Lansing, MI: Spring is right around the corner, so that means the 2019 Spartan Classic field was set and ready to spring into action. It was wall to wall action and very competitive in East Lansing. LBI was there to cover the action to give you a glimpse into the weekend's court wars.
Spartan Classic 8th Grade Top Division Championship Game
Wolverinas vs. MBA Lyons
Somewhere in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, the Wolverinas are perfecting their craft and showing all challengers they have what it takes. The 2019, 8th-grade division, Spartan Classic champs were 6-0 for the weekend including two wins over Michigan’s top 8th-grade team, MBA Lyons. The Wolverinas second win over MBA was a highly competitive, 59-54 thriller. Both teams boast solid play well into their perspective benches, but a few player performances were head and shoulders above the rest. For MBA, Maddie Petroelje was able to make multiple triples to keep her team close. She is a fearless shooter with a feathery touch. Easily one of the top 5 shooters at Spartan Classic netting a total of 9 triples between the two matchups with Wolverinas. Cadence Dykstra has an unbelievable motor. Dykstra was able to show why she may be the best two-way player among 2023's in all of Michigan. Macey Brown was fiery and clutch throughout the game as she was able to step up in some key moments. Terin Maynard scored some key baskets, including a key 3 to tie the game up at 35 late in the 2nd half. However, it was not enough as Emily Fisher, and Katy Eidle was able to lead the Wolverinas to an impressive run through the Spartan Classic field. Emily Fisher is an ultra-skilled guard, able to score at all three levels. For a span of about 3 minutes, the Wolverinas were able to spread the court and give Fisher room to work. She made a step-back 3 and ended up at the free throw line on drives off of combo moves from the top of the key at a crucial juncture in the game. Fisher was stellar throughout the weekend. However, it was clear that Katy Eidle was playing at a level no one could reach. Eidle scored 31 points in the championship and was able to keep MBA at bay by knocking down free throw after free throw down the stretch to thwart all attempts at an MBA comeback in the last few minutes. Eidle was exceptional all weekend and definitely “Queen of the Court.”
Spartan Classic 8th Grade: Final Four
All-Final Four Team
Emily Fisher (Wolverinas) Has all the tools on the offensive end, big time prospect.
Katy Eidle MVP (Wolverinas) Best final four performer hands down. 20 points in a semi-final, 31 points in final.
Amiyah Reynolds (Michigan Crossover) Makes a tremendous impact on both ends of the court.
Cadence Dykstra (MBA) Best two way player in her class in Michigan.
DeAndrea Smith (Michigan Storm) Strong and powerful off the dribble, playing with confidence.
Final Four Honorable Mentions
Maddie Petroelje (MBA) Shot the lights out.
Macey Brown (MBA) She’s a competitor; her play is consistently good.
Terin Maynard (MBA) Shooter and an unsung hero among a great group of guards.
Jada McCree (Michigan Storm) Composure and basketball I.Q. beyond her years.
Zarriah Mitchell (Michigan Storm) Great motor, can get you a bucket and keeps people in front on the defensive end.
Armani Strozier (Michigan Storm) Scratching the surface of her potential.
Kelsey Neary (Wolverinas) Solid on both ends of the court.
MacKenzie Royal-Davis (Michigan Crossover) Tough, does all the dirty work defensively and on the boards.
Dakota Alston (Michigan Crossover) Has the tools to be elite just waiting on consistency.
Spartan Classic 8th Graders Taking Next Steps
Here are a few 8th graders that I’ve seen growth in over the last few months including at the Spartan Classic.
SF Sydney Hendrix 5’10” Michigan Crossover - Sydney is finding her groove slashing to the basket and crashing the boards. When she is playing well, it adds a whole new dynamic to what the Crossover is trying to accomplish.
SF Emily Carbajal 5’10” Jackson Jets - Emily offers versatility on both ends of the court. Her ball handling and ability to handle pressure by being able to see over the top of the defense has been crucial for the Jets. She passes the ball very well and has been consistently competing at a high level in the few games I’ve seen her.
PF Mady Weber 6’0” MBA - Makes strong moves and is a force when going north and south. MBA plays an uptempo style of play that can be difficult to keep up with but does it and is very useful in spots.
SG Rachel Resio 5’7” Saginaw Triple Threat - I like that Rachel seems to compete all the time. She passes the ball well vs. pressure and is fearless attacking the rim.
PG Emily Homan 5'9" Capital City Express - Holman is one to keep an eye on for years to come, she posses a good feel for the game from the point position as she can attack and finish at the rim over taller defenders and has a solid perimeter game.
Spartan Classic Quick Hitter
- Indiana Blaze Onyx 6th Grade team is ridiculously good.
- Michigan Storm 7th and 8th-grade teams are tough as nails.
- 6’1” 2025 Kira Reynolds (Crossover) is unstoppable.
- Laney Creech (MBA Select) is the nastiest and feistiest 8th grader I’ve seen play this year, and I mean that in a good way.
- Indiana Flight North’s Isabelle and Sophia are a real problem.
- 2023 Maya Anderson (East York) out of Canada is 6’0” and athletic, a very intriguing prospect.
- There isn’t a more entertaining coach to watch the David Goodwill of Always100 as he tries to pull every ounce of effort out of his kids.
- Shout out to Emma Arico of O3 Elite for sacrificing her body.
- Michigan Storm’s Summer Davis had a nasty JELLY in championship game vs. O3 Elite.
- The collective in the tournament work ethic of MBA Lyons is next level.
