Grit Region Finals: Michigan Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a few detours in the Land of Lincoln and the Hoosier stats. Wrapping up my coverage of the Grit Regional Finals with a tour of top performers from my home state. And in some particular cases, very close to my rural hamlet in Northern Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following are five standouts who evaded my notebook from earlier in the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>David Cross 5-7 2025 Muskegon </strong>The storied Big Red program remains as deep and talented as usual. With depth on the frontline and the wing. One place where there might be an opening is point guard. Cross made a case with his play in Indianapolis. Not very big but extremely quick with sudden movement and nice change of direction ability. Showed ability to drive both to the left and right. Played with toughness and moxie needed to be a floor general. Scored 13 points in BNB's closing win of the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1439046' first='Gavin' last='Goetz'] 6-5 2025 Cadillac </strong>As I mentioned in my meandering into. Goetz is a four year varsity from my alma mater (Class of 00) So I have seen this prospect play a lot and from a young age. Appears to be fulfilling his potential as he approaches his senior year. Is uniquely skilled at initiating offense for a player of his size and position. Especially out of the high post. Sees the court well with his height and is a willing passer. Could improve his elevation to become a better finisher at the rim. However his versatility is his carry skill. Can stuff a stat sheet. Reflected in [program_tooltip program_id='2429901' first='REAL' last='Basketball'] final game of the weekend. Goetz posted the rare AAU triple double. With 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists in a victory against Chicago area M14 Hoops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1936947' first='Tristan' last='Demlow'] 5-11 2025 Grayling </strong>Demlow is similar to his REAL teammate Goetz. A traditional pass first guard who can stuff a stat sheet. Doesn't pass the initial eye test. But is improving athletically and plays a very intelligent floor game. While he looks to pass. Has greatly improved as a shooter over the past few years. Despite being a point guard has the size, strength, and athleticism to bang down low when needed. Showed this by posting a double double against an Under Armour team out of Buffalo packed with next level athletes. In a dramatic come from behind victory against that group. Demlow notched 14 points and 10 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2428950' first='Kaleb' last='Miche'] 6-4 2026 Sterling Heights Stevenson (pictured) </strong>This was a completely new name for me. I came away impressed. More than held his own playing up an age division with MAD Athletics. Showed versatility and the ability to score with his back to the basket and off penetration. Skinny frame but seemed to absorb and finish through contact. The slight frame was offset by extreme length. Allowed him to elevate and get his shot off easily. About that shot… That was the clearly the strong point of his game. Has a high arching and smooth landing shot. Had four threes and plenty of long twos against the aforementioned BNB Basketball. Finished with 22 points in that contest Saturday afternoon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353069' first='Quinn' last='Rosenberg'] 6-5 2025 Clarkston </strong>The [program_tooltip program_id='2077028' first='North' last='Oakland Wolfpack'] had a dominant and undefeated weekend. I previously highlighted their talented backcourt and forwards. However Rosenberg manned the post capably for NOW. Showed toughness and grit all weekend. As he was often matched up against bigger players. Especially in a Saturday afternoon game against a team from Missouri that featured a skilled 6-8 center. Rosenberg battled and kept him in check while also providing offensive contributions. Scored 11 points and five rebounds in that contest. Finished off the weekend with 16 point, 8 rebound outing against another team from Missouri that featured a beefy frontline. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->