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LBI Michigan Event Recap: April Showers Classic Morning Recap

By Steve Reynolds @LBI_Steve, 04/14/18, 1:30PM EDT

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The Early Morning Didn't Stop The Action At The April Showers Classic

Livonia, MI: On a rainy Saturday morning, perfect for its name, the LBI Annual April Showers Classic is underway! As expected, it is raining talent on every court! Stay tuned throughout the day for highlights.

Natalie Foster 6’5”  Center 2020 MBA National, MI 
Natalie has very soft hands around the basket. She really understands the importance of catching high and keeping it high. The pace of play seems a little fast for her right now, but she runs the floor hard. I saw nice footwork on baseline drop step and a strong finish with her left, and also on a cut down the lane where she was able to finish in traffic. Definitely, one to watch as she develops physically and improves conditioning. Finished with game-high 19 points in a loss to Always 100. 

Riley Ott 5’6”  PG 2019 Always 100 Wright, IN
Riley has some serious tools. She has a handle, a floater, court vision, a great motor, and a strong I.Q. She can get you in your offense but can break off from the offense to get a bucket.  She gets her teammates the ball exactly where and when they need it. Most impressive is how she uses her handle and understanding of angles to get to the basket and finish around and over the top of help defenders. Going to be a gem at the next level. Finished with 18 points and a big-time drive and finish to knock off a tough MBA National team 61-54.

And it Keeps Raining Talent at the LBI April Showers Classic

Breanne Salenbien G/F 6'2" Michigan Mystics Showtime 2022
Bre can do...EVERYTHING!  When I say everything, I am not exaggerating.  She's extremely skilled on the offensive end of the court.  She has range 3-4 steps off the free throw line.  Her craftiness around the rim allows her to finish at impossible angles.  Bre also moves well defensively out on the court.  She has plus footwork and uses length well to stay in front of smaller guards.  She had several blocks and made four of the Mystics 14 3-pointers in a win over Michigan Elite.  Salenbien is going to make a huge splash this spring and summer.

Michigan Mystics Showtime
Mystics Showtime has pound for pound one of the most versatile teams at the April Showers Classic.  Leading the way is Bre Salenbien.  At 6'2", her talent and versatility make her immediately a focal point for the other team.  Offensively, she played 1-5 for the Mystics.  In the trenches, you find the formidable and competitive duo of 6'1" Cameron Grant and 6'2" Sophie Dziekan.  Both players are very active on the boards and in the paint but have the ability to step out and take like size defenders off the dribble and finish at the basket.  But I think the lynch pin is guard Maddie Voelker.  She's like a microwave from the 3-point line.  She has the ability to get hot at any moment.  But more importantly, I think she provides some leadership and floor presence that the Mystics are going to need as they compete against the tougher teams.  This team has been well crafted to compete at a high level.  Sky's the Limit!