Roundball Classic: Thursday Standouts Middle Contests

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In its 28th year, the Motor City Roundball Classic continues to be one of the premier holiday showcases in the Midwest. This years lineup lives up to that billing. Barring something unforeseen. I should be on hand for days 2-4. Following are some standouts performances from the games 4 and 5 in Thursday action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223488' first='Ayden' last='Davis'] 6-10 2024 Onsted(pictured) </strong>It would be irresponsible to start anywhere else. Simply put, I doubt I will see a more dominating performance all year. The Wright St commit had his way all day against a smaller Wayne Memorial frontline. A complete post performance. Began the day with a flush off lob and kept going from there. Established deep position well and sealed off defenders his with wide strong frame. Not that it really mattered. With his well schooled footwork, he could catch it anywhere and be threat to score. Finished easily over both shoulders and had a soft touch around the basket. Blocked shots, handled it coast-to-coast, passed it well— you get the picture. Did everything except take tickets and run the concession stand. A complete performance to the tune of 44 points. Not empty stats as the contest was close the whole way. If you want to pick nits. Did get into foul trouble. Appeared to let his emotions affect his play at times. Let's be honest though. Most coaches would love a guy who cares too much. <strong>Kaden Brown </strong>(Grand Rapids Catholic Central) stepped onto campus and started early at Wright St this past season. Davis could be trending in a similar direction. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1793650' first='Carlos' last='Medlock Jr'] 5-11 2026 Wayne Memorial </strong>Medlock did his best to help the Zebras stand in against Davis' post assault. The sophomore took it right at Davis at times. Especially after Davis got into foul trouble. Showing his advanced court sense and game awareness. Defensively set the tone early in the second half. Kicked things off with steal and hanging layup while fans were still finding their seats. Showed off the floater on his attacks at Davis. Isn't just an empty directionless ball handler. Penetrates with purpose and constantly seems to be moving towards the basket. Has always had deep range from the perimeter and a trigger quick release. That was still there on Thursday afternoon. Continues to trend toward being a top 20 prospect in the 2026 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1514482' first='Nicholas' last='Speiser'] 6-4 2024 Warren De La Salle </strong>The Pilots continue to excel as star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1437544' first='Phoenix' last='Glassnor'] recovers from a broken collarbone. Part of the reason is mature senior leadership in the frontline. Speiser had a big hand in helping DLS hand Flint Powers Catholic their first loss of the season. First and foremost, Speiser's defense bothered Powers' perimeter attack. Offensively he scored in a wide variety of ways. Both from beyond the arc and attacking the rim. Versatility is the name of his game. Defends multiple positions to go along with the assorted scoring skill set. Took home game MVP honors finishing with 18 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1437578' first='Armoni' last='Portis'] 6-2 2025 Warren De La Salle </strong>Sand backcourt parter Glassnor. Portis appeared to be coming into his own earlier in the month at a showcase in Saginaw. He looked even more comfortable at the point on Thursday. Played with maturity and composure. Waits for patiently plays to develop. Once they do, he finds an extra gear to finish them off. Accordingly, excelled in pick and roll situations. Has good size for a point guard. Is able to see and shoot over most defenders. Elevates quickly on his jump shot if he needs it as well. Doesn't seem to favor a side and penetrates to the right and left. One of my breakout performers from early season showcase action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1437568' first='Dempsey' last='Cull'] 6-5 2025 Flint Powers Catholic </strong>When I saw Dempsey a few weeks ago at a showcase in Saginaw. He looked like he was still shaking off the rust from a season off due to transfer. He got into foul trouble and did not shoot the ball well. Completely flipped the script on Thursday afternoon. Not only shot it well, was factor on the defensive end. Played a big role in keeping De La Salle's big [player_tooltip player_id='1622922' first='Nnaemeka' last='Ikechi'] (Army commit) off the glass. Offensively the outside shooting retuned. Gathers his feet quickly and has a smooth release with no wasted motion. Also scored off of penetration as defenses adjusted to run him off the line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->