Event Preview: Northern Michigan Showcase
In its inaugural year, the Northern Michigan Showcase set the bar pretty high for future iterations. Last year saw two state champions bring their talents North with Detroit Cass Tech (Division I) and Ferndale (Division II). Furthermore, the host squad St Francis appeared in the Division III finals as well. Additionally Division I semi-finalist Grand Blanc made an appearance in the loaded five game field.
That’s a tough act to follow, but the second go around is going to make a run at it. Slightly pared down to four games this year. It is still a competitive and deep field loaded with next level talent. Following is a breakdown of each game with the team’s current record in parentheses.
Game #1 McBain (14-1) vs Hamtramck (9-8)
The opener is a true game of contrasting styles. McBain is an old school team that wants to pound the ball down low to their big frontline. The first option is 6-9 senior center Evan Haverkamp. However there is plenty of size beyond him. The perimeter is headlined by 6-5 junior Ben Rodenbaugh. A versatile performer who is improving rapidly. McBain’s only defeat was a close road loss to Cadillac (see below) The Ramblers are one of the top ranked teams in Division III.
Don’t let Hamtramck’s near .500 record fool you. They are an independent and play one of the more difficult schedules in the entire state. The Cosmos (great mascot) can not match what McBain can run out in the post (few can) However they have a dynamic backcourt that could give McBain problems. Dontez Winfrey is a shifty 5-9 point guard. While he might not have the statewide reputation of other top point guards. He can play with anybody in the state. The wing in manned by Ron Johnson. A very bouncy guard who lives above the rim at only 6-2. Johnson is settling in nicely after transferring from Fraser.
Game #2 Cadillac (14-1) vs Wayne Memorial (11-4)
Cadillac is in the midst of one the best years in their storied history. They are a two point loss to undefeated Whitehall from a perfect mark. They are led by do everything 6-6 wing Charlie Howell. Howell is in the middle of an absolute six game heater against the meat of the Vikings difficult schedule. Showing he is one of top wings and unsigned seniors in the entire state.
Like Hamtramck, the pronounced strength of the Zebras (another great mascot) squad is the backcourt. Few in the state have a better sophomore duo than Carlos Medlock Jr (pictured) and Jaylohn Allen. Medlock isn’t very big, but if he gets hot from deep. He can be difficult to stop due to his explosive penetration abilities. Has a “ball on a string” handle and can get wherever he wants off the dribble. Allen is bigger at 6-3 and is more of a slasher than Medlock. Both players have Division 1 potential.
Howell, Medlock, and Allen’s performance might cancel each other out. They are that difficult to stop. Can Cadillac get ball down on the block where they have a decided size advantage? The Zebra’s can’t match the girth and skill of juniors Kyle McGowan (6-7) and Gavin Goetz (6-6). A little extra motivation might go into the preparation of this game. As neither team played particularly well in losses at last year’s event. This has the potential to be a good one.
Game #3 Traverse City Central (3-13) vs Detroit Cass Tech (15-1)
This game has lost a little luster after Traverse City Central’s struggles this year. Cass Tech is really starting to develop into a factory. They lost a lot from last year’s state championship squad. However, they haven’t missed a single beat. Blue chip national recruit Darius Acuff moves onto to IMG Academy? They just replace him with freshman Stevie Hall. Hall is one of the top players in Michigan’s emerging 2027 class. Sophomore football standout, Corey Sadler has stepped into an expended role after being top bench reserve last year. The Technicians are also bigger on the frontline this year. They appear to be gearing up once again for a deep March run.
For Central, injuries and transfers have really hampered a season that had high expectations coming in. If Anthony Ribel can play Saturday. The Trojans can stay in this one (I have no indication thar he will) Ribel is good enough to make that much of a difference. If he can’t go, there is an opportunity for sophomores Owen Ribel and Brendan Slack to earn some reps and minutes to build for the Trojans future.
**Update: After notching a double double of 29 points and 10 assist in a victory last night over Gaylord, it appears Anthony Ribel is going to play for Traverse City Central **
Game #4 Traverse City St Francis (8-7) vs Glen Lake (12-3)
The closing contest is a resumption of what has been one of the more fiercer rivalries in Northern Michigan over the last decade. The host Glads are rebuilding after a state final appearance. Max Ogden has fit in nicely after transferring in from TC West. Averaging over 20 points a game and shooting well from the field. I enjoyed him this summer with REAL Basketball on the Prep Hoops Circuit. He has carried that momentum into a nice senior year.
Like St Francis, the Lakers are rebuilding after losing much of last years production. They got off to a rough start and had the rare mid season coaching change. They have rebounded nicely behind a state championship head coach and 6-6 sophomore Jacob Plamondon. Their three losses were close and came to good teams. There is a lot history with these two programs and this is a nice way to end what should be a good day of basketball.
