Michigan men’s high school basketball begins this week and all eyes are on the Maroon Giants of Kalamazoo Central. Everyone wants to see if they can repeat as MHSAA Class A State Champions again and quite frankly, I think they can. They have a solid returning cast from last years team with Daquavion McCants-Wilson running the point guard spot, Darius Norman clogging up the middle, Tyler Bell crashing the boards and Detavia Moore doing all the little things for the Giants.
But the engine that makes this machine go is TJ Buchanan. The all-around Rhode Island recruit was and still is the multidimensional spark for the Maroon Giants and this year defenses across the state will be practicing countless hours on how to shut him down. I had the opportunity to speak with TJ on what he expects out of his final season as a Maroon Giant and what the future holds for him as a Ram.
Swift: When did you know that you wanted to go to Rhode Island?
TJ: I really didn’t know that Rhode Island was going to offer me till after the July period was over. They came up to one open gym and offered me on the spot. The first time I met the coach he told me I could fit in perfect there and I would play right away. I took my official visit down there that weekend and fell in love. I love the coaches, player, and the fans already and I haven’t played one game yet.
Swift: What is your goal for this season?
TJ: My goals for this season are to repeat as state championship, go undefeated this season, and be a top runner for Mr. Basketball.
Swift: What is your goal for this season to prepare you for the college level of play?
TJ: I want to get stronger, work on my jump shot and ball handling so I can go in and play right away.
Swift: What type of legacy do you want to leave at K Central?
TJ: I want to be known as a winner and being the first to repeat as state championships since 1951.
TJ has the ability and the focus to accomplish these lofty goals, but there are several teams that want to make sure he doesn’t get his wishes.
One person in particular is Trey McDonald, the 6’9” Big Man from the Bearcats of Battle Creek Central; he definitely wants to be a Giants killer. The future Ohio State Buckeye big man has other plans for who will come out of the SWAC on top. I was able to ask him a few questions on this family rivalry and his plans for the future.
Swift: When did you know that you wanted to go to Ohio State University?
Trey: When I took my visit and got the chance to hang out with the
players and coaches.
Swift: What is your goal for this season?
Trey: Goals for this season are to WIN, play hard, and have fun with my teammates.
Swift: What is your goal for this season to prepare you for the college level of play?
Trey: Just getting ready to play faster and harder.
Swift: What type of legacy do you want to leave at BC Central?
Trey: Just a legacy of playing hard and being a good teammate and winner.
As you can see, this rivalry between the Giants and Bearcats extends further than most people are aware, but TJ and Trey are very conscience about this bittersweet competition. With TJ and Trey being cousins, this adds even more bragging rights to the victor. When asked how it feels to play against your cousin, TJ responded “It’s great playing against him. It’s always a lot of fun being able to play against family no matter how good either team is. We both are always hype to play against each other. We both talk a lot of smack out there, but its all love.”
Trey’s feelings were mutual when I asked him about playing against his cousin,TJ. He stated, “It’s always fun to play with and against family. This year I will play against two cousins, Allie and TJ, are both on K Central. It makes for interesting conversations at the family events. It will be exciting for sure.”
As TJ and the Maroon Giants look to repeat as state champs as well as make a clean sweep of their competition, the Giant in Battle Creek is trying to restore the Bearcats mystique. Whatever the outcome, the Buchanan family has to be proud of the fact they have two student-athletes headed to Division I institutions to carry on the family legacy.
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