Roundball Classic: Four Games to Watch
For over 25 years the Motor City Roundball Classic has been the gold standard for holiday events in Michigan. It has evolved into one of the premier holiday showcases in the Midwest region. This years iteration lives up to that standard.
How do you adequately preview a four day 28 game extravaganza? In a word (or two) you can’t. Consequently I’m going to give four games to watch. One from each day to help you prepare if you are heading out to Ferndale. I will also embed the entire schedule below.
Wednesday December 27th
6:25 Grand Rapids Northview (3-0) vs Warren Fitzgerald (4-1) Last year Northview came across I-96 with an undefeated record. They were defeated soundly by Detroit Cass Tech. In December this was seen by some (especially those in West Michigan) as a mild surprise. By the end of the year as the Technicians were raising a state championship banner. The loss didn’t look that bad. This year Northview will be rested (only three games) and motivated to keep history from repeating itself. Brothers EJ (Western Michigan commit) and Cam Ryans are one of the best duos in the state. Throw in emerging 6-5 junior Brady Swartz and a bevy a talented underclassmen. The Wildcats will be one of the more talented teams in the field.
On the other side will be a one loss Fitzgerald squad attempting to make a statement. Venias Jordan’s unit might not the have the acclaim of their cross town counterparts at Lincoln (see below) However coming off of victory against Saginaw. The Spartans have a chance to show they can play with anyone. They should be led by the athletic 6-5 senior duo of Malachi Irving and Chandler Allen. Allen will be playing football at Grand Valley St next season (hopefully he is still hooping this year) Also watch out for junior Cyrus Mpeba. Fitzgerald has size, which is Northview’s main weakness. This could be a good one.
Thursday december 28th
3:20 Onsted (4-2) vs Wayne Memorial (4-1) Similar to Northview/Fitzgerald. This in an intriguing size disparity matchup. In this case, that disparity results from one player. Onsted’s 6-10 senior center Ayden Davis. The Wright St commit looked legit last year in Ferndale. Extending Onsted’s undefeated mark with a decisive victory over Plymouth. I thought they looked state championship caliber at that juncture of the season. The second half did not go as I thought it could. As the Wildcats lost four in the regular season and bowed out in districts to Adrian. However as long as they have the talented and large presence of Davis. They have a chance to make some noise. Also keep an eye on 6-2 sophomore Rylan Henagan who showed a lot potential in last years event.
Speaking of sophomores, there might not be a better duo in the class than what the Zebras possess in Carlos Medlock Jr and Jaylohn Allen. Medlock can really scoot as a 5-11 scoring point guard. He has excellent change of direction ability and deep range from the perimeter. Allen has more size at 6-1 and can score in a variety of ways. They recently represented the Mitten well at a showcase in Ohio. There is some size along the frontline. However like most of the team, it is young. How they hold up against Davis will probably determine this one.
Friday December 29th
6:25 Grand Rapids Catholic Central (1-2) vs Davison (3-2) With its recent unpredictable nature, you might need Steve Kornaki to try and read the Mr Basketball electorate. My best attempt at trying to guess this year’s contest pegs this as a big one. With Detroit King’s Chas Lewless having two high profile games over the holidays. This is Michigan commit Durral Brooks’ chance to make a statement on the east side of the state. Beyond on that, this is an important game. If you have seen Brooks play you know he is a ferocious competitor. He doesn’t like being below .500 and really will not want to slip to 1-3.
Trying to make that happen on the other side of the court will be one of the top juniors in the state 6-3 point guard Greg Lawson. Lawson is similar to Brooks. A take no prisoner competitor who scores in a wide variety of ways. Both teams are talented beyond their big ticket items. If Lawson and Brooks cancel each other out. Keep an eye on Ferris St commit Carter Meerman. Meerman is a bouncy prospect who is not scared of the moment if he has to step up. Both teams have contributors who played on deep football playoff runs. They should all have their sea legs now.
Note: Lewless and Brooks will chance to meet face-to-face on Brooks’ home court in the Wilson Chandler Classic on February 17th
Saturday December 30th
6:25 Orchard Lake St Mary’s (4-1) vs Warren Lincoln (5-0) The penultimate contest of the event is also quite possibly the highest profile matchup. Elite 2025 national recruit, Trey McKenney (pictured) leads the deepest roster in the state. The Eaglets have what I like to call a “Noah’s Ark” roster. Two of everything. Small lightning quick ball handlers— check. Devastating outside shooters— check. High level Division 1 prospects— discount double check. Along with McKenney, Sharod Barnes can play with anyone in the country and has proven it on the grassroots stage.
However it is what St Mary’s has only one of that might surprise people— a loss. You can’t say the same about their opponent. Warren Lincoln comes in undefeated against a gauntlet of a schedule. The Abe’s are still rather young. Led by the junior backcourt of Moses and Markus Blackwell. Are they state championship good? I for one, think so. However with a win tonight, that question will become obsolete. If they head into 2024 unscathed they are the unquestioned favorite in Division II. They might already be.
One of the best high school games I ever saw was a stacked Denzel Valentine led Lansing Sexton squad lose dramatically to Detroit Pershing. Lincoln head coach Wydell Henry was an assistant on that Pershing squad. Maybe he can bring a little of that karma to this one. The ingredients are there for similar classic up and down matchup. Decided by some of the best players in the state. I certainly hope so. That is what these events are all about.
