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Michigan’s leading prep scorer headed to Canada....for college

Carleton University Ravens' Hinz holds the trophy after defeating the Lakehead Thunderwolves during the Canadian Interuniversity Sport championship game in Ottawa

Carleton University Ravens’ Tyson Hinz holds the W. P. McGee trophy after his team defeated the Lakehead Thunderwolves during the Canadian Interuniversity Sport basketball championship basketball game in Ottawa March 10, 2013. REUTERS/Blair Gable (CANADA - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)

REUTERS

It’s the summer, and most prominent high school seniors have begun their college basketball careers at the school of their choice. Summer school sessions are in full swing and players are getting adjusted to college life on and off the court.

That’s not the case for Brett Stockton. It will be, just not yet. When that does happen, he’ll need his passport.

He’s not skipping college for a professional career overseas. He’s headed to Canada. For college.

Stockton, the state of Michigan’s leading scorer last season at 34.1 points per game, which ranked fifth in the nation, has committed to play next season for Carleton University in Ottawa. The Ravens have won the last three national championships in Canadian Interuniversity Sports and have won nine CIS titles in the last 11 years. They’re a Canadian hardwood powerhouse.

This is one of the more unique situations in recent memory. Stockton was lightly-recruited out of Owendale-Gagetown High School despite great numbers -- he also clocked 5.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game last season, according to MaxPreps. But the 6-1 Stockton had trouble getting American college looks playing at a school with just 68 students in it.

Stockton came up with the idea of playing in Canada, contacting Carleton coach Dave Smart and getting a campus visit earlier this summer.

With Stockton, his decision came down to winning. Something no one can argue with.

“I thought it would be pretty cool to play for a team that wins the national championship every year,” Stockton told MLive.com’s Lee Thompson. “It would be nice to get some rings.”

Though Stockton isn’t totally foreign to Canada. His mother is originally from the Great White North and he has grandparents living near Montreal.

No one can argue with Stockton’s choice, given his situation. It’ll be interesting if he can parlay any opportunity, playing well in Canada, into a transfer back to the States, should he feel so inclined. Stats don’t always tell the whole story of a player’s game, but it’s tough to imagine a 6-1 guard pouring in 34 a game not getting a D1 offer, even at the low-major level (going to a small school didn’t help). But winning is the same in America as it is in Canada.

Here’s a few highlights of Stockton’s senior season at Owendale-Gagetown.

Follow David Harten on Twitter at @David_Harten