Event Preview: The Jeff McDonald Memorial Showcase

In its fourth year, the Cadillac Basketball program delivers its usual ambitious four game slate. Featuring three of the top teams in a deep Big North Conference. Along with a top 10 Division II in the state in the opener. Following is an overview of what to watch for in each of the contests. Below is the event graphic with information and start times.

**Record are acurate at the time of publishing**

Game #1 Elk Rapids (9-2) vs Ludington (11-1)

On paper the opener is the best matchup of the day. Making their first appearance in the event, Ludington comes in with a big record. However, they recently dropped their first contest of the year to a Division III squad (state ranked North Muskegon) Consequently, they will not be overlooking the Division III Elks at all. The Orioles do not have ton of size, but feature plenty of perimeter firepower. They will be led by versatile 6-3 senior Cameron Gunsell. A three-year starter who is coming off an outstanding football season. He has committed Grand Valley St for football. However, he is not some plodding prospect just looking to stay in shape. Gunsell is explosive and can finish above the rim. He is skilled as well, and scores in a wide variety of ways. Junior point guard Taj Williams is a quick lefty who will be one of top players in the region next year. With Ludington’s smaller frontline, 6-2 junior Steele Stowe is an important player. Stocky and strong, he can play all over the court.

The glass will be important as Elk Rapids has size all over the court. They showed this with an early 20-point victory over a preseason ranked Glen Lake squad with serious size on the block. Down low it starts with 6-6 junior Caden Schlicker. Junior Jake Moore provides more bulk as a 6-3 power forward. The size isn’t just limited down low for the Elks. Junior Tyler Standfest is 6-3 backcourt option with a lanky frame that helps him play even bigger than his listed height. The junior laden squad gets senior leadership in the backcourt from Cameron Kerfoot and Mason Cannon. The defending Northern Shores Conference champions are in first place once again. They could add another impressive out of conference victory to their already strong resume.

If you are scoring at home, the word “junior” appeared a lot in that overview. This could be a chance to watch what could two of the top teams in the region next year as well.

Game #2 Midland (2-9) vs Petoskey (6-5)

On the surface this might not be the most intriguing matchup of the day. Dig a little deeper though and there is upside here from both teams. The Chemics don’t come in with a great record. However, they have played a difficult schedule in the always tough Saginaw Valley League. They are young and could be coming into their own as the calendar flips to 2026. As evidenced by their recent two-point loss to a solid Mount Pleasant squad. The backcourt is deep with senior Bennett Smith and junior Gibbs Blalock. The aforementioned youth is highlighted by talented freshman Madden Shepardson. The x-factor though will be the play 6-7 senior Jacoby Lind. He flies a little under the radar statewide as he an imposing and lauded left-handed pitcher. Committed to Butler to play baseball at the next level. He recently put up 32 points against a talented Flint Hamady squad. He finishes above the rim and could give Petoskey’s youthful frontline problems.

After some high-profile transfers, I doubt Petoskey was shooting for a near .500 record coming out of January. That being said, transfers take time fit in, and the Northmen have a youthful roster as well. Harbor Springs transfer Braeden Flynn has fit in seamlessly and is finishing out his standout four-year career in strong way on the other side of Little Traverse Bay. He has formed a nice duo with athletic senior Taiven Wang in the backcourt. The future of the Northmen program lies down low. Sophomore Tate Russell looked vastly improved against a strong Traverse City West (see below) frontline just last week. The bulky 6-5 prospect was getting spot minutes earlier in the season when I caught him against Freeland. Fellow sophomore Braden Fralick is an explosive 6-3 athlete who can play both on the perimeter and on the block.

Both squads could turn around the trajectory of their season with a win on Saturday. These stakes could make this an interesting contest.

Game #3 Paw Paw (8-5) vs Traverse City West (6-3)

A “contrasting styles” matchup that could end up as the best game of the day. Traverse City West comes in with what a highly esteemed scout (IYKYK) has labeled to top overall player in Northern Michigan. Lake Superior St commit Carter Grubb has lived up that billing. The 6-6 post has elite elevation that has been seen on plenty of highlight reel dunks already this year. He has also expanded his game out onto this perimeter with deep range and improved ball handling. The backcourt has been outstanding as well. As senior point guard Blake LaFaive is in the midst of a breakout campaign. Cross town transfer Owen Ribel’s shooting touch has followed him. LaFaive has steadily and capably assumed the point guard role. While Ribel is wired to score and excels at getting to the free throw line. Both guards have good size and stand north of six feet.

That last point is important as their Kalamazoo area opponent is loaded with backout weapons. While they don’t lack talent. They are not the tallest group of guards you will see. Senior 5-11 guard Truman Brennan is having huge year and is going to play somewhere at the next level. Eli Sonnenberg is a similarly sized senior guard. Caden Bowen has a bit more size (6-1) and can really shoot from beyond the arc. The backcourt isn’t just limited to seniors though. Junior Kaelin Tate is an aggressive and tightly wound athlete who will probably draw the toughest perimeter defensive assignment. The x-factor might be sophomore Antonio Rivas who has exceled since being moved up midway through the year. That is plethora of diminutive perimeter options. Will that be enough to down the Titans?

Size versus speed… depth versus a solid starting five. West’s only losses have come to three top 10 Division I teams. Paw Paw has scheduled aggressively and owns victories over squads like Grand Rapids Christian and Forest Hills Northern. This should be a good one.

Game #4 Cadillac (4-6) vs Sparta (7-6)

The host squad comes in with a rare losing record. They are young, and young teams are usually up and down by nature. They beat a team (Mount Pleasant) by nearly thirty, then lost to that same team at home. That is inconsistency in a nutshell. They have good wins and puzzling losses. As previously stated, they are young and talented. The headlining talent is 6-6 sophomore Domenic Wing. He has taken to a featured role well after having to pick his spots last year as freshman. Broke out in a major way in the district final last year and hasn’t really looked back. Has the talent to one of the top players statewide in the 2028 class. Just needs to keep improving and get stronger. Junior point guard Jaxon Webb is another Viking to watch. Sophomore Alex McGowan has a similar frame to Wing and is showing improvement in his first year on varsity.

Sparta has had an interesting year to say the least. The academic calendar began with former Piston great Lindsey Hunter as their head coach. After he stepped down, Sparta quickly pivoted to their longtime recently retired coach. That continuity explains why they have gotten off to good start through the coaching uncertainty. Leading the charge this year has been the forward duo of 6-4 senior Tyler Pangborn and junior Evan Wood.

…..however

If you are a regular reader, you know this is the part of the preview where I reminisce and pay tribute to the namesake of this event. Jeff McDonald was a Hall of Fame head coach and an even better person. He was lost far too soon due to cancer. He would most likely scoff and say this event is about the kids. Well, here you go Coach.

Sparta will most likely also feature 6-2 junior Griffin Gullekson (I never want to assume with health) Gullekson fought through a lymphoma battle to participate in AAU basketball this spring/summer. His family has ties to Wexford County region. His courageous fight is emblematic of how the struggle against heinous disease unfortunately unites us all in this divisive world.

As I write, one of my family members is being tested for a diagnosis. Last year Williamston participated in the event. They lost their head coach and a former classmate of mine to cancer far too young. It has impacted everyone in the gymnasium in some way. As you enjoy the games this Saturday. Please don’t forget the humanity at the core of this event.