LBI Mid-Michigan Scrimmage Recap
Midland, MI – The Mid-Michigan Scrimmage was held at H.H. Midland Dow High School this past Saturday. 32 teams came to the gym to put their practice and hard work to the test, and show what they are made of. Some teams were just what we expected, while others were a pleasant surprise. The event lasted a full 12 hours and was worth every minute. After two weekends of scrimmages with teams from all over the state, it is safe to say that the LBI staff will be extremely busy this season, and the race to the Breslin Center will not be one for the weak and weary. Starting on Monday, November 30…IT’S GAME TIME!
Midland Dow Chargers (Class A)
The Midland Dow Chargers were definitely one of the top 5 performing teams at the scrimmage. Led by the talented tantum of point 5’8” guard Ellie Taylor and 6’1” post Kaylee Wasco, this team showed that they are one of execution and fight. Dow was patient on offense, poised on defense and most importantly, a team of togetherness. They really didn’t care who did what, as long as it got done. Look for the Chargers to push their way through the Saginaw Valley-North conference and take a run at a final four appearance in March at the Breslin.
Saginaw Heritage Hawks (Class A)
A common theme that we have seen so far this season across the state is a very short rotation. The average team can go at best 2 players into their bench before you start to see a dramatic difference in the level of play. Not the case for the Saginaw Heritage Hawks. Their starting 5 is solid in every position and they can go 3-4 deep into their bench. This poses a serious problem for teams because it means that the Hawks can keep fresh legs and lungs on the court almost the entire game. Heritage got quality play and minutes from its freshmen dynamic duo and top 10 ranked, point guard Mariah Joiner and post Shine Strickland. Joiner showed that she’s able to keep her composure and make good decisions with the ball under pressure, while Strickland demonstrated that she is a pure athlete, able to be a complete player on both ends of the court.
Bay City John Glenn Bobcats (Class B)
John Glenn impressed everyone in the gym on Saturday. 6’4” post stand-out Cassidy Boensch was the most dominate post player at the scrimmage. She did everything her team needed her to do including blocking shots, rebounding, and taking the ball coast to coast after a steal. She will be very instrumental in the Bobcats being successful this season. Another key piece to John Glenn’s puzzle is 5’5” junior point guard Kalle Martinez. Speed, great court vision, crafty passes, and the ability to shoot the lights out of the gym is what this feisty player brings to her team. If you are not familiar with the Bobcats, you will be before the season comes to an end.
Howell Highlanders (Class A)
Howell was a contender in every matchup they faced. The Highlanders are a solid, well balanced team that did a good job making adjustments that Coach Tim Olzewski implemented throughout each game. They were able to run the court well, play amazing team defense and give top teams like Saginaw Heritage and Bay City John Glenn a run for their money. They do what every coach screams at their team day after day…they talk to each other. Their team communication on both ends of the court will enable them to be a threat to any team they face during this season.
Dexter Dreadnoughts (Class A)
Another team that did a great job of holding their own was Dexter. They weren’t very flashy or spectacular, but they took care of business, which is far more important. Although the Dreadnoughts were not big in size, they were big in heart. They move the ball well and are very patient on offense. They fight for loose balls and run the court on defense. The bow that finishes this package is that they have multiple players players that can shoot the long range shot with great accuracy.
Flint Carmen-Ainsworth Cavaliers
After losing Ms. Basketball candidate Sydney McDonald, the Lady Cavaliers are looking to still be a legitimate contender in the Saginaw Valley – South conference. During the scrimmage, this team showed that they are athletic and full of speed. They are not afraid of contact, and do a great job battling in the paint for rebounds. Despite at times struggling offensively; the team never looked defeated and continued to fight. 5’6” senior guard Harmany Williams is quick and strong, and she uses them both to play superb defense. With the return of senior Randi Richardson, and one of the state’s top freshmen, Desinty Strother, in their line-up, the potential for this Cavalier team looks bright.
Frankenmuth Eagles (Class B)
Frankenmuth did a great showing that they are disciplined enough to play their game and not be bullied into stepping away from what works for them. Whether it was against the fast tempo Grizzles of Ypsilanti High, or the man to man aggressive coverage from the Lady Chargers of Flint Powers, Frankenmuth was the same. They play hard. They work together. Lastly, they have three experienced seniors that step up in a big way. 5’10” guard Madison Whiskur is a strong floor leader on both ends of the court. 6’1” post Kerri Frahm is well rounded and not afraid to do “non-traditional” post things if her team needs her to. She moves well without the ball and is able to defend the wing, and lead a fast break. Brayene Benner, a 6’0” Ferris State University commit, is the muscle of the team. She is effective and a strong presence for her team on offense and defense. Look for Frankenmuth to make some noise in the playoffs this season.
Flint Powers Chargers (Class B)
After losing the majority of their most recent powerhouse team, Flint Powers is in the rebuilding stages. That however does not mean that they should be taken lightly in anyway. The Lady Chargers showed that they are still disciplined and able to play good solid basketball. These ladies hustle, play wonderful team and man to man defense, execute, and communicate with each other. They are patient on offense and aggressive on defense. Look for the Chargers to still be one of the top three teams in the Saginaw Valley-South conference.
