MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Kalamazoo Central’s storied boys basketball program might finally be headed for a true rebuilding season.

After losing Wayne State signee Hutch Ward and a host of other impact seniors, the Maroon Giants, for the first time in a long while, don’t have a set starting lineup, at least on paper.

But don’t let that fool you. Kalamazoo Central will be a tough out by the time March rolls around.

The Maroon Giants will be led by sophomore Isaiah Theodile (6-7), who dazzled at times as a freshman. Theodile had a terrific summer, which led to a D1 scholarship offer from Western Michigan. Theodile can score in the paint and step out to hit mid-range and beyond. He’s amazingly athletic on both ends of the court.

Theodile will be joined in the frontcourt by She’Ron Wilborn (6-8) and Robert VanDam (6-4). Wilborn is a lanky defensive specialist, who could get some open looks in the paint if Theodile clears space. VanDam is a solid rebounder and finisher around the basket.

While the frontcourt will be formidable, K-Central has a lot of questions surrounding its usually elite backcourt.

It’s tough to project exactly who will start in the backcourt, but seniors David Nichols (6-0) and Demarquay Calvin (6-0) seem the most likely. Nichols is a knock-down shooter with lead-guard skills. Calvin is athletic and tough with a nice outside shot. They may not be super heralded, but they should impress as the go-to guards.

Senior Clark Atkinson (6-1) could also play a role in the backcourt, but the Maroon Giants have a host of young, upcoming backcourt players potentially ready to take a step forward.

Sophomore point guard Timothy Terrentine (6-2) was on varsity last season before an injury kept his development at bay. Amir Tarver (5-7) is another quick, athletic guard who could carve out a role.

K-Central also has two incoming freshmen guards who could make an immediate varsity impact. Javeir Word (6-1) and La’Myreion Stansberry (6-0) have the size and skill to step right into the lineup and provide a potentially much-needed scoring punch.

No matter who is on the court, K-Central is in good hands with head coach Ramsey Nichols leading the way. He has proven to be a great motivator and X’s and O’s coach. This year, he will have to balance a lineup that could be very young.

Despite question marks on the roster, K-Central did not shy away from an extremely tough schedule. The Maroon Giants will play in five showcases this season, including the team-hosted Don Jackson Invite, Muskegon Classic, Gottagetit Hoop Classic, 2K24 Showcase at Aquinas and the Wilson Chandler Invite.

The Kalamazoo area will be ripe with talent this season. Portage Northern and Portage Central should be much improved and ready for a splash. Mattawan still has an elite point guard in Noah VanLanningham (5-11) and K-Central would eventually face a strong Lansing team in the tournament.

Despite the potential unknowns surrounding this storied program, expect K-Central to be an athletic team that improves throughout the year, potentially setting up another long tournament run.