#9 Lee Lafayette, GR South High

Lee Lafayette was born in Pointe Coupee, Louisianna but played basketball in Grand Rapids at South High in the mid-60’s. “The Tree” was a 6-6 forward/center with guard-like skills who led South High to a 25-3 record and two City League championships before graduating in 1965. He was named to the Detroit Free Press All-State Class A First Team in both 1964 and 1965. He once scored 54 in a game in 1964. South High School is the alma mater of US President Gerald R. Ford and singer Al Green, who graduated the year following Lafayette. South High opened in 1914 and was closed in 1968. The building now houses the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center.Lafayette went on to play at Michigan State from 1966-1969 averaging 16.8 points and 10.2 rebounds.

In 1969, Lee was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors in the 4th Round of the NBA Draft, but never played in the League.