East Lansing, MI: While many program directors are getting ready for the high school travel ball season to begin next weekend, they first had to make a stop in East Lansing, MI for the Spartan Classic Showcase that featured 200 plus teams from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Canada. This event is one of the best middle school tournaments in the Midwest and features many rising stars that are trying to make a name for themselves. Congratulations to all of the Champions in their respective divisions.
Prime Performers
6'1" Post Alexis Smith 2022 Tri-County Nets (MI)
Smith made her presence felt on the court. Alexis ran the floor and got proper position on the low block where she was able to finish strong on either side of the rim. Smith worked hard on the defensive end, whether it was defending the post or on the perimeter, as she used her length to disrupt many of the opposing team's shots inside the paint when they tried to score.
6' Post Dav'i Matthews 2022 Common Bond (MI)
Matthews was solid in leading Common Bond to a 3-0 record in pool play. Dav'i displayed good hands by catching several passes in transition and off the pick and roll where she was able to finish with a soft touch. The young post was very good at setting ball screens which allowed her guards to get into the paint for easy scoring opportunities.
5'11" SG Laney Creech 2023 MBA Select (IN)
Creech was a key component in her team’s come from behind victory over CCE. It started on the defensive end where she was everywhere on the court getting crucial steals, rebounds, and deflections that would initiate the fast break. When Creech wasn't a defensive stopper, she was finding spots on the floor to get open looks as the sharpshooter was able to knock down three second-half triples that would help secure the victory.
5'7" PG Ellie Toney 2022 Michigan Mystics (MI)
Toney put together another solid weekend in guiding the Michigan Mystics to the 8th Grade Green Division Championship. Ellie handled the ball well as she rarely turned it over and when she was left open, was knocking down shot after shot. Toney is never the most flamboyant player on the court, but she's always the most important player on the court.
5'7" PG Kaley Douglass 2022 Legacy 2022 (MI)
Douglass didn't score a ton in a big win over the Michigan Storm, but she didn't really need to, as she affected the game in several different ways. Kaley ran her team offense to perfection to make sure that they got the best shot possible, which led to many open layups late in the game. This is the kind of player that you need running your team! She is very unselfish, does not get rattled, and is a very coachable kid.
