Michigan vs Ohio
Border Battle 2017
Recap Part 1
Toledo, OH: The 9th Annual Border Battle between Michigan and Ohio ended Saturday evening marking the beginning of a new era in the spirited rivalry. The action was intense as state pride and bragging rights were on the line. It is widely acknowledged that Ohio enjoys a huge edge in the yearly series without much resistance from the Mitten State. With this years Battle that sentiment has changed. Although, at last count, Ohio held an advantage in the amount of overall games won, Michigan boasted the best overall teams in the 2019 and 2021 classes with the two teams winning all three of their games by large margins. Michigan still has a way to go to close the gap against Ohio but Saturday’s tourney was definitely a major step in the right direction. In the 2018 class Michigan’s top team was very competitive against Ohio’s best, missing last second three-point shots in consecutive two point losses. There were also several highly competitive games in the 2020 class, with Michigan teams on the winning and losing end of games that went down to the wire. By all indications this rivalry will continue to get better as more elite players from Michigan have joined in the Battle which will bring out the best Ohio has to offer and make this event the premiere border rivalry in the country!
Noteworthy Performers:
Shai McGruder 2018 6’0” PF OH Huber Heights Wayne HS
Shai started off Game 1 with an outstanding performance. She played with tremendous energy, which was hard to contain. Her strength advantage inside led to easy layups in two wins. Michigan runs were ended by her disruption on the defensive end.
De’Asia Reid 2018 6’1” F/C OH Princeton HS
A big body post, De’Asia used her size to dominate in the paint. She was a force inside. The defense tried to slow her down but she consistently made layups while being fouled. Also a space eater on defense, she deterred penetration and was a very effective rebounder.
Ivy Wolf 2021 5’7” PG OH Minster HS
In the games she played Ivy was the most versatile player on the floor. Her skill set is very impressive with a motor to match. She used her athleticism to get steals on defense and to push the ball in transition. Wolf starred on Saturday and also made her teammates better.
Abrie Cabana 2021 5’7” PG MI Grass Lake HS
Abrie was a pleasant surprise for her team on Saturday. She was a steadying factor as Team 8 got off to a slow start in a Session 1 matchup. Her ball handling and excellent mid range game got them closer. Although they came up short, she played with a lot of heart and a ‘never say die’ attitude.
Kaybriana Hallman 2021 6’3” Center MI Comstock Park HS
Hallman is a dominant rim protector. This was obvious during the tournament as she altered and blocked shot after shot. She ran the floor well and cashed in on several offensive put backs in transition. Already an exceptional rebounder on both ends KB, as her teammates call her, will become more of a force as she continues to progress and get stronger.
Camree Clegg 2018 5’5” Guard MI Wayne Memorial HS
Clegg did an outstanding job of “Reppin the Mitten.” The Clemson commit put on a show every game and was definitely worth the price of admission. She was involved in two of the most exciting games of the day that were decided in the final seconds. From breaking defenders down off the dribble, throwing no look dimes in transition, to hitting highly contested triples, Cam showed that her game is ready for the next level.
Anysa Jones 2020 5’10 PG OH Westerville HS
Jones used her strength and size as an advantage. When I watched her in action she bodied smaller, weaker guards and blew past bigger, slower defenders. She kept the defense off balance with strong drives with either hand. When open the lefty shot a good percentage from behind the arc.
Jordan Wright 2022 5’6” PG MI Tappan MS
Jordan was the floor general for a very good 2021 team from Michigan. She got everyone involved and led her team to some big wins. Wright also showcased her ability to score in transition as she got to the basket and knocked down open shots from the perimeter.
Hailey Jordan 2019 5’10” SG OH Eastmoor HS
Jordan has a knack for scoring the ball. She was often ahead of the pack as she converted in transition. In the half court she was a very effective offensive rebounder and scored on several put backs. She was also a tough defender and strong rebounder in two Ohio wins.
Ariah Powell 2019 5’3” PG MI Cass Tech HS
Powell continued her steady improvement on Saturday. Her aggressive style put pressure on the defense. She attacked the lane in transition and made some incredible finishes at the rim. Ariah also had her mid range game working and even hit a couple from deep. On defense she was her usual self, pressuring the ball and playing with a high motor.
