Belleville, MI: In true LBI fashion, a scrimmage unlike any other in the state took place Friday evening at Belleville High School. Six of Ontario, Canada’s finest traveled across the border to take on some of the finest from the Mitten. With 30+ college coaches and several national media sources sitting courtside, these games were loaded with great moves, incredible shots, jaw-dropping plays, and smothering defense. In the end, Ontario took home the crown with the most wins for the evening.
The following day, high school teams from every corner of the state and Ontario, Canada, filled Saline middle and high school. Teams were allotted the opportunity to get some pre-season kinks worked out and give college coaches from every level a sneak peek at what they are bringing to the court this season.
Deshelle Farver 2020 6’0” SF Detroit Edison
Farver’s presence was felt time and time again on both ends of the court. Her long wingspan allowed her to block and alter shots and snatch down rebounds. On offense, she kept her hands shooter ready at all times. She knocked down long-range shots from all over the court.
Sophie Dziekan 2020 6’2” PF Brighton
A vocal floor leader, Sophie used her knowledge of the game to direct traffic without the ball being in her hand. She sees the court and delivered some great passes. She’s tough as they come and finished strong at the rim with and without contact. Signed w/Bowling Green
Nika Dorsey 2021 5’10” SG Detroit Renaissance
Dorsey’s game is smooth and quiet, and if one is not careful, she will take over the game one way or another. She did a great job of not forcing up shots and knocking down the short jumper when needed. She sees the court and knows how to get her teammates involved.
Lachelle Austin 2021 5’9” CG Wayne Memorial
Getting to the rim at will, Austin was an offensive nightmare for opponents. She knows when to drive into the paint and when to knock down the three. She has great court vision and knows the game, which made her very effective when in the point guard position.
Damiya Hagemann 2021 5’8” PG Detroit Edison
Just when it seemed as if Damiya couldn’t get any better, she proves us wrong. Her ability to create for others while remaining an offensive threat was the theme of her game this weekend. She got to the rim and knocked down shots time after time. Once the defense adjusted, her assist numbers increased. No matter what, she found the open player and set them up for success.
Hunter Conway 2021 5’9” CG Belleville
Conway is a hooper. She does a little bit of everything and does it well. She gives her team whatever it is they need, and she did it consistently. She is a quick and athletic and scoring threat. She knocks down the long ball but gets to the paint and draws the foul as well. Her long arms make her a nuisance on defense, altering shots and creating turnovers.
Bella Vogt 2020 5’5” PG Brighton
One of the toughest players at the scrimmage, Bella, showed no fear. She saw every possession to the end, was a great defender and court leader. She applied in your face pressure on the ball, and on several occasions, snatched the ball right out of her opponent's hands.
Jada Garner 2021 5’6” CG Midland Dow
One thing for sure, Jada has been working on her game and is ready for this upcoming season. Her decision making and shot selection have matured, and so has her execution. She is vocal and very active on the defensive end, and her team feeds off of her energy. On offense, she is not afraid to shoot the ball from deep.
Arie Lewis 2020 5’10” SF Flint Carman-Ainsworth
Once Arie had her mindset that she was getting to the rim, there was no stopping her. She is a bully-style player and uses her strength and size to bulldoze her way through the paint. She crashes the boards and helps rebound as well.
Maeve St. John 2022 5’7” SG Howell
A high energy, scrappy player, Maeve was the energy source for her team every game. She plays hard and doesn’t fold under pressure. She is a floor leader and a scorer. She gave 100% on both ends of the court every game and was consistently a vocal leader.
Alaila Walker 2022 5’6” CG Kalamazoo Central
A pleasant surprise, Alaila is a complete guard. She can lead the break in transition, going coast to coast and scoring, or advancing the ball so that her teammates can score. She has a quick first step and got inside the paint pretty much whenever she wanted to. She has great vision, always looking up and delivering crisp passes.
