Kentwood, MI: The Michigan Thanksgiving Scrimmage featured 30 teams from the west side of the state and a few other hot spots for basketball. From the first jump ball to the last buzzer sounding, all the teams played and fought in preparation for the upcoming season. With crosstown rivals and some college coaches watching, each team strapped up and showed just what they are made of. Of course, there were a few players and teams that stood out amongst the rest.

Top Players

Asania Turman  2019  6’0”  Post  Ann Arbor Pioneer
Turman was the force to be reckoned with in every game. She has a solid frame and is strong as a bull. Her strength enabled her to dominate in the paint on both ends and finish with tons of contact.

Alona Blackwell  2019  5’10”  Guard  East Kentwood
Alona is a long guard that is athletic and knows how to get to the bucket. She goes just as hard on defense has she does on offense and it often led to easy buckets for herself or a teammate.

Mattison Rayman  2019  5’10”  Wing  Ostego High School
Mattison was such a huge presence in the paint that defenders often sagged off her. She politely made them pay by consistently knocking down the 12-footer or finding an open teammate.

Daija Tyson  2020  5’4”  PG  Detroit Edison Public Academy (DEPSA)
A feisty floor general that can kill you off the bounce or from behind the arc, Daija’s game does not match her young age. Her vocal leadership and outstanding arsenal of moves will keep DEPSA a Class C state championship contender for at least another three years.

Andraya Johnson  2017  5’10”  Wing  East Kentwood High School
Johnson is a very versatile player that did an outstanding job of defending both the post and the perimeter. She also was a handful for others to defend due to her ability to drive to the basket or hit a shot from 15 feet.

Kiarah Copeland  2017  5’6”  PG  Wyoming High School
Using her strength to pretty much do what she wanted, Copeland was very effective in directing her team’s offense, getting to the basket and knocking down some big time three pointers. (Goshen)

Edecia Beck  2018  6’0”  Wing  Grand Rapids Christian
Beck played all five positions in every match up and was one, of if not the most dominate player on the court. She’s tough and loves to battle. She crashes the boards and gets her teammates involved any way she can.

Tierra Williams  2017  5’8”  Wing/Post  Muskegon High School
Tierra has long arms and uses them to her advantage. She’s quick for her size and can run the court very well. She rebounds and can get to the hoop for easy layups.

Kyra Bussell  2017  6’0”  Post  Grand Rapids Catholic Central
Impressive post moves and a dominate defender made Bussell stand out in every game. She did a good job of filling the lanes and setting solid screens to free up her teammates. (Central Michigan)

Taia Smith  2018  6’0”  Post  East Kentwood High School
A gritty clean-up type player, Smith did all her team’s dirty work to keep them in the game. Rebounding, playing intense defense, and diving on the floor or in the crowd were just a few of the things Taia brought to the game.

Top Teams

Grand Rapids Catholic Central (Class A)
Led by Oakland University commit 6’0” senior Myka Cromwell, Catholic Central looked energized and ready for war in their match ups. This team did not give up easily and played hard every possession. With players that have long arms and quick feet like 2019 wing Jakkari Alven, the Cougars are a solid defensive team which creates a lot of easy transition points. They did a respectable job of trailing to clean up missed layups or potential turnovers.

Detroit Edison (Class C)
Although they were missing their top rebounder and scorer in Jackson, DEPSA did not skip a beat. Their quickness and athleticism was just too much for teams at times. They get up and down the court, share the ball and crash the boards. Even when they were visibly exhausted, they still played hard. This young group was fun to watch.

Lansing Waverly (Class A)
The Warriors were impressive with their aggressive defense, long front court and quick and energetic back court. They did a noble job of causing turnovers and uncomfortable shots. If this group can find a way to work out a few offensive kinks, they will make a decent run in the state playoffs.

Grand Rapids Christian (Class A)
Beck’s “by any means necessary” attitude has seemed to rub off on her teammates. This team plays full court, in your face, man to man defense and they have a deep enough bench to keep the rotations fresh and not skip a beat. They share the ball, communicate on defense, and listen to their coaching staff. They are a tough team to match up against.

East Kentwood (Class A)
The Falcons are an area favorite and I see why. They always have 2-3 scoring options on the court and most of their key players can play multiple positions. They are balanced with size and quickness and match up well. After a slow start in their first game, East Kentwood went into high gear and never looked back. With a point guard like Mauriya Burns, a player that is a vocal leader, quality passer and can score, this team will make a lot of noise this season.