LBI’s Best of Michigan Holiday Classic Super Senior Recap

The 6th Annual Best of Michigan Holiday Classic was full of great competition from great teams, and players that showed the state of Michigan has a bright future. Coaches from University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of California-LA (UCLA), University of Maryland, Eastern Michigan University, University of Toledo, Madonna University, Adrian College, Marquette University, University of Detroit-Mercy, Oakland University, Cincinnati University and Wayne State University were all on hand in the Motor City. During the emotional rollercoaster brought on by the great games, some players’ talent was undeniable and made the day worth it all.

Cheah Rael-Whitsitt  2016  5’11”  Post  Ann Arbor Huron
A tough post that plays much bigger than her actual size, Cheah is the back bone of the River Rats. When she steps on the court, she is going to war. She pounds the boards, works hard on defense, and is known for bullying her way to the basket. Her strong play helped lead the River Rats to a tough overtime win. One of the best unsigned 2016 players in the state that can help many college programs.

Cassidy Boensch  2016  6’5”  Post  Bay City John Glenn (Grand Valley State University)
Boensch once again showed up big for her team on the big stage. Her presence alone was enough to totally dominate the paint. Her long wingspan altered almost every shot that came in her area. She was very active on defense and did a wonderful job running the court. Cassidy is having a great season so far.

Mikaela Kelly  2016  5’8”  Guard  Detroit King (DePaul University)
The heart and soul of the Crusaders squad, Kelly showed why she is one of the top players of her class. Her quickness on both ends of the court is often unmatched and unstoppable. Her speed combined with her strength makes her a nightmare for her opponents. Not to mention she can also shoot from deep behind the arc. She is always a vocal leader on the court and expects high performance from her teammates. Micaela is definitely fun to watch.  

Mia Long  2016  5’6”  Guard  Ann Arbor Huron
Long’s contribution to her team is undeniable. She is their battery pack in more ways than one. She was the energy on defense that pushed the River Rats to dig deep and make some huge stops against a very talented Midland Dow team. She was assertive on offensive, driving the lane and getting easy baskets close to the rim; and Mia’s voice could be heard throughout the gym, even when she wasn’t on the court.  

Antoinette Miller  2016  5’8”  Guard  Southfield Lathrup (University of Cincinnati)
Miller stepped on the court with the look of determination on her face. She was without a doubt the floor general for Lathrup and gave all she had to help them win. When you see a point guard leave their heart and soul on the court, it speaks volume. Antoinette showed her ability to shoot in the clutch and get to the basket when she needs to. Although her team fell a little short, they would not have even been close if not for her. 

Nastassja Chambers  2016  5’9”  Guard  Ypsilanti Arbor Prep  (Wayne State University)
The quiet before the storm is what I like to call Chambers. You don’t realize how bad she’s affected you until you look at the score or the stat book. Her long frame and quickness allows her to get to the basket at will and knock down easy buckets. Her first step is often hard to defend due to her long strides and how big her first step is. She’s not afraid of contact, so you often see Nastassja in the paint battling for rebounds.