PH Expo: UP North Standouts

With multiple players already earning Division II offers. The Northern Michigan region is going through a bit of a renaissance in the next few years. It continued at the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo this past weekend in Grand Rapids    While none of the players on this list have gained offers (yet) They displayed the talent and ability to compete with anybody in the the deep talented field. I also included some players from the next generation. As a handful of players came down on Sunday for the inaugural Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='986886' first='Jaden' last='Montague'] 6-3 2023 Cadillac Montague stood out on Saturday by simply— “standing out”. Looked bigger and further physically filled out from when I saw him in the summer. Not a football player either. So that is just straight up hard work. Looking every bit of 6-3 he also showed improving playmaking and the ability to play the point. Has always been a fearless driver and that continued last Saturday. Interesting to see what his senior role will be for a talented squad coming off a quarterfinal appearance. However if he plays with the aggressiveness and initiative that I saw at Expo. Could be one of the top 2023 prospects in the always talented Big North Conference.   [player_tooltip player_id='1223509' first='Johnny' last='Ingalls'] 5-11 2024 St Ignace Ingalls showed a lot before even stepping on the court Saturday morning. How you ask? Perhaps the player with the furthest drive. Ingalls had a 4 AM wakeup call after playing a Friday night football game in the heart of the Upper Peninsula. Clearly wants to compete with the best and showed it with his play. Next level ball handler and a willing passer make him the consummate point guard prospect. Plays with his head up and is able to create space on the perimeter despite not being the tallest prospect. Does it primarily with a bounding and effective crossover dribble that often puts defenders on their heels. Scion of one the top coaching families in the state of Michigan. But more importantly— plays like it. Fundamentally sound and simply doesn't do much wrong. Trending towards becoming the top prospect in the Upper Peninsula in the 2024 class. If he continues to grow physically. That status could become even loftier.   [player_tooltip player_id='1372969' first='Lincoln' last='Lockhart'] 6-0 2025 Traverse City West I was encouraged to see Lockhart play well at the Expo. The last few times I have attempted to see him injuries have slowed him up. Has always showed natural point guard ability. But also displayed a scoring knack. Shot it well from beyond the arc. Outside consistency will be key because it will keep defenses honest. If defenders try to run him off the line. Already has an advanced drive and dish game. Is only a 2025 prospect and looks like it. So psychical growth and development will be big. Plays at the largest school in the region. So exposure and competition should not be problem. Interested to see what the next three years will hold for this prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588171' first='Owen' last='Ribel'] 6-0 2026 Traverse City Central Sticking in the same town and school district for the next prospect. But going to a different school and a different day. The inaugural freshman showcase provided a platform for a handful a young players to announce themselves. The younger brother of one of the top prospects in region. Began to make a name for himself with his strong play. Often matched up with some of the top 2026 prospects in the entire state and showed that he belonged. Wasn't very aggressive this summer when I saw him playing with varsity competition in a team camp setting. Playing with his own age group. Showed the ability to score and create his own shot. Especially going to the basket which was encouraging . High school program going through a bit of transition. Could be a part of rebirth at one of the larger schools in the region. Central also brought [player_tooltip player_id='1588185' first='Brendan' last='Slack'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1588193' first='Ethan' last='Rademacher']. So the future is bright for the Trojans.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588163' first='Rowan' last='Zickert'] 5-11 2026 Benzie Central Like Ribel, younger brother of one the top Northern Michigan prospects. Zickert is a scrappy and aggressive player. Not deterred by the talent in the showcase. Competed hard all day. While he doesn't have the size and build of his brother. Does possess the smooth shooting touch. Especially from beyond the arc. If he stays at this size vertically will need to improve his quickness and ball handling ability. But don't forget I have moved onto 2026 prospects. Plenty of time for that to happen. Unlike Ribel, Zickert won't get the chance to play with his sibling. As Quinn has graduated and will play at Elmhurst (IL). But opportunity cuts both ways. Zickert should be running with a varsity unit that loses a lot from it's regional final squad. Has the chance to announce himself early in his career.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588160' first='Joe' last='Gaffney'] 5-8 2026 Charleviox Smallest player on this list. But made up for it by playing with a high level of moxie. Showed advanced ball handling ability and was able to get to his spots easily. Also showed no fear in attacking the basket. Part of a storied program going through some transition— sensing a theme? Like Zickert, Gaffney has a chance to turn some heads early with a new coach and a new system. Was a prolific scorer at the middle school level.

With multiple players already earning Division II offers. The Northern Michigan region is going through a bit of a renaissance in the next few years. It continued at the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo this past weekend in Grand Rapids