From Gridiron to Hardwood

As the state of Michigan passes the first third of the MHSAA football season. I thought it would be worth looking at some of the basketball standouts who are making noise on the football field. This is by no means meant to comprehensive. Just some performances that caught my eye that should also make some noise this winter.    [player_tooltip player_id='1112372' first='Braylon' last='Isom'] 6-3 2024 Saginaw Heritage Hailing from the same high school that produced one of the better two sport athletes in recent Michigan history in Stuart Schweigert (Football/Track and Field- Purdue) Isom is stating his own case for multi-sport excellence. In a victory over a good Grand Blanc squad. Isom notched 5 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. The big time athlete was catching bodies all spring/summer for DV45 on the Prep Hoops Circuit. He is powerfully built athlete with broad shoulders and a sturdy frame. So much so that wide receiver is not the position I would have pegged for him. But that shows the level of foot speed and explosiveness he has athletically. Easily plays well above the rim. He can bully players down low using his strength. But also has the perimeter skills to run the point when needed. Come basketball season he will be able to slide into more of a secondary scoring role with the presence of fellow 2024 standout [player_tooltip player_id='1112377' first='Tyler' last='Ode'].They will be one of the more potent duos in the entire state in the upcoming season. Isom is the one player on this list who might be playing his way off the basketball court. Recently took a visit to Central Michigan. Should attract even more interest if his play continues at this level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1373000' first='Camden' last='Fall Thompson'] 6-4 2025 Whitehall (pictured) Perhaps the top 2025 Michigan performer on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Thompson has kept things up early in the football season. Honestly it's not much of a surprise after watching him this summer. Has the type of long quick twitch frame that is simply good at “sports”. Through three games has totaled 113 yards on 8 catches with a touchdown. More importantly his squad is 3-0 with victories over a perennial football power (Unity Christian) and a division 1 school (Alpena). Not surprising as Thompson nearly ran the table with his Hardwood Midwest squad this summer as well. A diverse offensive skill set will accompany his next level athleticism. Trending towards being one of the top players statewide in a deep 2025 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1352899' first='Alex' last='Calcaterra'] 6-3 2023 Boyne City Boyne City is 3-0 against a very tough schedule largely due to the exploits of this senior receiver. Coming off a huge spring/summer with Parallel 45. Calcaterra has been putting up straight video game numbers early in the season. Has a touchdown reception in each of the Ramblers games. Including a clincher in a come from behind victory over a good Cheboygan squad. I would be remiss if I did not mention the trigger man [player_tooltip player_id='1431578' first='Jack' last='Neer'] as well. The combination should be big all year as Neer is also the point guard on the basketball squad. Neer is a good point guard. But Calcaterra is type of player who doesn't need much help on the offensive end. Crafty offensive player who is adept at creating his own shot. Is a lethal penetrator and fearless finisher at the rim. Set up for a big senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1112371' first='Jaxon' last='Childers'] 6-3 2024 Benzie Cental Not traveling far the next performer. Staying in the Northern Michigan region. In fact just moving across the line of scrimmage to Boyne City's week 1 opponent. Childers did not have a chance to appear on this list last year. A early foot injury took him out of commission. Came back in time to lead the Huskies to regional finals appearance. But hit the ground running in his junior campaign. Did both through the air and on the ground against the Ramblers. Finished with 141 yards on eight receptions and a touchdown. Also pounded out 71 yards on the ground. Not a surprising performance after watching him this spring/summer with UTS Elite. Showed increased strength especially in his upper body. So much so that he was basically a post presence for his smaller AAU unit. Has always been an excellent shooter with the athleticism to finish well above the rim. Due to graduation should have a big junior season on the hardwood. As he will become the focal point of the Benzie attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='985664' first='Anthony' last='Benard'] 6-1 2023 Grosse Pointe South We can't let the wide receivers have all the fun. Let's get to the glamour position. Unlike Isom Benard probably doesn't have to worry about his football exploits overshadowing his basketball performance. That has nothing to do with his QB skills. It is more of a testament of his basketball ability. The top 10 senior already has already committed to Mercer. South graduated a generational talent in Will Johnson (Michigan). Making their opener against Dexter and their own generational recruit (Cole Cabana/Michigan) a tough draw. While his squad lost the game. Benard acquitted himself well behind the center. Tossing a pair of touchdowns on the big stage of the Xenith Kickoff Classic a Wayne St. Benard earned his D1 offer after an excellent spring/summer with DTO Elite on the Under Armour circuit. Showing improved playmaking ability to go along with the shooting ability that has been present throughout his career. With his college destination determined. Benard is lined up for a big senior season.

As the state of Michigan passes the first third of the MHSAA football season. I thought it would be worth looking at some of the basketball standouts who are making noise on the football field. This is by no means meant to comprehensive. Just some performances that caught my eye that should also make some noise this winter.