Evelyn started on three consecutive Class D (smallest class) state champions at Southfield Christian in metro Detroit. As a junior, he sat out from the holiday break until late February — reportedly pondering an in-season transfer — then rejoined the team before the state tournament. He scored 28 points in the state title game.
Had Evelyn stayed at Southfield Christian, he would have had a chance to become only the second player in Michigan prep history to be part of four straight state title teams. (The other was Willie Betts, who later played in the 1960s at Bradley.)
Instead, Evelyn transferred to Gilbert (Arizona) Christian, where the coach is former Detroit Country Day legend Kurt Keener, a winner of nine Michigan state titles. Former Country Day players include Chris Webber and Shane Battier.
Evelyn, however, didn’t gain eligibility at Gilbert Christian due to legal guardianship questions. He eventually enrolled at Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix, playing nine games and averaging 25.4 points.
