BCAM: Day 1 Notebook

<p>Not that anyone is too concerned abkut the plight of someone who gets paid to watch basketball. But I have never been able to attend the prestigious BCAM Reaching Higher event. As it usually falls on my wedding anniversary. This year that was not the case. </p>   <p>So it was off to my alma mater at Grand Valley for the premier team camp in the Mitten. Following are my observations from day 1 action. <br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The “New” Saginaw will be just fine….</h2>   <p>After a storied and long history as a two high school district. Declining enrollment and population have turned Saginaw into a one high school town. The High and Arthur Hill are now known as a single school aptly named Saginaw United. How would the two programs mesh together?</p>   <p>Very early returns say just fine. Featuring two outstanding guards— one from each high school. United beat a Cadillac team that pushed Saginaw High to the brink in the quarterfinals just a year ago. </p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1438249' first='TJ' last='Stevenson'] </strong>came out aggressive and decisive both as a scorer and playmaker. The 6-2 senior lefty attacked the basket against Cadillac's large frontline. However he also played well in the mid range and got to his spots easily with a tight handle. Finished off the package with deep range from the perimeter. He was joined by strong contributions off the bench from <strong>Dion'Quavis “Boop” Hardy</strong>. Hardy does not have the length of Stevenson. But the 5-11 junior is just as dynamic attacking the basket. Hardy also has a thick upper body that helps him handle and finish through contact on drives. That is a strong backcourt duo to build a new program upon.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1793648' first='Jaquan' last='Stennis'] makes his case at the top </h2>   <p>For a variety of off court reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with the players themselves. The top of Michigan's 2026 class has seen a lot of change. It might be bracing for another change in light of recent events.</p>   <p>Detroit Old Redford's [player_tooltip player_id='1793648' first='Jaquan' last='Stennis'] made a loud statement that he belongs in that conversation. At about 6-8, Stennis showed the versatility and ball handling to essentially play point forward for the Ravens. He has always been comfortable with ball in his hands out on the perimeter. On Saturday he showed the passing to both initiate and set up offense.</p>   <p>As far as scoring. Used his elite athletic frame to rise easily above defenders in the mid rage. The shot looked more fluid and natural on Saturday. He has long been one of the more explosive players in transition you will see. Barring some type of injury. That skill set isn't going anywhere. As you would expect this translates well to the defensive side of the court as well.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1437538' first='Lance' last='Stone'] is a gamer….</h2>   <p>Coming off a standout spring where he garnered some national attention. I was curious to see how [player_tooltip player_id='1437538' first='Lance' last='Stone'] would attack his headlining Saturday matchup with Adrian's [player_tooltip player_id='1292036' first='Stevie' last='Elam'] Would he be up for the challenge against the much bigger point guard he already played earlier in the spring?</p>   <p>How does picking up Elam 94 feet defensively sound for an answer? Stone did this for the entire game. Not one play off. It was a sight to behold. Stone came out to make a statement. And I would say he made a pretty definitive statement. I don't care how tall you think he is or isn't. Or what he can or cannot do because of it. Stone is here to play basketball and compete.</p>   <p>Let's be clear, so too did [player_tooltip player_id='1292036' first='Stevie' last='Elam'] Playing with the strength and balance that make a unique lead guard prospect. Stone however was just a step quicker all game. Penetrating seemingly at will. Playing aggressively but staying out of trouble spots. Avoiding getting caught to deep and always having a safety valve passing lane. Balancing scoring and playmaking. It was all on full display. If you haven't caught him yet. Head out to a Saturday showcase in the regular season. A special player who is worth the price of admission and then some.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Northern Michigan has not only one… but two next level prospects this year</h2>   <p>In normal years the rural Northern Michigan region always has a paucity of college prospects. It just a simple population/numbers game reality. That being said, Saturday's action showed that there might two college prospects with the size and ability to make an impact somewhere at the next level. </p>   <p>While Cadillac's struggled against Saginaw United's aforementioned backcourt. The feeling was reciprocated by Cadillac's large frontline. Particularly by 6-7 senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1787594' first='Kyle' last='McGowan'] </strong>Who used his wide but athletic frame to establish deep position all game. He appeared to enjoy and seek out contact. Perhaps to a fault at times. As he could have been more decisive in attacking the basket after the catch. More than just some brute. Does show a soft touch around the basket. However he knows what he is and doesn't spend too much time out on the perimeter. Can get sped up a bit at times. Despite there is a lot of potential in this still developing post prospect.</p>   <p>In the past decade Glen Lake, a small district on the shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes has sent multiple players to the GLIAC conference. They might have another one in 6-6 junior [player_tooltip player_id='2270808' first='Jacob' last='Plamondon']. No gentle way to say it. Plamondon is a load on the block. If he gets deep position (which he does often) you can put something up on the board. Be it a point or an opposing foul.</p>   <p>However don't misconstrue the image. He also has plenty of athleticism and is fairly light on his feet. Can avoid contact when needed with euro steps and power jump stops (emphasis on power) Like McGowan has a soft touch around the basket and doesn't stray out to the perimeter often. Really had his way against a Berrien Springs frontline that was not small. As a junior still has plenty of time to round out the rest of his game. </p>

Not that anyone is too concerned abkut the plight of someone who gets paid to watch basketball. But I have never been able to attend the prestigious BCAM Reaching Higher event. As it usually falls on my wedding anniversary. This year that was not the case.