The Hal Schram Mr. Basketball Award is given to the best high school senior in Michigan as voted by members of the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan. Traditionally, players committed to play at the University of Michigan or Michigan State, have a slight advantage. This year’s winner will be given to a player not committed to either in-state school, which makes for an even tighter race. The Detroit Free Press will be releasing four finalists for the award and these are some players to be considered to be named.
Jalen Terry – Flint Beecher – Oregon commit
This athletic 6-foot-1 point guard is fresh off a 26-point performance and upset of the state’s #1 team Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. He has already won a state championship as a freshman and looking to add another championship to his resume. His scoring ability and play-making skills has helped Beecher to a 10-1 record and one of the top teams in Division 3.
Standout performance – 26 points vs. #1 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s on 1/20/20.
Tyson Acuff – Detroit Cass Tech – Duquesne commit
Averaging around 25 points per game, Acuff has been leading the Technicians since a freshman. He is looking to lead Detroit Cass Tech to a 3rd Detroit Public School League Championship in 4 years. This big guard standing at 6-foot-3 has been attacking opponents off the dribble at will. Being able to score when needed and making plays for his teammates makes him a legit candidate for Mr. Basketball.
Standout performance – 44 points and 12 rebounds vs. Detroit Henry Ford on 12/17/19.
Lorne Bowman – OLSM – Wisconsin commit
Bowman has been one of the best players on the state’s best team. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s is off to a 10-1 start and a major portion of that is how Bowman has been playing. Averaging 22 points and 6 assists per game, he has been able to get to rim against anyone and has a deadly mid-range jump shot.
Standout performance – 26 points vs. Flint Beecher on 1/20/20.
Jarvis Walker – Muskegon – IPFW commit
The IPFW commit has been playing very good basketball this season for the Big Reds. Averaging 20 points per game his work ethic over the summer has improved his game. His high school coach, Keith Guy says, “He’s a nightmare matchup for opposing guards. He can post smaller guards, make the three and defend too.” Walker is a big body guard with a grown man game. Look for him and the Big Reds to make a deep run in the State playoffs in March.
Standout performance – 25 points and 7 rebounds vs. Ferndale on 1/20/20.
Carlos “Scooby” Johnson – Benton Harbor – Butler commit
When you think of Benton Harbor the last 3-4 years you immediately think, Scooby Johnson and the impact he has made with the Tigers. Johnson solidified himself as one of the state’s top players as a sophomore, draining a game-winning state championship jumper over Marcus Bingham. He’s been consistent ever since and that has continued this season to an 8-1 record and averaging 20 and 10 consistently. Johnson is a terror inside the paint and on the glass but being able to have a consistent jumper make him impossible to guard.
Standout performance – 32 points vs. Flint Beecher on 1/4/20.
Other seniors in consideration: Isaiah Jackson – Waterford Mott, Da’Jion Humphrey – Southfield Christian, Matt Nicholson – Clarkston and Reece Hazelton Glen Lake