Northern Michigan Showcase: Up North Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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. Following are five of the top overall performances from the host region </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1811797' first='Evan' last='Haverkamp'] 6-9 2024 McBain (pictured) </strong>Haverkamp had an excellent first half. Showing the size and skill that makes him an intriguing prospect. Against the small Hamtramck frontline, asserted his will down low. Establishing deep post position with his wide frame and broad shoulders Not the quickest prospect overall. But has nice short area speed and gets the ball up the rim quickly. Has a soft touch around the basket. If he catches it deep, it's a bucket. However that was where the problem came on Saturday. As Hamtramck applied heavy pressure that kept him from getting the ball in the second half. Finished with 15 points in the loss. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111925' first='Anthony' last='Ribel'] 6-4 2024 Traverse City Central </strong>At the beginning of the year I gave Ribel the top spot as the #1 player in the region. Injuries have kept him from having the senior year I had hoped for. Saturday drew the short straw in going up against the ferocious Detroit Cass Tech press. Handled the pressure well with his uncommon size for the position. At 6-4 is able to pass over the top of most defenders. Also gets to his spots easily with his length and advanced ball handling abilty. Remains a unique next level prospect as a tall pass first point guard. Interesting to see what the future holds for this player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2348945' first='Max' last='Ogden'] 6-2 2024 Traverse City St Francis </strong>The Glads graduated virtually all of the production from their Division III state finalist. Ogden, in his first year in the program after transferring from Traverse City West has fit in quite nicely. Has a smooth and easy release from beyond the arc. With accompanying deep range. Has good size and a thick upper body that helps him on penetration. However deep range is what is going to take him possibly to the next level. Coming off a good summer with REAL Basketball on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Has earned an offer from the new program at Kuyper College. Finished with 17 points in the loss against Glen Lake. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Benji Allen 6-3 2025 Glen Lake </strong>An Impressive physical prospect who started for the Lakers last year as a sophomore. Looks even more advanced physically and comfortable as a basketball player this year. Played excellent defense on the St Francis backcourt. Was also a presence down low and did not appear to mind contact. Has a well developed upper body. So much so thar his future is most likely on the gridiron. However at the Division IV level has potential to develop into a standout player as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eli Main 6-0 2025 Cadillac </strong>Like Allen, another solid well put together prospect whose next level future is probably on the gridiron. Main held Wayne Memorial's standout sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1793650' first='Carlos' last='Medlock Jr'] to a low scoring first half. No small feat that showed his increased foot speed. Beyond just Saturday, the junior has held up well against a February gauntlet of high level opponents. In his third year on varsity is shooting the ball better with a smoothed out release. Will be interesting to see what happens to his offensive output next year. As Cadillac will graduate do everything forward [player_tooltip player_id='1434245' first='Charlie' last='Howell']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->