The Stage: Gilbert’s Grit Region Game Changers
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The deep field at The Stage in Indianapolis provided plenty of game changing performances. Following are five that stood out.
Trey Kolakovich Trey Kolakovich 5'10" | CG Croswell-Lexington | 2023 State MI 5-10 2023 Croswell Lexington (MI) Playing with Ohio based Hopson Elite. This player from the Thumb region in Michigan has the consummate point guard game. Showed off his steady hand in a come from behind victory against M24 Legends (NC). As the last game running late Saturday night. It would have been easy for a team to fold a little after falling into an early deficit. Kolakovich wouldn’t let this happen. Scored 14 points in the victory but it was the intangible parts of his game that impressed me. Controlled tempo and was a maestro in pick and roll situations. Helped that he had his high school teammate Donovan McDonald as the roll man. Found seams in the defense for not only clever pocket passes. But also mid range jumpers. Has good elevation on these to make up for not being the tallest prospect. On the recruiting front. Size and the lack of elite athleticism are the only things you could ding him for. Does just about everything else very well.
Hutch Ward Hutch Ward 6'8" | PF Kalamazoo Central | 2023 State MI 6-8 2023 Kalamazoo Central (MI) The Western Michigan area post man is off to huge start in the spring grassroots season. Kept up his torrid pace up this weekend in Indianapolis. Showed his varied offensive game in scoring 31 points early Saturday night. Did it in just about every way imaginable. A dunk on the break to start a game. Shots from beyond arc and the mid range. Finished off lobs in transition. Just an offensive clinic. Since the start of the MHSAA tourney this young man has been on a tear. Culminated with an offer from Lake Superior St at the end of the weekend. If he keeps playing like this. Could be one of many offers coming his way.
Grantas Sakenis 6-8 2024 Andrew (IL) Simply put. This young man has game changing size. Nothing small about him. Has a thick frame with broad shoulders. Despite this moves well and is light on his feet. The quickness is definitely more lateral in nature. But does get up and down the court pretty well too. Uses said lateral quickness to establish deep post position. Appeared to have above average hands and a nice touch around the basket. Has serviceable post moves at this point in his development. They could get a little quicker and more fluid. Also will want to get his left hand stronger. Was patient and showed the willingness the kick ball out against double teams. Also used kick outs to help establish better post position. Had monster game against Overtime Performance (KY). Was aggressive in asking for the ball against a much smaller front line. Finished with a 26 point output in the victory.
Ahmad Boone 5-9 2025 Toledo Scott (OH) Playing up an age division. Boone showed uncommon composure in leading his CCB squad to a spirited come from behind overtime victory against Rush Academy (IL). Has some serious bounce that makes him play larger than his listed height. Doesn’t force things and plays with his head up. Plays with good balance and pace. Also has long arms that he uses effectively on defense. Has a tight handle and is quick with the ball in his hands. Was a steady hand in crunch time and the extra period. Finished with a team high 13 points in the dramatic victory. The Toledo area features some highly touted names in the 2025 class. If Boone gets a little bigger and improves his outside shot. He has the upside to potentially get into this conversation.
Brevon Ricker 5-11 2025 Menifee County (KY) What’s the quickest way to change the game? Simply bombing away from deep range. When Ricker’s Overtime Performance club had no match for the size of Full Package (see above) they took their game outside. Ricker got scorching hot from deep to finish with a game high 28 points. This eye opening performance is even more impressive when you consider he only had four points in the first half. I don’t want to paint the picture of an unconscious gunner. Handled the ball well and was also a good passer. Showed a highlight reel spin move and finish in transition. But it was near the end when things just got silly. Hit four straight from beyond the arc. Defenses began to adjust to try and take the three away and it just didn’t matter. Hit four in a row to close the game. Not very big. I hate to be presumptuous but wearing a #30 jersey that he barely fills out. I could only imagine who his favorite player is…… Did I mention he did this all while playing up a grade level? Impressive game changing performance for a prospect who appears to have a bright future.