BOYS BASKETBALL: Adams hoping to mold into title contender
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
Twitter: @LocalSportsFans
ROCHESTER HILLS — It was two years ago when Rochester Adams made an unexpected run to the Sweet 16.
The Highlanders’ long postseason trip ended in the regional finals of the 2011 Class A boys basketball state tournament. That destination was further than any other Adams team in over 40 years of the school’s history.
Do the Highlanders have enough talent this season to make another long run? Adams coach John Hall believes the Highlanders are talented and will engage in the OAA White Division title chase. Adams is also in a loaded district which also contains Clarkston, Lake Orion and Romeo.
“We do have a lot of experience with a few players that played on that team,” said Hall. “We have seven seniors on this team and six played a lot of minutes last season. We have a lot of second- and third-year varsity players.”
Adams finished a solid 12-9 overall last season and in third place of the OAA-White at 7-3. The Highlanders lost to Rochester in overtime in the district semifinals. Rochester is not in the same district this season.
“We have a lot of basketball that needs to be played, but I like our chances to at least compete for championships,” admitted Hall, who entered the season with a 162-63 record at Adams which includes four district championships. “Experience can go a long ways in high school basketball.”
The Highlanders, who entered the holiday layoff with a perfect 4-0 record, including a rare win over Clarkston, is led by junior Akhemji Williams. A lightning-quick 5-foot-9 point guard, Williams is a Division I college recruit but not the only weapon.
“What I really like about this team is we really get after teams defensively and we are very deep,” said Hall, who has consistently played around 10 players a game. “When our offense is not clicking, we can still rotate in a lot of players on the defensive end.”
Senior Zach Littleson, a 6-4 senior swingman who averaged 12.3 points and outing last season, is another returning starter, while 6-5 senior forward Andrew McBride returns to the starting frontcourt. Littleson is gaining small college interest.
Ben Limb, a 6-3 senior center, 6-4 senior guard C.J. Borglin, 6-2 junior guard Jack Twitty and 6-0 senior guard Ted Hurst, an All-State soccer player, also return after seeing substantial time on the floor last winter.
The Highlanders had two players transfer away and another part-time starter opted to concentrate on football. That hasn’t hurt their depth all that much. Juniors Cole Davis (6-2) and Brant Santana (6-1) have also emerge as key contributors.
Adams and Rochester appear to be the favorites in the OAA-White, while Ferndale and Oak Park should also be in the mix. Auburn Hills Avondale should be much-improved.
“I think there are some very talented teams in our league, much like the past couple of years,” said Hall. “It will be a dogfight.”
SCHOOL: Rochester Adams
HEAD COACH: John Hall, 14th season (162-63).
2011-12 RECORD: 12-9, 7-3 OAA White Division (third).
STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class A district semifinals to Rochester.
RETURNING STARTERS: Akhemji Williams, 5-9 jr. PG (All-Area Second Team; top 100 prospect in Michigan; Division I recruit; 16.1 ppg, 6.4 apg; 4.1spg); Zach Littleson, 6-4 sr. G/F (12.3 ppg; 5.8rpg; third-year starter); Andrew McBride, 6-4 sr. F.
OTHER RETURNEES: Bern Limb, 6-3 sr. C; C.J. Borglin, 6-4 sr. G/F; Jack Twitty, 6-2 jr. G; Ted Hurst, 6-0 sr. PG.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Cole Davis, 6-2 jr. G; Brant Santana, 6-1 jr. G/F.
KEY LOSSES: Press Kampe, 5-9 jr. PG (transferred to Clarkston); James Berger, 6-0 SG; Q France, 6-2 sr. F (transferred to Rochester); Matt Sokol, 6-4 jr. C/F (not playing).
OUTLOOK: Adams graduated four players, had two players transfer and another two opted not to come out this season to concentrate on other sports. That being said, Hall believes that this could still be one of his most talented and deepest teams he’s had in 14 years as head coach. The Highlanders have a star player in Williams and the right type of players to complement. Adams could very well challenge for a league and district title this winter.
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