Season Preview: Northern Michigan Fab 40 31-40

After a one year hiatus. I'm going to take on the daunting task of composing a list of the top 40 players in Northern Michigan. It is a herculean task as this is a vast geographic region.   I am including the UP and the Lakeshore/Interstate 10 corridor. The Upper Peninsula is two years removed from a legitimate Mr Basketball candidate (Foster Wonders). While also only year removed from nearly taking two stare championships back across the bridge (Menominee/Ewen-Trout Creek) This is going to encompass a lot of rural land and a lot of players. But it's also a lot of players that do not get as much coverage statewide. I'm going to do four equal installments of 10 to get to the Fab 40.   Sticking with the purpose of this site I am going to focus primarily on college potential and not just statistical output. In most cases (not all) this focus will also exclude players who will most likely play other sports at the next level.   40. Matthew Westhouse 6-10 2023 Ludington The first spot on this list goes to the biggest prospect. However that size comes with a caveat. Westhouse is a project. But he is a legitimate 6-10 with a wide strong frame. To play at the next level. He will have to increase his lateral quickness and overall skill level. He did display improvement this summer with Hardwood Midwest on the Prep Hoops Circuit. So he is putting the work in. Will be aided by the presence of point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1300876' first='David' last='Shillinger'] (who will appear higher on this list) Shillinger's drive and dish game should provide some easy looks at the basket.   39. Nic Nora 6-0 2023 Kingsford Super athletic point guard returns after earning all UP first team honors in his junior season. Will play on the gridiron at the next level. Has already committed to Michigan Tech as a wide receiver. Gives you an idea of the athleticism and academic profile of this prospect. Could form a nice inside/out duo with 2025 front court prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1504837' first='Morgan' last='Sleik'] for the Flivvers (what a great mascot)   38. Bryce Plesha 6-5 2024 Frankfort Like Westhouse this is a bit of an upside pick. Combined with faith in his developmental program. I did not see much of this player when I caught the Panthers in the regular season. However I did see him hold his own during a prospect camp at Ferris St in the spring. Under head coach Dan Loney. I have seen prospects with this frame and build blossom late. He's not there yet. But could fill out like for former Panther and current Western Michigan forward Jack Stefanski   37. Austin Veal 5-10 2024 Onaway Should be the point man for a high scoring Cardinal attack. Will move into more of a featured role with the graduation of high scoring Jager Mix. Earned first team Ski Valley honors in his sophomore year. Feels like it's been a bit since the Alpena/Cheboygan area has produced a college prospect. Veal and Hillman's [player_tooltip player_id='1434093' first='Trenton' last='Taratuta'] might look to change that.   36. [player_tooltip player_id='1356942' first='Miles' last='Pritchett'] 6-5 2024 Benzie Central On the back of good guard play. The Huskie program has gone through a bit of a resurgence. One thing it has not had is an abundance of size. Pritchett might just change that. Has the look of player that is still growing into his body. Played sparingly as sophomore on a regional finalist squad. So the talent is there. Already has the athletic ability to play well above the rim. Lanky frame with very long arms should make him a plus defender. Had a good summer teaming with regular season running mate [player_tooltip player_id='1112371' first='Jaxon' last='Childers'] on West Michigan based UTS Elite.   35. [player_tooltip player_id='1214775' first='Will' last='Chye'] 6-2 2023 Mason County Central Versatile three sport standout for the Spartans. Nearly led his squad to district title after a tough regular season in the competitive West Michigan Conference. Earned first team all conference honors last season. Three year varsity contributor. Has averaged 16 points per game in back-to-back years. Will probably pursue baseball at the next level. Already has a perfect game on his resume from the mound.   34. Dakobe White 5-10 2024 Evart This is a bet on athleticism. I really enjoyed this point guard the few times I caught him last season. However his team did not have a lot of success and I did not see him at all in the spring/summer. But he is having a huge season on the gridiron as a wide receiver. The Wildcats are still alive in the Division 8 playoffs. Sometimes winning begets winning. If White can carry over his momentum to the winter. He has more than enough talent already. Just needs to put it altogether.   33. Gavin Bebble 5-10 2023 Gaylord St Mary Second Ski Valley player on the list (there will be more) High scoring lead guard averaged nearly 19 points per game for the Snowbirds. Good leader who is a standout QB in 8-man football. Should be a nice conference matchup when he goes up against the aforementioned Veal and Onaway. Played well at the Trevor Huffman Elite camp in the summer as well.   32. Drew Breimayer 6-3 2023 Traverse St Francis Long lanky athlete has shown flashes of potential in the last two years with a high profile program. Might be able to break out in his senior season as the Gladiators have lost some key contributors to graduation. Exposure should not be a problem as St Francis has scheduled very aggressively. Will need to add strength to compete at the next level.   31. [player_tooltip player_id='1372969' first='Lincoln' last='Lockhart'] 5-10 2025 Traverse City West (pictured) The West program is going through a bit of transition. The presence of this heady point guard should aid that process. Had a good summer on the Prep Hoops Circuit with the West Michigan Lakers. Excellent ball handler and a willing passer. Will need to add more bulk to his frame as he develops. Coming off a nice performance at the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo in the fall. Should form a nice future duo with fellow 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1587863' first='Winslow' last='Robinson'] for the Titans.

After a one year hiatus. I'm going to take on the daunting task of composing a list of the top 40 players in Northern Michigan. It is a herculean task as this is a vast geographic region.