Yours truly doesn't normally follow much prep action, but every so often a phenomenal talent comes along that is impossible to ignore. And no, I never lived in Clarkston, much less attended school there. However, I do have a tie to the community.
Back about the time Slick Willy was first settling into the Oval Office, yours truly got interested in joining the Masons. So I applied, made it through all the hoops (no pun intended), and became a full-fledged member of Cedar Lodge No. 60 -- in Clarkston. I am proud to say I eventually became Master of the Lodge. It's a one year deal and my year was 1997, many moons ago. Though now retired from "active duty" in the brotherhood, I will always cherish what I was able to receive -- and more importantly, give back during my time there. It's a wonderful, enlightening experience and I highly recommend it to any man, young or old, of good character. They will make you even better. I've been in Rudy's Market countless times, had drinks at the Cafe across the street, attended many various functions at Depot Park, and even my dentist and insurance agent have their offices in Clarkston. So yeah, I've been there a LOT.
But this is about Foster Loyer, a freshman guard on Clarkston's basketball team, whom I've never met, or even seen play in person. As talents go, this young man appears to be off the charts, and the scary thing is how much better he might get.
Let's remember what a high school freshman really is. A ninth-grader. Not that long ago, ninth graders, regardless of their ability, wouldn't be playing varsity basketball for a high school team for a very simple reason. They wouldn't be there. They'd still be in "junior high school". But junior high schools no longer exist. They have morphed into "middle schools" and somewhere along the line ninth-graders got bumped up to the high school level.
Indeed, Loyer is only 15 years old. He can't even drive a car yet, at least not legally. He's two years away from his JUNIOR prom. And at that age, a couple years can make a big difference. Typically, an 11th or 12th grader wouldn't be caught dead hanging out with a 9th grader. The "older" guys are bigger, smarter, and no longer pedal bikes or ride buses, because they have their own first cars. And then there's the little matter of hormones kicking into warp drive. Something about the fairer sex. The LAST thing they want is for some dopey 9th grader to be underfoot and in the way.
That is, unless he's a brilliant point guard on their basketball team.
Loyer is certainly that. He can ball handle, dish out assists, grab a few rebounds, and make a few steals during the course of most any game. Plus, he's a lights out shooter, both from the field and the free throw line. Very impressive stuff for a puny little 9th grader.
But maybe not. Loyer is actually about 6 feet tall and weighs around 160 pounds. Pretty much the same size as a guy named Allan Iverson was in his fully adult years, and he seemed to fare rather well playing hoops over the years against the "big boys".
All of which brings me back to the scary part. If Loyer is already this good at his age and size, what might the next three years playing hoops at Clarkston entail?
Remember, he's only 15. He likely has a growth spurt in his near future. Yours truly looked his mom square in the eye when he was 15. She was, and is 5 foot 4. By the time I graduated from high school I was 5 foot 10 and still growing. I topped out at 6 foot 2 a couple years later in college.
So if Loyer is already 6 feet, how much taller might he become in the future? And add 3 more years under the tutelage of coach supreme Dan Fife, and how much better will he be by the time he gets his diploma from Clarkston?
One thing's for sure. Though they don't dare admit it, big-time college scouts are already seriously eyeballing young Loyer. If he stays healthy, goes through the expected growth spurt, and improves his game even more over the next three years, he might be the best basketball talent to EVER come out of the state of Michigan. That's a mouthful, considering the likes of Ervin Johnson, amongst others. But could Magic do everything Loyer is doing when he was only in ninth grade? I dunno. Didn't follow preps much then either, and certainly not in Lansing.
In the unlikely event yours truly ever has the pleasure of meeting Foster Loyer, I would tell him three things.
First, keep working hard and listen to what coach Fife is telling you. The man knows what he's talking about and has your best interests in mind.
Second, don't get stupid when the hormones kick in, which should be any time now, if they haven't already. The look good, smell good stuff can be enchanting, but it can also get you in a lot of trouble. There will be plenty of it coming your way in the next 3 years. Prime stuff, but be careful. Coach Fife can help you out there as well.
And lastly, once you turn 18, if you don't have anything better to do on a Thursday night in Clarkston, walk through the doors of Cedar 60 and see what's going on. It's right on the corner of Washington and Main Street. The square and compass light outside will be on. Can't miss it.
There's some mighty fine dudes that hang out in that joint, who might just improve you in another way, if you're willing to put in the work.
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