Northern Michigan Showcase: Underclassmen Standouts

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.   A number of well established players further cemented their lofty reputations. However we shouldn't overlook the deep bench of underclassmen who also announced themselves with their play on Saturday.   Following are five performances that stood out from the 2025 and 2026 classes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1437537' first='Darius' last='Acuff'] 6-3 2025 Detroit Cass Tech The top spot in the 2025 class is pretty well sowed up. [player_tooltip player_id='1437536' first='Trey' last='McKenney'] is just that good. However the race for the second spot might have a clear leader as well. Acuff has had an excellent season in leading Cass Tech to undefeated record and a #1 ranking in Michigan highest classification. Cass played a heavy ball control offense in the low scoring contest Saturday night. Acuff handled primary ball handling duties and controlled the tempo of the game well. Also did this in the midst of an electric and highly charged atmosphere against the host team. This is not the type of player that is fazed by pressure. Bounded around the court and showed a mature offensive game. Was patient and found seams in the St Francis zone. However was not a selfish gunner. Balanced scoring with ball distribution well. These are all traits uncommon for a sophomore. Finished with 14 points in the hard fought victory.   [player_tooltip player_id='1438257' first='Donnie' last='Huddleston'] 6-3 2025 Grand Blanc Went back to check my notes from previous games. I had nothing written for this player. I remember him playing last weekend against Rockford. However he did not impact the game. That changed in a big way against Cadillac. Made a huge statement off the bench. In fact Grand Blanc's big run came with senior leaders [player_tooltip player_id='985658' first='RJ' last='Taylor'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1212739' first='Tae' last='Boyd'] on the bench. Was particularly adept from beyond the arc. Also was major factor defensively. Using his length to affect shots both on the perimeter and in the post. Finished with 12 points. But had plenty of intangible plays that won't show up in the scorebook. Similarly to what I wrote about [player_tooltip player_id='1300885' first='Bryce' last='O'Mara']. Those expecting the Grand Blanc to take a big step back next year might be surprised. The duo of Huddleston and O'Mara could keep that from happening.   [player_tooltip player_id='1787594' first='Kyle' last='McGowan'] 6-6 2025 Cadillac Grand Blanc's stellar defensive play frustrated Cadillac all night. The outcome of the game was never really in doubt. Many Vikings struggled with the Bobcats defensive pressure and speed. McGowan one of Cadillac's five sophomores appeared to to be up for the challenge. Has a sturdy and solid athletic frame. Not afraid of contact and did not back down from Grand Blanc's size. Was able to get some good looks close to basket. However will need to increase elevation. As he struggled to finish at the rim. As previously stated is part of 2025 class for the Vikings that shows a lot of promise.   [player_tooltip player_id='1793650' first='Carlos' last='Medlock Jr'] 5-9 2026 Wayne Memorial (pictured) The extremely young Zebra squad fell to Glen Lake. This was primarily due to youth and inexperience against the Lakers big frontline. Medlock did his best to try and keep his squad in it from the perimeter. Drives hard to the basket without fear. However once again Glen Lake's size appeared to stymie that. Adjusted well by moving out to the mid range. Has good elevation to make up for his lack of size. Gets to his spots easily as an excellent and efficient ball handler. Doesn't pound it into the court with a lack of purpose. With a Cleveland St offer in his back pocket his career is already off to a good start. Will need to get bigger and stronger to really take his game to the next level. Used a late flurry to finish with a team high 15 points in the loss.   Jaylon Allen 6-1 2026 Wayne Memorial Medlock's fellow 2026 backcourt partner is a little bigger. Consequently dealt with Glen Lake's size more effectively. Showed strength by shedding defenders on drives to the basket. Has excellent elevation. Showed it more often on the defensive end with some impressive blocks. Including a high flying rare block of a three point shot. Finished with 13 points. The Zebras took a pretty decisive loss Saturday. However it was at the hands of experienced program with a big frontline. The future of the Wayne Memorial program is bright with the backcourt of Medlock and Allen.

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.