Grosse Pointe, MI: The Michigan Mega Scrimmage is one of the premier high school basketball scrimmages in the state of Michigan. This year’s field of teams will include the defending Class C State champions, the Arbor Prep Gators along with many more of the state’s pinnacle teams. The scrimmage will be held at Grosse Pointe South High School, and as in previous years will showcase under one roof a preview of some of the best basketball players in the state. The following is a rundown of some of the top teams participating on this year’s schedule:

Ann Arbor Huron (Class A)
For the first in many years, the River Rats will have a new face roaming the sidelines. Long time coach Steve Vinson resigned last April after leading the River Rats to a Quarterfinal appearance in the spring.  Now comes former Plymouth Salem head coach Lindsey Klemmer to take over the reins of the Huron program. She inherits a veteran squad led by returning seniors Kara Wilson (University of Illinois-Chicago), along with sharpshooter Emily Marsh, and junior guard Sasha Thomas. 6’1” sophomore Eden Johnson, a transfer from Ann Arbor Skyline, is one of the top players in the state, and will make a huge and immediate impact when she becomes eligible. This may not be the aggressive, in your face Huron squad that we are used to watching, however, they will be good enough to still compete at a high level.

Arbor Prep Gators (Class B)
Coming off a Class C State Championship and losing four year starter and All-State honoree Natassja Chambers to graduation, many would think that the Gators would have to “skip a beat”. Well not so fast my friends! Coach Rod Wells has built a powerhouse on Hitchingham and Merritt. The Gators return four starters in Rhozane Wells (Saginaw Valley State University), Adrienne Anderson (Ferris State University), Cydney Williams (Wayne State University) and Lauryn Carroll.  Now add the Petree sisters Jayla, Lasha, and Marianna, who transferred from Plymouth Salem, into the mix; Arbor Prep will definitely be one of the top teams in the state of Michigan. This year the Gators will move up to Class B, which shouldn’t be a problem as they will still be a favorite to get back to East Lansing in March.

Detroit Country Day (Class B)
The Yellowjackets were the clear cut favorite to repeat as Class B state champs in 2016, but, to everyone’s surprise, was knocked out in the Final 4 by Grand Rapids South Christian. Country Day will once again be the favorites in Class B to cut down the nets in East Lansing, and deservingly so. When you return four Division 1 starters in seniors Destiny Pitts (University of Minnesota) and Tyler Bennett (Clemson University) along with the dynamic duo of Juniors Kalea Webb, a Marquette commit, and Maxine Moore, another highly sought D1 recruit, you flat-out have a mega talented squad.  In addition, this year we should see more from sophomore Jasmine Powell, another very talented player, who will play a more significant role this season. The Yellowjackets will be a tough to beat come March.

Detroit Edison (Class C)
As they say, “age ain’t nothing but a number!” DEPSA is ready to show everyone that they may be young but they are definitely ready. When you have one of the best players in the country in 6’3” sophomore Rickea Jackson, head coach Monique Brown has plenty to smile about. The Pioneers talent just doesn’t stop with Jackson. Daija Tyson ’20, who is a top notch point guard, will get every opportunity to shine this upcoming season along with talented wings Gabrielle Eliiott ’20 and Shaulana Wagner ’20. There undoubtedly will be some nights when the Pioneers look unstoppable on the offensive and defensive end of the floor. 6’1” junior Ashley Primas will become eligible in January and will give Edison more size. If this team comes together as they should, they will definitely be a making a trip to the Breslin Center.

East Lansing (Class A)
The Trojans will be making their first ever appearance to the Michigan Mega scrimmage and they will be coming with some very talented players. Led by juniors Jaida Hampton, Aazhenii Nye, and senior Deasia Miracle who came on strong towards the end of last season, the Trojans should be the team to beat in the CAAC this season. 2020 players Sanaya Gregory and Aaliyah Nye should also make solid contributions.

Dearborn Heights Robichaud (Class B)
Coming off a Quarterfinals appearance last season, Robichaud will look to continue their winning ways. The Bulldogs lost four year starter Nicole Buffington who was a monster defender and rebounder, but the cupboard is not bare. They have two studs in the backcourt in seniors Kayla Brown (University of Detroit Mercy) and Kamaria McDaniel (Penn State University), who both can torch the nets on any given night. If they can find a way to replace Buffington’s defensive presence, this team will not miss a beat.  Be on the lookout for 5'9”senior Monae Palmer to have a breakout season; she is one of the most versatile players in the state.

Midland Dow (Class A)
Dow will be one of the favorites to win Class A this year! They were disappointed last season when they got knocked out in the districts by Saginaw Heritage, but this year’s team is simply loaded and will not be denied another shot at the title. Dow features two D1 signees and three more players that are D1 caliber.  The frontline of seniors Kaylee Wasco (Binghamton University) and Aijia Blanton, to go along with a talented backcourt in senior Ellie Taylor (St. Louis University) and sophomores Maize Taylor and Molly Davis make Midland Dow good; correction, really good!

Wayne Memorial (Class A)
The Zebras won a share of the KLAA conference tournament championship last season and lost a heartbreaker in the district semifinals to Belleville. I don't see any reason why the Zebras cannot make a run in Class A this season, as they return some really good players. Led by junior Clemson commit Camree Clegg and senior Amare Chikwe (Youngstown State University) they have a legit inside-out duo. Watch out for sophomore guard Janae Terry who can do a lot of special things with the ball in her hands. Freshman Mikaela Ziegler will turn plenty of heads during the season. Head Coach Jarvis Mitchell has turned Wayne Memorial into a real contender in just his third year.

Detroit M. L. King (Class A)
If you are surprised to see the Crusaders listed here you shouldn’t be. The Class A semi-finalist lost key offense with the graduation of Micalea Kelly, but they adjusted well. With the senior backcourt duo of Tia Tedford (University of Illinois-Chicago) and Alicia Norman, Detroit King will be very difficult to guard and score against. Tedford and Norman are arguably the quickest and toughest backcourt in the state. Combined with returning players, juniors Erica Whitley-Jackson and Jordan Lewis, and highly recruited Del’Janae Williams ’19, look for the Lady Crusaders to make another strong run toward the Breslin Center if they are able to stay healthy and disciplined.