Storm Classic: Sunday Stars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the premiere grassroots events in Michigan concluded this past Sunday with a bang. The Indiana Game program took the the Platinum Championship in the 15 and 16U divisions. While the [program_tooltip program_id='2078459' first='Michigan' last='Playmakers'] flew the flag for the Mitten. Winning the 17U crown (more on them below) <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following is a six pack of standouts from a full slate of Sunday action. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1438266' first='Joshua' last='Gibson'] <strong>6-1 2025 Birmingham Groves</strong> <strong>(pictured) </strong> At an event this large and deep. I would never attempt to go solo and identify a tournament MVP. But…. if I was forced to there is simply no other place to start. Had an outstanding weekend in leading the [program_tooltip program_id='2078459' first='Michigan' last='Playmakers'] to an undefeated record and the Platinum Championship. Is listed at 6-1. However plays much bigger due to his elite elevation. Gets off the ground quickly and plays well above the rim. Accordingly was way more than just a perimeter bomber that got hot for the weekend. Put constant pressure on the rim with his drive game. It was fitting that he ended the tournament with a breakaway dunk. Got to his spots easily with efficient but not flashy ball handling. Seemed to to increase his performance as the stakes got higher. Put up 25 points in a semifinal victory over a very good [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] squad. Showed versatility by shifting into more of distributor role in the final against Indiana Game. Also played a excellent perimeter defense. If Gibson continues to play like this throughout the entire spring/summer. His profile should rise significantly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2058642' first='John' last='Simpson'] 6-5 2025 Birmingham Groves </strong>I can't highlight Gibson's play without mentioning his front court partner in both the regular and grassroots season. Not the biggest low post prospect. However makes up for it with excellent mobility and court sense. Always seems to be in the right spot. As you would expect, was effective in the two man game with Gibson as his partner. Lived in the dunker spot and the rim all weekend. Like Gibson really popped as the stakes raised on Sunday. Owned the paint in the semifinal victory over the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm']. Putting up a double double of 14 points and 13 rebounds. Then finished it off with a game high 19 points in the final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span><b>[player_tooltip player_id='1809882' first='Tarez' last='Holmes']</b></span><strong> 6-8 2025 Centerline </strong>The high flyer of the weekend. It seemed like every time you looked at the [program_tooltip program_id='2077023' first='Michigan' last='Mustangs'] court. Holmes was putting one down. Seems to have the extra gear in the air that special finishers have. Can go up for what looks like a routine easy layup. Then explode for a powerful flush. Very fluid athlete for his size. Runs the court like a gazelle. Has the type of frame developmental coaches love. Could add weight and strength to be an effective four man. Or he could expand his perimeter game and become a three. Probably closer to the four spot right now. However he does have rudimentary ball handling and good mechanics on his shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1793651' first='Derrick' last='Kilgore'] 6-0 2026 Detroit King </strong>After an uneven sophomore year. Highlighted by a midseason transfer. It with nice to see Kilgore back to form this weekend in Grand Rapids. Was playing up a division for a [program_tooltip program_id='2077023' first='Michigan' last='Mustangs'] squad that won the Diamond Bracket (has always played up in AAU) Advanced ball handler who generally gets wherever he wants on the perimeter. Has a good size already for a point guard and appears to still be growing. I honestly thought he looked closer to 6-1 or 6-2 than his listed height. Bulky frame that fits the prototype of a “Detroit” guard. Good penetrator with high velocity on his kick out passes. Is also a good live dribble passer. It was telling to me that his squad almost squandered a significant lead in the championship game after he went down with cramps. Showed toughness by trying to play through it. I will be interested to see how he fits in with a young and talented King program. Has the talent to play with anybody.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2058636' first='Easton' last='Day'] 6-1 2025 Mount Pleasant </strong>Versatile and underrated player who had an excellent Sunday for REAL Basketball. Kicked things off with one of the top overall performances of the tourney. With his team down 15 points and in danger of going home. Day came alive to lead the comeback victory. Finished with 37 points in that contest. His team got off to similarly slow start against Young Hustle NXT in their next game. Once again, Day surgically dissected the defense and got his team back into that one (they eventually lost) Not quickest guard you will see. However keeps defenses honest with extremely deep range on the perimeter. Once that is established, cleverly uses an array pump fakes and hesitation dribbles to get defenses in the air and off balance. Accordingly gets the foul line often. Helps that he also is not afraid of and seeks out contact on drives. I've talked a lot about scoring. To focus solely on that would undersell him as a prospect. Due to his ability to initiate offense and see the court. I have him as a point guard long term. If he fully develops into that role he has excellent size for the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2270810' first='Carter' last='Wade'] 6-0 2027 Grandville </strong>Speaking of dynamic scoring point guards. Wade fits that prototype like a glove. Due to injury and just the quirks of the schedule. This was my first extended viewing. Came as advertised and then some. Absolutely took over in a semifinal contest against the eventual Platinum Champion Indiana Game UA Rise. I know the Indiana Game program director fairly well. He told me after the tournament that Wade was best player they went up against. Has plenty of quickness, but this is by no means a small “water bug “ type point guard. Has a thick and well developed upper body. Uses it to shed defenders on drives. Plays like seasoned veteran in pick and roll situations. Is patient and waits for the play to develop. Has deep range on the perimeter to finish off the package. Grandville loses a lot size from last years squad. Wade should lead a Bulldog attack that will be perimeter focused next season. Has a very bright future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->