Northern Michigan Showcase: New Names

In its first year Traverse City St Francis hosted an ambitious five game slate simply known as the Northern Michigan Showcase. Pitting some of the best teams in Northern Michigan against squads from primarily the east side of the state.   While plenty of well known players stood out in the the star studded field. Some new names made some waves with their play on Saturday.   Following are five that caught my attention.   Drew Breimayer 6-3 2023 Traverse City St Francis I first wrote about this player after St Francis' early season scrimmage. Has really been developing fast in his senior year. Which I believe is also his first year as a starter. Was not fazed by Cass Tech's pressure and was clearly ready for the moment. The strength of his game is three point shooting. However used his size and length to get to the basket when the Technician's aggressive zone ran him off the line. These drives also showed improved ball handling ability. To be honest everything in his game is rapidly improving. Could really be a late blooming steal for a patient small college coach. Ran with the West Michigan Lakers this summer. Earning an offer from the new program at Kuyper College in the process. A deep tournament run could expand exposure and improve his stock even further.   [player_tooltip player_id='1431598' first='Neil' last='Ihme'] 6-5 2023 Glen Lake While front court partner [player_tooltip player_id='985668' first='Luke' last='Hazelton'] is going to get a lot of the attention. Imhe much of the dirty work down low that helped the Lakers earn the win. Wayne Memorial featured a very young and talented backcourt. However they were not very big. Imhe utilized his size and extreme length to wreak havoc all game at the rim. Did it both defensively and on the glass. Had a few impressive and emphatic rejections right at the rim. Played with a level of aggression that I had not seen from him before. Got the best of him at one point earning an unfortunate whistle. That being said. That level competitiveness isn't going to discourage a college coach. Didn't score a bunch. But the start of an improving offensive game is visible. Like Breimayer at St Francis. Was completely off the radar twelve months ago. Just a skinny kid with potential on a good team. With his play Saturday. Is a legitimate small college prospect. Just has to find the right fit.   Drew Thompson 6-0 2023 Lake Leelanau St Mary's Is a completely new name because he is new to his own team. Transferred to St Mary's from fellow showcase participant Traverse City West. Appears to have settled in nicely with his new squad. Hasn't taken long either. I first saw him play well in a decisive early season win against Buckley. Came out red hot on Saturday against McBain NMC. Scoring 10 first quarter points. Never really cooled off. Did it primarily on the back of a potent deep shooting touch. However is a good enough ball handler to spell [player_tooltip player_id='986885' first='Dylan' last='Barnowski'] when needed. But will have to become better in that regard and add strength if he wants to play at the next level.   Trevon Johnson 5-10 2023 Grand Blanc The Bobcats soundly defeated a good Cadillac squad. One surprising statistic was glaring. Mr Basketball front runner [player_tooltip player_id='985658' first='RJ' last='Taylor'] played less than 20 minutes in the contest. Wasn't because he was in foul trouble or due to injury. The play of this point guard negated the need. Was all over the place defensively and really played a role in taking the Vikings out of their sets. Evidenced by four pass defections. However it wasn't all defense. Scored 10 points off shots with a high degree of difficulty. Also added four rebounds to his well rounded outing. Has recently committed to play at Macomb CC. This rising program could be a good fit for a player whose game appears to be similarly taking off in his senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='987279' first='Jayden' last='Hardiman'] 6-7 2023 Ferndale (pictured) Not a completely new name. But like the others on this list. Has really seen his profile take off in the last twelve months. Began in the summer with his play on the Prep Hoops Circuit. In his second sumner with the Michigan Cagers. Looked slimmed down and more dynamic athletically. Teamed with Wayne St commit [player_tooltip player_id='1077679' first='Hutch' last='Ward'] to form a potent twin tower duo. Followed by transferring to a high profile program with Ferndale that plays one of the more difficult schedules in the state. Has not flinched through any of it. Excelled and imposed his will early against Traverse City West's smaller front line. Broad shouldered player who easily makes space under the basket. Despite thick frame is highly mobile and light on his feet. Surprisingly (considering the field) had the only dunk of the day. Did it out in transition as well. Like Johnson has committed to play at a rising Community College program. Will play both basketball and baseball at Mid Michigan CC in Mount Pleasant.

In its first year Traverse City St Francis hosted an ambitious five game slate simply known as the Northern Michigan Showcase. Pitting some of the best teams in Northern Michigan against squads from primarily the east side of the state.