Michigan State Tournament: Head Turners
![Michigan State Tournament: Head Turners](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/Joshua-Backos.jpg?w=1024)
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The Michigan State Tournament was one of the most intense and action packed events in the state this spring grassroots season. There were some great basketball prospects that turned the heads of scouts and coaches at the event and over…
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Continue ReadingThe Michigan State Tournament was one of the most intense and action packed events in the state this spring grassroots season. There were some great basketball prospects that turned the heads of scouts and coaches at the event and over livestream. Let’s take a look at some of the players that could be called “Head Turners”.
Viehman had a couple of breakout games for the Midwest Stampede 2026 Black team. The star forward was a different player when focusing on his defense and decision making with the ball. Viehman is a tremendous all around athlete that can make athletic plays and grab huge rebounds. Specifically in the final OT game at the event, he did the little things that led to a team win.
Highlights
Hudson was one of the toughest players in the gym and drew attention because of it. He expected and demanded every rebound to end up in his hands. Hudson was powerful on the glass and showed touch around the rim offensively. He was a huge factor on the defensive end, always stepping up for Top 1 17u and guarding the opponent’s top offensive option.
Highlights
Armstrong put his name squarely on the map at the Michigan State Tournament. The wing has good positional size and athleticism and has great upside in his game. He showed that he can attack the rim from multiple spots on the floor. Armstrong, even as a 2027, is a true 3 level scorer that can shoot and attack the rim.
Highlights
Backos has had a really good spring grassroots season with Greg Grant Basketball Club and that continued at the Michigan State Tournament. He’s shown a versatile offensive game. Backos has been reading his opponents, taking what’s there, and executing. If a defender plays off, he’s been catching and shooting in rhythm. If they play up like this weekend, he’s been able to attack off the bounce and finish.
Highlights
![Brent Bondarenko](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/themes/prep-network-content/public/images/generic-male.png)
Brent Bondarenko
Brent Bondarenko
This was my first opportunity to see Bondarenko play and I came away very impressed. The young man is a strong and powerful 2027 that allows him to play big. But he has some very real ball skills and a jumper to match. Bondarenko seemed comfortable defending multiple positions and attacking offensively from a variety of spots on the floor.