2024 Indya Davis of the Michigan Storm is a name many better get used to hearing about in the near future
Grand Rapids, MI: The Drive to the Hoop Classic was full of buzz-worthy names, stock-risers, and top programs as the some of the areas best played their hearts out in Grand Rapids, MI. The action was fast-paced and competitive. I saw blood, sweat, and tears as teams and players looked to make their mark early in the travel season. Here are a few performers that got the job done.
2023 Sela Lefler 5'5" PG Pistons Elite Blue
Lefler was a key component for Pistons Elite throughout the entire weekend. She showed that she was capable of controlling the game with her ballhandling and passing ability as she got her teammates comfortable scoring opportunities in the halfcourt or in transition. Defensively she caused havoc with her quick hands that led to many steals and a few deflections.
2023 Katelyn Sanders 5'9" SF Pistons Elite Blue
Sanders displayed a sufficient skill set whether she was playing below or above the free-throw line. She ran the lane very well in transition that resulted in a few nice finishes. Her length and versatility allowed her to rebound well out of her area in which led her to lead the break in which she looked completely comfortable doing.
Sanders displayed a sufficient skill set whether she was playing below or above the free-throw line. She ran the lane very well in transition that resulted in a few nice finishes. Her length and versatility allowed her to rebound well out of her area in which led her to lead the break in which she looked completely comfortable doing.
2023 Clare Erickson 6' PF Michigan Mystics Bell
This was our first time seeing Erickson play and was impressed in what we saw. She scored a lot around the rim where she finished well with either hand when she caught it on the low block and also showed that she could step away from the rim and face-up and shoot it from for 15 feet or attack off the dribble. She's a tough, hard nose player that went hard on every possession as she was able to out-hustle her defender for any loose ball or rebound off of pure determination.
This was our first time seeing Erickson play and was impressed in what we saw. She scored a lot around the rim where she finished well with either hand when she caught it on the low block and also showed that she could step away from the rim and face-up and shoot it from for 15 feet or attack off the dribble. She's a tough, hard nose player that went hard on every possession as she was able to out-hustle her defender for any loose ball or rebound off of pure determination.
2023 Mari Bink 5'9" SG Michigan Mystics Bell
Bink was knocking down shots from the beyond the arc at a high rate this past weekend in Grand Rapids. She knows how to find open spots on the floor that allows her to get her shot off. Bink has a good release, and with her size and ballhandling ability, she was also able to get into the lane and shoot it over smaller defenders.
Bink was knocking down shots from the beyond the arc at a high rate this past weekend in Grand Rapids. She knows how to find open spots on the floor that allows her to get her shot off. Bink has a good release, and with her size and ballhandling ability, she was also able to get into the lane and shoot it over smaller defenders.
2023 Evyn Carrier 5'11" SF The Truth (IL)
A physically imposing post presence who has good size, long arms and the tools to make an outstanding prospect long term. She altered shots on the inside defensively, put her hands in the passing lanes to force bad passes and rebounded strongly to get one shot and out. She ran the floor pretty well off a miss or a made basket. Awkward going to the basket when attacking but she can absorb contact to finish. Carrier kept her hands high cutting to the basket and off the catch her teammates found her to draw a foul or finish inside.
A physically imposing post presence who has good size, long arms and the tools to make an outstanding prospect long term. She altered shots on the inside defensively, put her hands in the passing lanes to force bad passes and rebounded strongly to get one shot and out. She ran the floor pretty well off a miss or a made basket. Awkward going to the basket when attacking but she can absorb contact to finish. Carrier kept her hands high cutting to the basket and off the catch her teammates found her to draw a foul or finish inside.
2023 Annalise Pietrzyk 5'7" SG The Truth (IL)
Pietrzyk did a good job moving without the basketball to get her self open, whether it be using the opposite side of the ball screen, she had an excellent first step off the bounce and a good midrange touch.
Pietrzyk did a good job moving without the basketball to get her self open, whether it be using the opposite side of the ball screen, she had an excellent first step off the bounce and a good midrange touch.
2024 Indya and Summer Davis 5'7" SG Michigan Storm
First time watching the Davis twins. Indya is a fireball of energy on both ends; she is lightning quick in the open floor which allowed her to get inside the lane with ease for a floater or pull-up jumper. Summer showed her ability to hit the long ball as she hit a few triples and even got up and under for some beautiful finishes. She is a real competitor as she wasn’t afraid to defend bigger players on the inside. You will hear a lot more about the Davis twins shortly, while they continue to develop their game they have a chance to be some special players from the Mitten.
First time watching the Davis twins. Indya is a fireball of energy on both ends; she is lightning quick in the open floor which allowed her to get inside the lane with ease for a floater or pull-up jumper. Summer showed her ability to hit the long ball as she hit a few triples and even got up and under for some beautiful finishes. She is a real competitor as she wasn’t afraid to defend bigger players on the inside. You will hear a lot more about the Davis twins shortly, while they continue to develop their game they have a chance to be some special players from the Mitten.
2023 Jada McCree 5’8” PG Michigan Storm
Some prefer crunchy, and some prefer smooth; when talking about Jada McCree, the only word that comes to mind is smooth! She had a calmness about her that caught my eye. She seemed to understand when to use her change of speed in the perfect times. Her firm handles allowed her to weave through traffic and get to the rim or find open teammates, especially in transition. This young Michigan player has a real chance at doing some special things this season.
Some prefer crunchy, and some prefer smooth; when talking about Jada McCree, the only word that comes to mind is smooth! She had a calmness about her that caught my eye. She seemed to understand when to use her change of speed in the perfect times. Her firm handles allowed her to weave through traffic and get to the rim or find open teammates, especially in transition. This young Michigan player has a real chance at doing some special things this season.
2024 Emma Arico 5’2” PG O3 Elite
This kid is a born leader. Emma Arico from 03 Elite is a true floor general, oozing with leadership potential. This weekend at the 7th annual Drive to the Hoop Classic, Emma shinned in transition when forced to push the tempo and find teammates streaking down the floor. Arico’s high I.Q. was most evident when her team needed her the most; was it time to score, was it time to defend, or do I need to facilitate? She had a Lindsey Whalen feel to her game that is always exciting to watch.
This kid is a born leader. Emma Arico from 03 Elite is a true floor general, oozing with leadership potential. This weekend at the 7th annual Drive to the Hoop Classic, Emma shinned in transition when forced to push the tempo and find teammates streaking down the floor. Arico’s high I.Q. was most evident when her team needed her the most; was it time to score, was it time to defend, or do I need to facilitate? She had a Lindsey Whalen feel to her game that is always exciting to watch.
2023 Alyssa Wypych 5’7" PG Rockford Rage
This point guard is no typical point guard; she can flat out score the ball. Alyssa Wypych is a fundamentally sound player that has a whole lot of game. Wypych was able to get to the basket early with a quick crossover and finish in a variety of ways. She had extremely nice floaters, finishes with contact, and then she brought out the three-ball late in the game! She not only carried her team offensively but when they needed her on the other end, she delivered big time as well.
This point guard is no typical point guard; she can flat out score the ball. Alyssa Wypych is a fundamentally sound player that has a whole lot of game. Wypych was able to get to the basket early with a quick crossover and finish in a variety of ways. She had extremely nice floaters, finishes with contact, and then she brought out the three-ball late in the game! She not only carried her team offensively but when they needed her on the other end, she delivered big time as well.
2024 Kendall Braden 5’5” PG O3 Elite
Some kids have what I call “gym rat swagger.” You know those kids that move a certain way when they hit the floor and exude a confidence that says, “I’m next.” Kendall Braden is next! Braden has impeccable footwork on her step-back jump shot. She has a playground like handle that gets you out of your seat. She is adept at finishing around the basket from multiple angles, that definitely frustrated help defenders. There aren't enough superlatives to describe what I saw over the weekend, but the Toledo, Ohio native is a gem and a must watch prospect.
Some kids have what I call “gym rat swagger.” You know those kids that move a certain way when they hit the floor and exude a confidence that says, “I’m next.” Kendall Braden is next! Braden has impeccable footwork on her step-back jump shot. She has a playground like handle that gets you out of your seat. She is adept at finishing around the basket from multiple angles, that definitely frustrated help defenders. There aren't enough superlatives to describe what I saw over the weekend, but the Toledo, Ohio native is a gem and a must watch prospect.
2024 Devin Hagemann 5’5” PG Michigan Crossover
At times, Devin Hagemann seemed to have a jet pack on her back. She was almost impossible to stay in front of as teams tried to contain her to slow down the Michigan Crossover attack. The way she dribbles the ball just sounds different than most other kids. She uses her strong handle, speed and toughness to keep defenses on their heels. On defense, Hagemann is relentless. Her high motor and tenacity are the catalyst for the defensive pressure Crossover wants to use to disrupt the offensive flow of other teams. Hagemann is already using this early travel season to serve notice on the rest of The Mitten that she is a force to be reckoned with.
2023 Ali Stephens 5’11” SG Always 100 Goodwell (IN)
Deadly from three! Ali Stephens is the shooter every single team wanted this weekend at the 7th annual Drive to the Hoop Classic in Grand Rapid, Michigan. This Hoosier from Always 100 was a threat every time she caught behind the arc. Stephens quick release and good form had defenses flying out to her all weekend long. Standing at almost 6 feet tall, she is not only a threat from behind the arc but trouble inside as well. With her good size, finishing through contact down low wasn't an issue. Ali came up big for Always 100, taking home the championship trophy back to Indiana.
Deadly from three! Ali Stephens is the shooter every single team wanted this weekend at the 7th annual Drive to the Hoop Classic in Grand Rapid, Michigan. This Hoosier from Always 100 was a threat every time she caught behind the arc. Stephens quick release and good form had defenses flying out to her all weekend long. Standing at almost 6 feet tall, she is not only a threat from behind the arc but trouble inside as well. With her good size, finishing through contact down low wasn't an issue. Ali came up big for Always 100, taking home the championship trophy back to Indiana.
2025 J.J. Barnes 5’4” G Wisconsin Playground Elite (WI)
So you got to love young players that have enough skill and confidence to play upright. Well J.J. Barnes absolutely had enough of both to go around. You would not know she was playing up by the way she demanded the ball in tense situations or showed composure when her team was down. This, without a doubt, perimeter player decided she wanted to flex her post-game muscles and take her man to the block. Barnes posted up like a pro then proceeded to give her unsuspecting defender the Dream Shake! She continued to show off her athleticism with tip-ins and numerous steals in the passing lane. Barnes was electric!
So you got to love young players that have enough skill and confidence to play upright. Well J.J. Barnes absolutely had enough of both to go around. You would not know she was playing up by the way she demanded the ball in tense situations or showed composure when her team was down. This, without a doubt, perimeter player decided she wanted to flex her post-game muscles and take her man to the block. Barnes posted up like a pro then proceeded to give her unsuspecting defender the Dream Shake! She continued to show off her athleticism with tip-ins and numerous steals in the passing lane. Barnes was electric!
2024 Taliyah Beckford 5’7” SG Mississauga Warriors (Canada)
In the nightcap of Day 1, the Mississauga Warriors brought their hard hats and played their hearts out. Perhaps, no one’s play was more inspiring than Taliyah Beckford who played 100 mph from end to end all night. She’s a relentless slasher that does not take no for an answer, bruising anyone who would dare get in her way when she attacked the basket. Her energy was the catalyst in the Warriors win over eventual 7th-grade Champions, Michigan Crossover. Beckford is one that I pray that I will get the chance to watch again.
In the nightcap of Day 1, the Mississauga Warriors brought their hard hats and played their hearts out. Perhaps, no one’s play was more inspiring than Taliyah Beckford who played 100 mph from end to end all night. She’s a relentless slasher that does not take no for an answer, bruising anyone who would dare get in her way when she attacked the basket. Her energy was the catalyst in the Warriors win over eventual 7th-grade Champions, Michigan Crossover. Beckford is one that I pray that I will get the chance to watch again.
2023 Macey Fegan 5’10” SF Michigan Mystics
I’ve watched Macey Fegan play time and time again; one thing for sure she is gritty, tough, and a little bit vicious. Fegan plays with a certain irritability and disdain for her counterpart at times. She lets that come out on the defensive end for sure. She is sneaky athletic, and if you get complacent on a drive, she will make you pay with smacking your shot out of bounds. Fegan is most effective in the open court where she can use her skill and high motor to pick you apart. When, and I mean when-not-if, she gets to the rim, her length with the desire to score is tough to deal with. Macey continues to solidify herself as one of the top 2023 players in the state of Michigan.
Glass City Fury, Michigan Crossover & Always 100 Take Home Championships At The 7th Annual Drive To The Hoop Classic
Drive to the Hoop Classic 6th Grade Super Platinum Championship
Glass City Fury 45 vs. West Michigan Drive 25
Glass City Fury 45 vs. West Michigan Drive 25
The West Michigan Drive program is no stranger to Championship Sundays. You can usually find one of their teams playing late on Sunday afternoon, this weekend it was the 2025 team that was here to do some damage. This team is loaded with talent. They have one of those teams with someone for every spot; a shooter, a fierce rebounder, feisty defender and multiple players that come to work. Unfortunately, the Drive team had to face the mighty Fury. This is a team that came to win. From top to bottom, these girls worked! With only a two-point lead at the half, Fury pulled away from Drive with an unbelievable eight three-point makes to win by a whopping 20 points. Nyah Mullin was a force to be reckoned with in the semi-finals and finals for Glass City. Glass City knew what they wanted to accomplish from the beginning and that’s exactly what they did; take home the trophy at the 7th annual Drive to the Hoop Classic.
Drive to the Hoop Classic 7th Grade Super Platinum Championship
Michigan Crossover 35 vs. Michigan Premier 23
Michigan Crossover 35 vs. Michigan Premier 23
Michigan Crossover gained control early and never relinquished the lead from start to finish. Crossover’s stellar guard play was the key to victory. Crossover featured the power and speed combination of Myana Cooksey, the ability of Nakiya Bonner to break down the defense, and the sheer determination of Bailey Pickens to get to the rim at will. All were too much for a very solid Michigan Premier team. Crossover’s defensive pressure and uptempo style of play was on display. 6’0” Power Forward, McKenzie Swanson was instrumental in limiting Michigan Premier’s offensive attack as she controlled the boards and blocked shots. No. 33, Madison VanDorpe was a bright spot for Michigan Premier as she was aggressive attacking the Crossover pressure. At times, they are creating opportunities for herself and others to score. Look for this Michigan Crossover team to continue to be successful throughout the travel season as they have the strong guard play, defensive versatility, and the toughness to be a force.
Drive to the Hoop Classic 8th Grade Super Platinum Championship
Always 100 (IN) 40 vs. Michigan Mystics 32
Always 100 has arguably the most energetic coach around. His players seem to feed off it as well. They put their foot on the gas and never let up. This high octane team grabbed the lead early with Renna Schwieterman shoving the ball down the Michigan Mystics throat from the high post. The Always 100 team never stopped coming; they seemed to be in the Mystics faces for the entire game. Molly Stock and Taylor Fordyce gave intense effort on the defensive end that seemed to rattle the Mystics at times. Ali Stephens hit some timely threes to put Always 100 up 21-14 at the half. The Mystics were by no means going to lay down and give up, Macey Fegan was too competitive for that. She tried to put her team on her back with a double-digit deficit in her way. Fegan pulled her team within 6 with under 7 minutes to go with back to back steals and finishes at the rim. Alexis Boyke had a big hand in closing that gap with numerous tough rebounds and some timely putbacks as well. Always 100 was just too much for the Mystics to handle in the end with full-court pressure and half-court trapping defense taking a toll on the Mystics. This Always 100 team will have enough energy for plenty of tournaments to come this season.
