Summer Challenge: Michigan Standouts Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The summer AAU season kicked out in a big way with a deep and talented field at the Chicago Summer Challenge. Following are five Michigan standouts that caught my eye from the weekend action at the deep and talented field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Josiah Stewart 5-8 2025 Lansing Sexton </strong>There is some serious talent in Lansing Sexton's 2026 backcourt class. On Sunday this diminutive point guard made his case for a spot in that talented unit. As I stated, not very big. However had a very tight handle and plenty of quickness. Despite his frame went hard to the rim without fear. Led his Team Hustle squad to a 3-1 record on the weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1437572' first='Jesse' last='Cull'] 6-7 2025 Flint Powers (pictured) </strong>Another Prep Hoops event. Another good showing from The Process. The Cull twins have always been advanced as shooters. Jesse showed improved playmaking ability and explosiveness in the open court. I was particularly impressed by a powerful euro step move in transition on Saturday afternoon. After a year off due to a transfer. I think Cull and the entire Powers program are ready are for a big season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Josza 6-7 2026 Muskegon Oakridge </strong>This is a long term play. This post prospect has a ways to go in his development. However he is young and he is very big. Doesn't have a lot elevation to the rim at this point. Despite that is a factor defensively due to his wide frame and aggressiveness. Has a soft touch around the basket. However will need to improve his hands and overall ball skills to take the next step. I don't want this to sound too negative. Hardwood Midwest is an excellent developmental program. They worked wonders with a similarly sized prospect from Ludington named <strong>Matthew</strong> <strong>Westhouse</strong>. Westhouse went from unplayable to a solid contributor on a state ranked squad. If Josza can follow a similar path he could be a prospect to watch on the Lakeshore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1438244' first='Drew' last='Blanton'] 6-2 2025 Chelsea </strong>Death taxes, and Blanton making plays for The Process. Not a flashy point guard. However is fundamentally sound and highly efficient. Isn't going to make mistakes and doesn't force the issue. Keeps defenses honest with a pure outside shot. However his emerging penetration game is what think could allow to him to take a leap as a prospect. While it is set up by his outside shot. It is also becoming more dynamic athletically and varied. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1373000' first='Camden' last='Thompson'] 6-4 2025 Whitehall </strong>Full disclosure, I did not see this prospect in person. The Great Chicago Flood kept me from bouncing between gyms as much as I usually like. However it's simple. When [player_tooltip player_id='1373000' first='Camden' last='Thompson'] shows up. Hardwood Midwest 2025 is winning. Almost ran the table with him last year on the Prep Hoops Circuit. They were undefeated on the weekend in Chicago. A super advanced athlete who just picked up a Division 1 offer on the gridiron. He is simply too much on the boards for most opponents. However he also has plenty of skill to go along with the bouncy frame. Thompson will be be back with Hardwood Midwest in two weeks at the Grit Region Finals. They will be shooting to get the championship that they came up just short of last year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->