.

Son: Averaged 12.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 blocks and 2.1 steals per contest to help the Mighty Oaks (31-5) reach the Division II state semifinals as a junior.

Elijah Crispin, Pitman (N.J.)

Father: Joe Crispin, played 21 games and tallied 79 points in one NBA season.

Son: Strong junior campaign saw him average 18.5 points, 6.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game to help the Panthers (23-8) reach the Group 1 state semifinals.

Erick Dampier Jr., Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison, Miss.)

Father: Erick Dampier, 16-year NBA veteran tallied 7,309 points and 7,005 rebounds in his career.

Son: Elite freshman prospect is averaging 21.7 points, 14.0 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per contest through three games to start the season.

Lucas Dickau, Mt. Spokane (Mead, Wash.)

Father: Dan Dickau, six-year NBA veteran tallied 1,745 points and 752 assists in his career.

Son: Contributor last year for Class 3A semifinalist.

Corey Dixon, Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)

Father: Juan Dixon, seven-year NBA veteran tallied 3,678 points and 816 rebounds in his career.

Son: After spending his freshman campaign at Severn, the promising guard will attend Our Lady of Good Counsel this season. Dixon averaged 17.5 points, 4.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game at DMV Live this summer.

Dra Duncan, TMI-Episcopal

Father: Tim Duncan, five-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP and two-time MVP.

Son: Junior forward will play for former NBA head coach Monty Williams on a roster filled with sons of former NBA players.

Obinna Ekezie Jr., Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.)

Father: Obinna Ekezie, four-year NBA veteran tallied 510 points and 383 rebounds in his career.

Son: 6-foot-11 sophomore is regarded as one of the top 10 prospects in the Class of 2027.

Mason Hansen, Springville (Utah)

Father: Travis Hansen, tallied 123 points and 70 rebounds across 41 games in one NBA season.

Son: Averaged 13.6 points, 4.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game to help the Red Devils reach the second round of the Class 5A state tournament last season as a sophomore.

Dorian Hayes, Ridge Point (Missouri City, Texas)

Father: Chuck Hayes, 11 year NBA veteran tallied 2,410 points and 3,243 rebounds in his career.

Son: Three-star UTSA signee is a big reason why the Panthers are off to 7-3 start to the season.

K.J. Garris, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)

Father: Kiwane Garris, tallied 72 points and played in 31 games in two NBA seasons.

Son: Transferred to the defending Class AAAAAAA state champions after posting 18.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest during his junior season with Mount Vernon (Atlanta, Ga.)

Phoenix Gill, Saint Ignatius (Chicago, Ill.)

Father: Kendall Gill, 15-year NBA veteran tallied 12,914 points and 4,002 rebounds in his career.

Son: Three-star Northwestern signee averaged 17 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Wolfpack during his junior season.

Deuce Hamilton, Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.)

Father: Richard Hamilton, 14-year NBA veteran, three-time all-star and 2004 NBA champion.

Son: 6-6 junior guard holds Division I offers from Long Island University and McNeese State University.

Jayden Harrington, New Hampton School (New Hampton, N.H.)

Father: Adam Harrington, tallied 30 points and played in 19 games in one NBA season.

Son: Junior guard is considered one of the top prospects in the Granite State.

Kaden House, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Ariz.)

Father: Eddie House, 11-year NBA veteran and 2008 NBA champion.

Son: Third team MaxPreps Sophomore All-America selection averaged 24.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 3.0 assists per contest to guide Desert Mountain (Scottsdale, Ariz.) to the Open Division state quarterfinals.

Kalek House, AZ Compass Prep

Father: Eddie House, 11-year NBA veteran and 2008 NBA champion.

Son: MaxPreps Sophomore All-America honorable mention pick tallied 22.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.0 assists per outing while playing alongside his brother at Desert Mountain.

Andre Iguodala II, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.)

Father: Andre Iguodala, 19-year NBA veteran, four-time NBA champion and 2015 NBA Finals MVP.

Son: Three-star senior is the only returning player for the top-ranked team in the Preseason National Top 10.

Sammy Jackson, Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Father: Marc Jackson, Seven-year NBA veteran tallied 3,238 career points.

Son: Regarded as a top 100 prospect in the Class of 2026, Jackson is expected to have a breakout campaign for the defending Philadelphia Catholic League champions.

Shareef Jackson, Roman Catholic

Father: Marc Jackson, Seven-year NBA veteran tallied 3,238 career points.

Son: First team all-state selection averaged 17.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per contest to help the Cahillites (25-3) advance to the second round of the Class 6A state tournament.

Bryce James, Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)

Father: LeBron James, four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP and all-time scoring leader.

Son: The youngest son of the NBA legend is expected to play key minutes for the Trailblazers this season. He averaged 6.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per game over the summer in 14 games in the Nike EYBL.

A.J. Jamison, Myers Park (Charlotte, N.C.)

Father: Antawn Jamison, 16-year NBA veteran, two-time all-star and 2004 Sixth Man of the Year.

Son: 6-4 senior averaged 2.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per outing to help the Mustangs (27-3) end the season ranked No. 18 in the final MaxPreps Top 25.

Cael LaFrentz, Decorah-North Winneshiek (Decorah, Iowa)

Father: Raef Lafrentz, 10-year NBA veteran tallied 5,690 points and 3,423 rebounds in his career.

Son: 6-11 center tallied 15.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocked shots per contest as a sophomore to help the Vikings (23-3) reach the Class 3A state semifinals.

R,J, Livingston, Newman (New Orleans, La.)

Father: Randy Livingston, 11-year NBA veteran tallied 773 points and 415 assists in his career.

Son: Class of 2026 guard averaged 9.5 points, 5.2 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore to help the Greenies capture their third consecutive state championship.

Trent Maclean, SoCal Academy (Castaic, Calif.)

Father: Don MacLean, Nine-year NBA veteran tallied 3,490 points and 1,210 rebounds in his career.

Son: Four-star West Virginia signee will spend his senior season at SoCal Academy after previously attending Thousand Oaks (Calif.).

Jaron Mckie, St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Father: Aaron McKie, 13-year NBA veteran scored 5,871 career points and 2001 Sixth Man of the Year.

Son: Three-star Dayton signee earned first team all-state honors last season after averaging 18.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game to lead the Hawks to a record of 18-6.

Julian Mckie, St. Joseph’s Prep

Father: Aaron McKie, 13-year NBA veteran scored 5,871 career points and 2001 Sixth Man of the Year.

Son: Promising freshman prospect will play alongside his two brothers with the Hawks this season.

Justin Mckie, St. Joseph’s Prep

Father: Aaron McKie, 13-year NBA veteran scored 5,871 career points and 2001 Sixth Man of the Year.

Son: Promising freshman prospect will play alongside his two brothers with the Hawks this season.

Aziz Olajuwon, Fort Bend Clements (Sugar Land, Texas)

Father: Hakeem Olajuwon, two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, 1994 MVP.

Son: 6-6 Class of 2026 prospect averaged 11.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest to help the Rangers finish with a record of 32-1 last season.

Malik Olajuwon, Fort Bend Clements

Father: Hakeem Olajuwon, two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, 1994 MVP.

Son: Sophomore guard leads the team in scoring through their first two games, averaging 13.5 points, 5.5 assists and 2.0 steals per outing.

Isaiah Oliver, Middleton (Wis.)

Father: Dean Oliver, played in 35 games and scored 64 points in two NBA seasons.

Son: All-Big Eight honorable mention selection averaged 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per contest during his second year as a starter last season as a sophomore.

Jermaine O’Neal Jr., Dynamic Prep (Irving, Texas)

Father: Jermaine O’Neal, six-time NBA All-Star and three-time All-NBA.

Son: Four-star SMU signee piled up 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per outing to help Dynamic Prep finish the season with a record of 23-1 last season.

Chris Paul II, Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, Calif.)

Father: Chris Paul, 12-time NBA all-star, six-time steal champion and five-time assist champion.

Son: 5-11 freshman point guard will look to make a name for himself this season in his debut season.

Leon Powe III, Salesian College Prep (Richmond, Calif.)

Father: Leon Powe, five-year NBA veteran and 2008 NBA champion scored 1,484 points in his career.

Son: 6-6 junior forward looks to help the Pride make a return trip to the Open Division state championship game.

Adonis Ratliff, Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.)

Father: Theo Ratliff, 16-year NBA veteran, one-time all-star and two-time all defensive selection.

Son: Top 100 Class of 2026 prospect is expected to see an increased role for the Crusaders this season after averaging 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per contest as a sophomore.

Darius Ratliff, Archbishop Stepinac

Father: Theo Ratliff, 16-year NBA veteran, one-time all-star and two-time all defensive selection.

Son: 6-9 junior is expected to see more minutes for the No. 12-ranked team in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 after putting up 0.9 points and 1.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

Jaxon Richardson, Columbus

Father: Jason Richardson, 14-year NBA veteran scored 14,644 career points.

Son: Top 40 Class of 2026 prospect showed flashes of his potential as a key reserve off the bench last season, putting up 6.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game to help the Explorers win their third straight state title.

Nyale Robinson, Rainier Beach (Seattle, Wash.)

Father: Nate Robinson, 11-year NBA veteran was a three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion.

Son: 5-9 senior guard looks to finish off his high school career strong while playing for the team to beat in the Evergreen State.

Brandon Roy Jr., Garfield (Seattle, Wash.)

Father: Brandon Roy, 6-year NBA veteran and three-time all-star before injuries cut career short.

Son: Senior guard attends the same high school that his father graduated from in 2002.

Zathan Ruffin, North Valley Christian Academy (Phoenix, Ariz.)

Father: Michael Ruffin, nine-year NBA veteran tallied 716 points and 1,632 rebounds in his career.

Son: Posted 10.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a freshman, helping the Lions (22-10) reach the Class 1A state championship game.

Bryce Slay, United Faith Christian Academy (Charlotte, N.C.)

Father: Tamar Slay, three-year NBA veteran played in 66 games and tallied 172 points in his career.

Son: Three-star Marshall commit averaged 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists per outing as a junior while playing for Carmel Christian (Matthews, N.C.).

Malloy Smith, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)

Father: Kenny Smith, 10-year NBA veteran and two-time NBA champion tallied 9,397 points in his career.

Son: Expected to be a key cog in the rotation this season after putting up 2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

Amar’e Stoudemire Jr., American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)

Father: Amar’e Stoudemire, Six-time all-star, five-time all-NBA and 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Son: Senior guard posted five points, three rebounds and two steals in his first game of the 2024-25 campaign.

Bryant Weatherspoon, St. Andrew’s Episcopal (Ridgeland, Miss.)

Father: Clarence Weatherspoon, 13-year NBA veteran tallied 10,483 points and 6,846 rebounds in his career.

Son: Averaged 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds per game while playing sparingly during his freshman campaign to help the Saints reach the second round of the Class 2A state tournament.

Jamison White, Chaminade (St. Louis, Mo.)

Father: Jahadi White, seven-year NBA veteran tallied 1,954 points and 1,944 rebounds in his career.

Son: Junior wing was the second-leading scorer on the Red Devils in 2023-24, averaging 9.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per outing to help his team advance to the Class 6 state championship game last year.

Jahadi White, Chaminade

Father: Jahadi White, seven-year NBA veteran tallied 1,954 points and 1,944 rebounds in his career.

Son: 6-7 junior averaged 8.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game to help the Red Devils reach the Class 6 state championship game last year.

Jacob Wilkins, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)

Father: Dominique Wilkins, 15-year NBA veteran, nine-time all-star and seven-time All-NBA selection.

Son: Second team MaxPreps Junior All-America selection tallied 16.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.0 steals per contest to help the Rams (30-2) capture their first state championship and conclude the season ranked No. 5 in the final MaxPreps Top 25.

Elijah Williams, TMI-Espicopal

Father: Monty Williams, nine-year NBA veteran tallied 2,884 points and 1,295 rebounds in his career.

Son: MaxPreps Sophomore All-America honorable mention selection averaged 16.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game to help Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) capture its first regional title in 40 years.

Mason Williams, Germantown (Madison, Miss.)

Father: Mo Williams, 13-year NBA veteran, 2016 NBA champion and 2009 NBA all-star.

Son: Averaged 9.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest to help Jackson Academy (Jackson, Miss.) capture their first MAIS overall state title since 2006. The addition of Mason and Mike Williams make the Mavericks the team to beat in the Magnolia State.

Mike Williams, Germantown

Father: Mo Williams, 13-year NBA veteran, 2016 NBA champion and 2009 NBA all-star.

Son: The catalyst for Jackson Academy’s state championship run, Williams averaged 18.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.8 steals per game.

  1. Athletic Highlights

    Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais Joins 2026 Polynesian Bowl Roster

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.

    The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.

    “Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”

    Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.

    “I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”

    This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.

    “I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”

    Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.

    “I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.

    The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.

    The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.

    Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.

    The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.

    The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.

    The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.

    The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.

    For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

    The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.

    For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

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  2. Athletic Highlights

    Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.

    Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.

    “you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”

    A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.

    Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.

    Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.

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  3. Athletic Highlights

    Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.

    Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.

    Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29

    1. Bay City Western (12-1)

    Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.

    2. De La Salle (12-2)

    The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.

    3. Northville (14-1)

    The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.

    4. Dakota (11-4)

    After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.

    5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)

    The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.

    6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)

    With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.

    7. Saline (15-1)

    The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.

    8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)

    OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.

    9. Romeo (16-2)

    The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.

    10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)

    Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.

    11. Hudsonville (12-2)

    The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.

    12. Jenison (8-2)

    The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.

    13. New Boston Huron (16-0)

    The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.

    14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)

    The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.

    15. West Bloomfield (8-3)

    The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.

    16. Dexter (13-6)

    The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.

    17. Woodhaven (15-5)

    The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.

    18. Rochester Adams (15-4)

    Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.

    19. Trenton (13-3)

    The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.

    20. Midland (6-2)

    Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.

    21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)

    Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.

    22. Detroit Western (13-5)

    After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.

    23. Grand Ledge (13-5)

    The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.

    24. Mattawan (8-2-3)

    Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.

    25. Allen Park (8-5)

    The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.

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