Michigan State Tournament: Up North Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With its rural and remote locale, it's rare to see a group of Northern Michigan prospects playing well under one roof. That was not the case at the Prep Hoops Northern Michigan Showcase. Following are five that caught my eye from three says of action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588185' first='Brendan' last='Slack'] 6-4 2026 Traverse City Central </strong>In the midst of a big spring with Midwest Stampede. It continued this weekend in Grand Rapids. Clutch performer whose squad lived in overtime all weekend. Lanky and versatile player who is showing an increased level of assertiveness as he approaches upperclassman status. Showed improved elevation with an easy dunk in the open court on Saturday afternoon. Standout contest was his final game. A 27 point outing in a come from behind victory that of course ended in overtime.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588163' first='Rowan' last='Zickert'] 5-10 2026 Benzie Central </strong>Zickert has been an active player in grassroots action for quite some time. Has always had a much earned reputation as a shooter. As he enters his junior year appears to be coming into his own as a playmaker and penetrator. Showed that on Sunday with several strong drives. Drawing fouls and flashing the strength to finish through contact. Like his teammate Slack, looks to be gearing up for a big junior year in a program that should provide ample opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2450038' first='Ayden' last='Nichols'] 6-2 2025 Pine River (pictured) </strong>Nichols had a nice weekend for [program_tooltip program_id='2440586' first='B3' last='Athletics']. Stood out in the closing victory against a high scoring Tar Heels-Winston squad. Nothing flashy but made a lot of winning plays. Also played good defense at multiple positions. Plays for a talented regular season team that could be sleeper in Northern Michigan within Division III.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588171' first='Owen' last='Ribel'] 6-3 2026 Traverse City Central </strong>Impressed with Ribel's adaptability on the weekend. Was not playing with his normal West Lakers squad as they were not participating this weekend. Joined up with a Midwest Stampede squad that a featured a few of his regular season teammates. Knew how to pick his spots to score while staying within the flow of the offense. Shows the ability to play both backcourt positions capably. Balancing playmaking and scoring situations well. Has excellent size for both positions. Appears to developing strength physically. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aidan Koetje 6-0 2025 McBain </strong>Shooting was the name of Koetje's game all weekend. Shot the ball well for [program_tooltip program_id='2440586' first='B3' last='Athletics'] Has an unusual but effective release. From a coaching family and it shows in how he plays. Relocated well and stayed in motion off the ball. Despite the unique release showed potential as a movement shooter. Should get plenty of open looks in a deep and talented Rambler program as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2423444' first='Cruz' last='Lockhart'] 5-5 2027 Traverse City West </strong>Had a good weekend for a [program_tooltip program_id='2077033' first='West' last='Michigan Lakers'] squad that went 3-1 on the weekend. Not very big. But young and still has plenty of time to develop. Has all the intangibles already to be a consummate point guard. Plays in an excellent developmental program at TC West that is loaded with good guards. Interesting to see what his role will be in the coming year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->