Plymouth, IN: The LBI Michigan Jamboree was an opportunity to continue to shake some of the rust off. And for LBI, an opportunity to see what kids have been able to improve on despite the inconveniences that come along with the changes caused by social distancing. Though there were some rough patches due to LBI's commitment to honor COVID-19 social distancing protocol, the event produced some great games and highlights. The LBI crew also unveiled LBITV which seemed to be a hit with coaches, players, and fans. In all, it was exciting to get back in the gym and continue to help kids have a platform to spread their wings and get connected to their dreams. 

2026 Kendyl Smith | Michigan Mystics
Leadership is crucial in the game of basketball. When a player has it, it makes the game so much easier. Kendyl Smith is a true leader even at her young age. There are very few players, even at higher levels, that think the game and communicate as she does. Smith makes her impact on the defensive end with her pressure and on the offensive end with her ability to create shots for others. Smith was money down the stretch vs Always 100 as she assisted on a three to make it a one-possession ball game. Then a few possessions later, Smith made a crucial 3 to tie the game. Though the Mystics would eventually lose by 3, an impression was made nonetheless.

2024 Destini Craig | Always 100
Destiny Craig is as clutch as they come. Craig made big play after big play in a low scoring 15-13 win over a tough MI Mystics-Pewinski team. Down the stretch, she was able to get steals and make plays that led to crucial baskets. And with every opportunity to score at a premium, Craig’s ability to finish was catamount as she finished with 8 points and 1 assist.

2022 Kacilyn Krebs | Always 100
Kacilyn Krebs kicked it into another gear in the waning minutes of the game as her team was attempting a come back against Michigan Mystics. She was relentlessly attacking the basket and knocked down a big three under duress to get her team within striking distance. Krebs would go on to knock down two game-winning free throws to put her team up for good. Final score 23-21.

2023 Renna Schwieterman | Always 100 Elite 2023
Renna was consistent and dominant In her team's win versus Grand Rapids Storm. She was able to use her size and sneaky athleticism to get multiple And1s in the second half. She was a force in that the Grand Rapids storm had no answer for her ability to face up or bully players in the paint. She made her living getting three the old-fashioned way and led her team to a blowout win.

2023 Ashlynn Brooke | Always 100 Elite 2023
You would be hard-pressed to find another rising sophomore shooting the ball better than Ashlynn Brooke. Besides her stellar point guard play and ability to manage a game, Brooke is an elite shooter. She netted 4 triples this afternoon vs GR Storm. Her makes didn't even touch the rim. She can make every three possible with range: catch & shoot, off the dribble, and the transition three are in her bag. Seriously, you name it, she can make it. Look for Brooke to continue to make a push to be the top guard in her class.

2022 Kelly Ratigan | Indiana Attack
Kelly Ratigan has put together back to back productive weekends. Though she endured tough loss versus West Michigan Drive, Ratigan’s play gave her team a chance to be competitive. She canned three triples and she flashed great confidence in her overall game. She made play after play in crunch time finishing with a team-high 13 points. Ratigan is hot right now and will be looking to ride this summer heatwave into the next school year.

2023 Macey Fegan | Michigan Mystics
Macey Fegan who recently picked up an offer the Univerity of Michigan is a competitor. In her teams win versus Always 100, she exploded in the first half for 10 points. But her greatest contribution was on the defensive end where she gutted out a performance to limit the production of the other teams' best offensive player. When asked what goes into her mind when your coach gives you the assignment to shut down the other team's best player, she simply shrugged her shoulders and said, “nothing really, you just have to get after it.”

2021 Paige Vanstee | MBA UA Rise
Paige is a diamond in the rough. She is physically gifted in that once she makes a decision to attack, there is little anyone can do to keep her from scoring. Quite frankly her brand of basketball is a bit intimidating because of her motor and strength. She’s 3 sport athlete and it shows in her overall athleticism. This is Vantee’s 1st year on travel circuit but she made a great impact on the game for a very tough MBA squad.

2021 Emma Cooke | Michigan Mystics
Emma Cook is a double-double waiting to happen. Time and time again, Emma found herself in the mix and competing at a high-level for seemingly every rebound. She’s strong and looks to make contact on defense and offense. Probably most impressive is her activity level and her willingness to guard out on the perimeter on switches and to fight for the block on the interior. She can even step out and shoot the catch and shoot three. She had a very impressive showing late evening versus Always 100.

2021 Emma Costen | GR Storm UA Rise
Versatility is the name of the game and Emma Coates has it. She was able to contribute to her team catching the ball and making plays on the perimeter, high post, and short corner. Her seven 2nd half points and her ability to make plays in the passing lanes led the Storm to a 2nd half comeback over Indiana Attack. She’s currently receiving interest from a few NAIA schools. If one of those schools land her, it would be a steal.

• 2022 Lexus Bargesser (Michigan Premier) and 2022 Kelly Ratigan (Indiana Attack) are “LBI Certified” stock risers
• 2022 Gracie Bobo - (Always 100 Wright)can really shoot the ball
• 2022 Gabriella Lutchka and Hillary Griffin are tucked away on Michigan Premier Top Team, but contributing efficiently DONT FORGET THEM, they are very good.
• Michigan Mystics 2021 has underrated 6’1” forwards in Abby Williams and Emma Cooke.
• It’s still a tragedy that Always 100's 2022 PG Olivia Smith doesn’t have an offer.
• MBA 2023 UA Rise 6’3” Kara Bartels has improved and is added strength away from opening some eyes.
• The Factory 2023 squad is a team to keep an eye on for in the future. Head Coach Richard Sherwood does a very outstanding job of getting this team to compete at a high level.  They defend, play's unselfish and in travel ball, if teams can do both of those things good things will happen.