Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.

Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.

“you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”

A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.

Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.

The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.

Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.

Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29

1. Bay City Western (12-1)

Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.

2. De La Salle (12-2)

The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.

3. Northville (14-1)

The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.

4. Dakota (11-4)

After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.

5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)

The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.

6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)

With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.

7. Saline (15-1)

The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.

8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)

OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.

9. Romeo (16-2)

The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.

10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)

Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.

11. Hudsonville (12-2)

The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.

12. Jenison (8-2)

The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.

13. New Boston Huron (16-0)

The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.

14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)

The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.

15. West Bloomfield (8-3)

The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.

16. Dexter (13-6)

The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.

17. Woodhaven (15-5)

The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.

18. Rochester Adams (15-4)

Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.

19. Trenton (13-3)

The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.

20. Midland (6-2)

Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.

21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.

22. Detroit Western (13-5)

After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.

23. Grand Ledge (13-5)

The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.

24. Mattawan (8-2-3)

Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.

25. Allen Park (8-5)

The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.

The Iowa high school football coaching community mourns the loss of a significant figure, as renowned head coach Dick Tighe passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.

Tighe had impactful coaching tenures at St. Edmond Catholic School, Webster City High School, Iowa Falls-Alden High School, Carroll Kuemper High School, as well as in Canada. Over his impressive 63 seasons, he recorded a remarkable 432 wins against 167 losses and 8 ties before retiring in 2016.

Upon his retirement, Tighe held the record for the most wins in the state and was also ranked in the Top 10 nationally. His coaching tenure was matched only by South Carolina’s John McKissick in terms of longevity.

Tighe revitalized a St. Edmond program that suffered from a 21-game losing streak, ultimately leading the team to 108 victories in the following decade. Notably, he guided the school to its first-ever state championship game and made another trip to the state semifinals.

His coaching journey began at St. Edmond in 1961, with his return occurring four decades later. A graduate of Notre Dame, Tighe is survived by six children and his late wife, Margot, who passed away in 2012.