Season Preview: Northern Michigan Fab 40 11-20
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Back by popular demand (insert sarcasm) I’m going to take on the daunting task once again of composing a list of the top 40 players in Northern Michigan. It is a herculean task as this is a vast geographic region.…
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Continue ReadingBack by popular demand (insert sarcasm) I’m going to take on the daunting task once again of composing a list of the top 40 players in Northern Michigan. It is a herculean task as this is a vast geographic region.
From parts of the Upper Peninsula that reach into central time zone. To the southern I-10 corridor stretching through the Ludington and Reed City. These are the geographic borders I am going to use
Sticking with the purpose of this site I am going to focus primarily on college potential and not chiefly statistical output. In most cases (not all) this focus will also exclude players who will most likely play other sports at the next level.
20. Braeden Flynn 5-10 2026 Harbor Springs Player with excellent basketball bloodlines had a big debut season for the Rams. Averaged just over 19 points per game as a freshman. Also had a good grassroots campaign with the Grand Rapids Storm . Not very big but makes up for it with intelligence and deep range from the perimeter. Along with Rider Bartel Rider Bartel 5'11" | CG Harbor Springs | 2026 State MI Harbor has a nice 2026 duo to build with.
19. Joe Gaffney Joe Gaffney 5'9" | PG Charlevoix | 2026 State MI 5-9 2026 Charlevoix Stocky guard had a breakout campaign for the Rayders. Has a quickness and burst that belies his frame. This allows him to get to his spots easily already. Penetrates hard and does seem to mind contact. Has deep range from the perimeter that stretches well beyond the three point line. Averaged 14.5 points per game with some of best shooting (free throw, and three point) percentages in the state.
18. Lincoln Hicks Lincoln Hicks 6'0" | PG Manton | 2024 State MI 6-0 2024 Manton Explosive point guard who is flying a little under the radar. I use the adjective “flying” intentionally. Uses athleticism and quickness to make plays all over the court. Good shooter but attacking the basket is where he is going to get most of his points. Lateral quickness and long arms help him play taller than his listed height. Averaged a team high 14.6 points per game last season on a balanced squad.
17. Carter Kerby Carter Kerby 6'0" | PG Frankfort | 2025 State MI 5-11 2025 Frankfort Hailing from a very small town. However there is nothing rural about his flashy lead guard game. However there is plenty of substance behind the flamboyance. Has done a lot of winning already in his young basketball career. Led an underdog Panther squad back to the semi finals as a sophomore. Good passer who excels in pick and roll situations. Quick first step is aided by solid outside shot. Defenses can’t afford to sag off him.
16. Jack Hogan Jack Hogan 6'1" | CG Traverse City Central | 2025 State MI 6-1 2025 Traverse City Central Similar player to Kerby but in a bigger package. Northern locale but with a city game. Proved it by running with the Motor City Grizzlies on the Adidas Gold Circuit this summer. Can play both backcourt spots but spends most of his time at the two. Helps to form one of the top backcourts in the region with Anthony Ribel Anthony Ribel 6'3" | SG Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI . Has a good finishing package and excels with both hands.
15. Miles Pritchett Miles Pritchett 6'6" | PF Benzie Central | 2024 State MI 6-6 2024 Benzie Central Athletic post who passes the eye test in a major way. Has come a long way after being a project early in his career. Isn’t going to get pushed around on the block with his thick upper body. However also has the athleticism to finish out in transition and easily above the rim. Despite this can play with finesse and has a soft touch around the basket.
14. Kyle McGowan Kyle McGowan 6'7" | PF Cadillac | 2025 State MI 6-6 2025 Cadillac Underrated post sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of a deep and talented Viking squad. Really came alive this summer during the summer team camp season. Also played well at elite camps at Lake Superior St and Ferris. Has a nice athletic frame that he should easily be able to add weight to. Has surprising bounce that makes him an above average finisher at the rim.
13. Ben Rodenbaugh Ben Rodenbaugh 6'3" | PG McBain | 2025 State MI 6-4 2025 McBain Multi faceted forward who can literally play all five positions at the Division III level. Played the point last year out of necessity. Shouldn’t have to do that very much this year. Could easily see his statistical output rise as a result. Coming off a standout season on the gridiron. Quarterbacked the the Ramblers to a quarterfinal appearance. Could be in line for more postseason success as McBain will be one of the better teams in the state within its classification. Has put in the extra work on his game. Coming off strong grassroots run with REAL Basketball on the Prep Hoops Circuit.
12. Gavin Grondin Gavin Grondin 6'1" | CG Kingsford | 2025 State MI 6-0 2025 Kingsford Coming off a good grassroots campaign with the Wisconsin Blizzard. The Upper Peninsula prospect has some serious momentum as he becomes an upperclassman. Has the versatility to swing between both backcourt spots. Parlayed a strong elite camp performance into a scholarship offer from Lake Superior St. Part is strong 2025 class for the Flivvers. The Division II bracket might open nicely for them to make a deep tournament run.
11. Luke Gelow Luke Gelow 6'4" | SG Gaylord | 2024 State MI 6-4 2024 Gaylord (pictured) As the placement would indicate. The hardest cut from the top ten list. I fully acknowledge this might not age well in a few months. Gelow lives above the rim and has the athleticism to play with anyone. The outside shot appeared to be showing improvement this summer. Gets it off easily as he elevates above most defenders. Beyond just the explosive leaping. Has the ability to hang in the air and make creative plays. Earned first team Big North Conference honors last year despite playing through a lingering injury. Averaging an eye opening 21 points per game in the process