Flight Hankamp And Hot Starts – Part 1

<p>Flight Hankamp made quite the splash in it’s first 3 months. The events included 2 open runs at MSF in Jackson, another open run hosted by Lake Michigan College, and the Flight Hankamp Scrimmages at MSF. There was an additional open run held in Elkhart, Indiana under a different name but with the same structure. These events saw some great competition, some college coaches in the stands and on the phone, and some excellent player performances. </p> <p>The talent was deep at these events and many of the players that we saw at Flight Hankamp have started the high school season strong. Let’s look at some of the players that were that Flight Hankamp events that are off to hot starts.</p> <p><strong>Lance Stone (2025, G, Detroit Renaissance)</strong></p> <p>Stone was a bona fide playmaker at a Flight Hankamp Open Run and he’s showing early that he’s one of the most talented freshman in the state this year. He’s clearly an instant impact high school player and a big time college prospect.</p> <p><strong>Jalen Jackson (2022, G, St. Clair Shores Lake Shore)</strong></p> <p>Jackson was the Flight Hankamp Scrimmages Most Outstanding Player a couple of weeks ago. He’s a very underrated point guard and could be a big steal for a college coach. Jackson has played very well, including an impressive performance against Brother Rice, one of the top teams in the state.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1067870" first="Jonah" last="Botardo"] (2022, G, Troy Athens)</strong></p> <p>Botardo is a speedy guard with strong handles. He doesn’t waste a dribble and moves with purpose. Botardo has had a good start to the season, scoring at a nice clip, distributing, and even rebounding above his height.</p> <p><strong>Ryan Young (2022, G, Buchanan)</strong></p> <p>Young turned some heads at a Flight Hankamp Open Run and he’s carried that momentum into his high school season. He’s clearly an underrated guard. Young is making a difference early for Buchanan on both ends of the floor.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1130941" first="Amarion" last="Ficklen"] (2022, G, Adrian)</strong></p> <p>A lot of eyes might be on his star teammate and young talent in Adrian, but Ficklen is a BIG part of the early Adrian success. He’s one of the better all around athletes that you’ll see and he’s been using that and his first step speed early this year. Ficklen is proving that he’s a player to watch this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="986253" first="Mike" last="Lividini"] (2022, G, Southfield Christian)</strong></p> <p>Lividini has been far too underrated for far too long. The young man can flat out play and he’s proving it so far this season. Lividini has always been known as a strong floor leader and distributer, but he’s scoring at a high clip as well. Put him on your radar coaches.</p> <p><strong>Bryce Wine (2024, G, Olivet)</strong></p> <p>Wine has been a huge piece of a solid start for Olivet. He’s been a more than dependable scorer early this season. Wine has even notched a double-double in points and rebounds.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="983494" first="Joe" last="Francis"] (2022, G, Adrian)</strong></p> <p>Francis has started the high school season blazing hot. Quite simply, he’s proving to be one of the top all around scorers and shooters in the state. It seem like 30 plus points in a game may be a sort of regular thing for Francis this year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1130945" first="Grant" last="Stockford"] (2023, F, Clinton)</strong></p> <p>I was lucky to see a lot of Stockford this summer and fall, and always walked away impressed. He’s a terrific all around athlete and he’s really putting his game together with the Midwest Stampede. He’s showcased his athleticism and finishing ability early this season with Clinton.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1140931" first="Kendall" last="Bentley"] (2024, G/F, River Rouge)</strong></p> <p>Bentley impressed this fall at a Flight Hankamp Open Run and he’s really stood out so far this high school season. Bentley has been a well rounded scorer that can get it done at all 3 levels. He’s not only scored, but got huge buckets when his River Rouge team needed them.</p> <p><strong>Ryder Zajac (2024, F, Tecumseh)</strong></p> <p>Zajac is making a lot of early season noise in Tecumseh. After seeing him this fall, I was impressed with his work on the glass on both ends, both limiting possessions for opponents and extending them for his team. So far for Tecumseh, he’s shown that he can be a more than dependable scorer as well, even notching a double-double in points and rebounds.</p> <p><strong>Darryl Thompkins Kr. (2025, G, Michigan Collegiate Academy)</strong></p> <p>Thompkins Jr. was lights out at a Flight Hankamp Open Run, displaying leadership and desire that’s well beyond his age. He was a downhill guard that made plays on both ends of the floor at the open run and that’s exactly what we’re seeing during high school ball.</p>