Muskegon MI: This weekend at Mona Shores High School, some of the top teams and players in the state of Michigan were featured at the first annual Lake Michigan Jamboree. The level of competition was worth the long day and enduring the cold snowy Saturday afternoon weather. Here is a small summary of just a few of the highlights.
TOP TEAMS
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (Class A)
With 4 players signed to go play at the next level, 3 going Division 1, the Cougars looked polished and seasoned for a Breslin bound run. Sophia Karynsinki was able to get into the paint and finish and also knock down 3’s all morning. Silky smooth Myka Cromwell contributed great slashes to the basket. The key to the Cougars run is their floor general, Davenport University commit Shaniya Huggins. She did a great job of getting her teammates the ball at the right time.
Greenville (Class A)
The Yellowjackets looked like they picked up where they left off from last year’s conference and district championship games. 5’10” Sophomore PG Adele Kemp can shoot from anywhere on the floor. She showed that she can also set up her teammates to be successful. In their drive and kick offense, Paige Hallock, a 6’1” 4 year varsity starter, is able to perform inside and out. Paige’s leadership will be the key in the Yellowjackets repeating as district and conference champs.
Wyoming (Class A)
Today the Wolves showed a lot of promise. Experienced at every position, they looked like a well-oiled machine. All afternoon Wyoming's pressure got to opponents and the poise in their offense made it seem like teams were down 20 points when they were only down 10. Claire Hendrickson and Kiarak Copeland, both 4 year varsity players, are the catalyst to this team. Work horses Menelissia Mcgee (’18) and Kayla Hinton (’19) spearhead the Wolves pressure defense.
Mona Shores (Class A)
Led by their two Division I bound guards, the Sailors look to have another great season. Alyza Winston did not disappoint anyone with some jaw dropping spin moves in transition and tremendous baseline to baseline speed. I was impressed with Jordyn Walker’s court vision that she will take to Western University next fall. The Sailors are deep with athletes that will fill in the roles of the seniors that departed.
C.H.A.P. (N/A)
No one knew about CHAP, a homeschool team out of the Lansing area, but that all changed by the time the event was done and I’m pretty sure that coaches know now. The Chariots had a stingy half-court diamond press that had coaches pulling their hair out. CHAP also did a great job of shooting the ball this afternoon.
West Ottawa (Class A)
Last year west Ottawa was a predominately freshman team and that year of experience showed today. The Panthers are led by former GVSU assistant coach Jeff Bauer who brings a lot of intensity to his new club. West Ottawa played up the line defense all afternoon causing opponents to have fits and temper tantrums.
Grass Lake (Class C)
Coach Cabana had her team playing hard and disciplined despite having their two starting guards injured. Coming out of the Jackson area, Grass Lake will be a force to be reckoned with. All 5 starters are returning from last year’s team.
Hamilton (Class B)
The gritty Hawkeyes did not back down from any matchup today. Their run and jump press their staple and is something the entire team has bought into. 6’0” Bria Scroetenboer sets the tone for Hamilton using her big wing span to her advantage and making it difficult for opponents to throw over her. Hamilton moves the ball around well, getting their guards open looks and dump downs into the post, keeping the defense honest.
TOP PLAYERS
Maddy Watters 2017 5’10” Point Guard Rockford High School
Arguably the best point guard in the 2017 class, the Central Michigan University commit can flat out play. Watters dropped no look passes, making her team look like a top contender in the OK-Red conference this season. Watters also displayed her three point range knocking down triples from deep.
Sophia Wiard 2019 5’9” Point Guard Muskegon Oakridge
Sophia displayed her all-around floor general skills all afternoon. Her ability to get through creases, set up teammates and to score will be a big reason the Eagles will be successful this year. Wiard showed lots of confidence and savviness with the ball. She has great balance and finishes in crowds.
Jakkari Alven 2019 5’10” Wing Grand Rapid Catholic Central
The Cougars are going to need big minutes and production out of Alven if they want to make a strong run to the Breslin Center. She used her 6’0 wing span to pester opponents on defense, and to grab key rebounds on both ends of the floor.
Tierra (Chewy) Williams 2017 5’10” Wing Muskegon High School The Big Reds fed off of Williams’ heart and hustle all afternoon. With Cook gone, her team will need her lead by example just as she displayed Saturday morning. Chewy showed that she can score with contact and guard whoever you put in front of her. She rebounds out of her area which makes her dangerous when she is near the rim for offensive put backs.
Shelby Madison 2107 5’8” Guard St. Joseph High
The Lady Bears are looking to make a strong run this year in the SMAC and she showed she will be the main name on the opposing team’s scouting report. Shelby was showing her ability to knock down the triple consistently along with her ability to finish with contact for multiple old fashion threes. She will lead a well-balanced Lady Bear attack this year if she can stay consistent with her play.
Jolee Houle 2020 5’8” Point Guard Zeeland West
Joule is the leader for a young Ducks teams who will make major eve more noise in a couple years. Joule can shoot the ball consistently from behind the arc. She also showed she is capable of getting to the basket and finishing using her body to ward off defenders. Make sure to add this freshman guard to your watch list.
Sammie Gerhls 2018 6’0” Point Guard Caledonia High School
The GVSU commit is tougher than nails and will be asked to carry a big load now that last year’s seniors have graduated. Gerhls is a physical guard who loves to bump and be bumped to keep her rhythm on both ends of the floor. An excellent set up three point shooter, Sammie will help the Fighting Scots defend their conference title.
Toshanae Owens 2017 6’1” Center Kalamazoo Central
Owens has nice hands and feet for her size. She rebounds exceptionally well. Owens, who just came off a knee injury, will be a monster in the paint once she gets all her wind back. The Maroon Giants might want to look at getting her more touches so she can show her force around the basket.
Ellie Dykstra 2018 6’0” Guard Byron Center
Dykstra no longer has seniors around her to carry the load and she showed why she has been up to the Varisty level since she was a freshman. Doing whatever it takes for the team to be successful, Ellie rebounded, scored and made sure her teammates were involved. Dykstra is going to have to take more risk if she wants her bulldogs to compete for the OK-Green championship.
