Quick Hitter: University of Michigan Team Shootout
Ann Arbor, MI - Many top teams from the state of Michigan and several other states invaded the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI on Sunday to attend the University of Michigan team shootout, which is becoming the best single day shootout in the state.
Top Teams
Southfield Lathrup Chargers
Even though they went 1-2 on the day, the Chargers played 3 top teams without starting guard Deja Church. Lathrup defeated a good Toledo Rogers team and lost to Carmel (IN) and Flushing which are also good teams. With the Bello twins controlling the paint and Antoinette Miller running the show, Lathrup will be a heavy favorite to reach the Breslin come March.
Saginaw Heritage Hawks
The Hawks reached the Class A final 4 last season and ooked like they are ready to make a return trip to East Lansing. Heritage defeated Dexter and Carmel (IN) on Sunday afternoon playing a solid 2-3 zone that kept teams off balance throughout the day. Junior Courtney McInerney and Sophomore Jaela Richardson were solid on defense as they limited teams to one shot by controlling the boards. Sophomore point guard Jessica Bicknell did a great job running the show as she didn’t turn the ball over. Incoming freshman Moria Joiner provided a perimeter threat for the Hawks.
Ann Arbor Huron River Rats
The River Rats loss four year varsity veteran Ariel Bethea to graduation, but that did not stop them from going 3-0 on the day. Huron is long and athletic at numerous positions that allowed them to cause a lot of problems with their defense and force their opponents to commit numerous turnovers that led to easy transition points. Seniors Cydney Hardy, Amake Chikwe and Cheah Rael-Whitsatt are surrounded by talented juniors Amare Chikwe, Katleyn Brownlee and a deep talented bench will make them a very dangerous team this upcoming season.
Flushing Raiders
The Raiders were without two starters from last year’s squad, Bre Perry and Claire Glowniak but still managed to go 3-0. Flushing is a well coached team that runs a lot of brilliant set plays on the offensive end and plays good half-court defense. Point guard Kamryn Chappell was solid as usual, running the Raiders offense very well. Once they get to full strength they will be another team primed to make a deep tournament run this upcoming season.
Top Players
Zia Cook 2019 5’8” PG Toledo Rogers
This kid is big time! While playing on a very talented Rogers squad, Cook looked very comfortable running the show. She showed good ball control running the point spot, did a nice job attacking the rim and kicking to teammates for some assists. She also showed her own scoring power as she knocked down some tough shots both inside and outside the arc. Zia also finished well on a couple fast breaks.
Eliza Winston 2019 5’5” PG Muskegon Mona Shores
With the injury to backcourt mate Jordan Walker, Morton was the primary ball handler on Sunday afternoon and she held on her own. She is very quick, has good handles and has the ability to finish around the rim. She shot pretty well from the perimeter, but she’s at her best in the open floor where she uses an array of moves to get where she needs to
Amare Chikwe 2017 6’ Wing Forward Ann Arbor Huron
Chikwe was very good all day long for a very talented River Rats squad. She played multiple positions on the offensive end and she defended several positions. Amare ran the floor and made a lot plays in transition. Defensively she caused a lot of problems by using her length and athleticism to get key rebounds and deflections. This is one of the best kept secrets in the state of Michigan. This kid can really play.
Story was written by LBI Scouting Director Jason Wilkins you can reach him via email jwilkins428@lbiscouting.com also follow him on twitter @LBInsider
