Northern Michigan Showcase: Underclassmen Standouts
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In its second year the Northern Michigan Showcase delivered an ambitious four game slate. Featuring the best teams in Northern Michigan taking on some of the best teams in the state. This year, there was an inordinate amount of standout…
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Continue ReadingIn its second year the Northern Michigan Showcase delivered an ambitious four game slate. Featuring the best teams in Northern Michigan taking on some of the best teams in the state.
This year, there was an inordinate amount of standout performances from underclassmen. After already covering the play of Carlos Medlock Jr Carlos Medlock Jr 5'10" | PG Wayne Memorial | 2026 State MI and Jaylohn Allen Jaylohn Allen 6'1" | CG Wayne Memorial | 2026 State MI . There were enough players to merit a standalone column.
Jacob Plamondon Jacob Plamondon 6'6" | PF Glen Lake | 2026 State MI 6-6 2026 Glen Lake (pictured) A young player I have only caught only in brief action the past. A handful of coaches and scouts I respect have been telling me this post is legit over the past year. Let me tell you— they ain’t lying. What a performance for this young prospect. Let’s get the obligatory and impressive stat line out of the way. How does 31 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks sound? As good and dominant as that is. It only tells part of the story. In a storied rivalry game with a heated crowd. Plamondon seemed to have a sense of the moment. Many of his standout plays stemmed a St Francis run or momentum shift. From two three pointers to a second half dunk (he had two overall) They seemed to come at opportune times. Outside of the threes did most of his damage near the basket. That could be his long term position as it appears to he still has room to grow physically. In a program that has produced next level posts consistently over the last decade. Plamondon could be the next one up.
Stevie Hall Stevie Hall 6'1" | CG Cass Tech | 2027 State MI 6-2 2027 Detroit Cass Tech With his name, position he plays, and who he is essentially replacing. Hall has had some serious expectations coming into his opening campaign. Has lived up to it and then some. As the Technicians currently sit at 15-1 on the season. Has the size to play both backcourt spots already as a freshman. Is a mature ball handler who plays with his head up. The ball doesn’t stick in his hands and seems to know where it needs to go. Is a coaches son— but more importantly plays like it. Does have an unorthodox release on his outside shot. But it falls consistently and he knows how to score already. Finished with 16 points in the win Saturday. Plays aggressive and positionally sound defense. Making a strong early case to be near the top of a still emerging statewide 2027 class.
Clayton Heuker Clayton Heuker 6'5" | SF McBain | 2027 State MI 6-4 2027 McBain Neither the Rambler program nor Heuker had their best day Saturday. However I was impressed with the fight the young freshman showed. As the game started to slip away in the second half against heavy Hamtramck pressure. Heuker did his best to try and stop the barrage. Didn’t do it by rushing or forcing up threes in transition. Went down into the post where he had a size advantage. While this showed composure and maturity. He did not have the points to show for his efforts. Still appears to be figuring out the high school game and has not faced an opponent with Hamtramck’s speed up until this point in his career. However, he still has so much physical upside and it definitely a player to watch statewide in the 2027 class.
Owen Ribel Owen Ribel 6'2" | CG Traverse City Central | 2026 State MI 6-2 2026 Traverse City Central This was not only the best I have seen Ribel play. More importantly, it was the most assertive and aggressive I have seen. Did it against what might arguably be the best defensive backcourt in the state in Detroit Cass Tech. While they final scoreboard might not reflect it. Ribel did not back down from the pressure. Didn’t hesitate and went hard to the rim after breaking the press. Went for it all on an audacious dunk attempt that showed increased athletic explosion. Finished with 10 points but gave glimpses of what could be a bright future for a Trojan program in the midst of a difficult year.
Brendan Slack Brendan Slack 6'4" | SG Traverse City Central | 2026 State MI 6-4 2026 Traverse City Central Along with Owen Ribel Owen Ribel 6'2" | CG Traverse City Central | 2026 State MI , part of a strong 2026 class for the Trojans. While the Ribel brothers broke the heavy Cass Tech pressure. Slack was often the beneficiary. Flashed to center of the press and was decisive with the basketball after catching it. Has long and very lanky build that helps him play taller than his listed height. This allows him to get his shot off over most defenders. Also plays easily above the rim with smooth and effortless elevation. Has a soft touch, especially in the mid range. Is kind of herky jerky athlete at the moment though. Will need to smooth out his gait and add some weight to his frame as he ages. However there is a lot to like and work with already. Finished with a team high 18 points in the loss to a state championship caliber opponent.