Storm Classic: Friday Night Lights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The premier spring grassroots event in Michigan kicked off Friday night with its usual deep and talented field. In only three sessions of Friday night action. Plenty of next level talent stood out. Following are five prospects that caught my eye. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223485' first='Jake' last='Stephens'] 6-4 2024 Chelsea (pictured) </strong>One of the better all around “players” you will see. I use the quotation marks intentionally. Doesn't really have a set position— but is a straight up basketball player. Does so many things well. Probably his standout skill is his court vision and ability to pass. Had a few nice no looks an behind the back dimes. However the flashiness is not the point. Almost always makes the right pass and play. Knows how to throw a shooter open (wait is that a football term) Consequently if forced to give a position. I would go with “point forward”. Don't let that fool you though. Has the ability to score when he needs to. Didn't shoot it well Friday night. However had eight threes in his last high school game. Has a Division II offer from Lake Superior St. Judging from the attendance Friday night he is beginning to generate even more interest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1434245' first='Charlie' last='Howell'] 6-6 2024 Cadillac </strong>Versatile forward is starting to establish a statewide reputation after leading his high school squad to its second straight quarterfinal appearance. Got off to a quick start in [program_tooltip program_id='2077029' first='Parallel' last='45']'s Friday night loss. Is a long lanky three sport athlete. Showed a surprising level of strength and aggressiveness that frankly I didn't know he had. Accordingly was able to do some nice work in the post against a big and good [program_tooltip program_id='2075551' first='Indiana' last='Game'] squad. Like Stephens has a really good all around skill set. Might need to shoot it a little better to take the next step. Is battling to be the top prospect in Northern Michigan next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1578369' first='Collin' last='Schmidt'] 6-6 2024 Plainfield (IN) </strong>Schmidt's [program_tooltip program_id='2075551' first='Indiana' last='Game'] squad got off to a slow start on Friday. However they stormed back in the second half behind this player. Team really seemed to take off after nice baseline drive and flush. Aggressive defensively and had a nice block. Played with a bit of chip on his shoulder. That is a good thing and it was exactly what his team needed in their comeback. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1547394' first='Payton' last='Baird'] 6-5 2024 South Bend Riley (IN) </strong>Extremely bouncy athlete was a factor at rim all night on Friday. Like his teammate Schmidt created a few posters that were also big momentum shifts. Easily made plays well above the rim. Showed a quick second jump that made him a big factor on the glass. Length also caused problems defensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1434244' first='Luke' last='Gelow'] 6-5 2024 Gaylord </strong>When I caught thus forward in the regular season. He struggled with his shot in a loss at an Upper Peninsula invitational. However the athletic potential was readily apparent. On Friday night the athleticism was there once again. But the perimeter shot look improved. Is a good ball handler for his size. Shows nice body control and the ability to hang in the air on drives. Along with his [program_tooltip program_id='2077029' first='Parallel' last='45'] teammate Howell (see above) and Traverse City Centrals [player_tooltip player_id='1111925' first='Anthony' last='Ribel'] there is going to be some serious talent next year in the Big North Conference. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->