Season Preview: Northern Michigan Fab 40 21-30

Back by popular demand (insert sarcasm) I'm going to once again take on the daunting task of composing a list of the top 40 players in Northern Michigan. It is a herculean effort as this is a vast geographic region.    From parts of the Upper Peninsula that stretch into central time zone. To the southern I-10 corridor passing through the Ludington and Reed City areas. These are the geographic borders I am going to use    Sticking with the purpose of this site I am going to focus primarily on college potential and not chiefly statistical output. In most cases (not all) this focus will also exclude players who will most likely play other sports at the next level.   30. Gerald Sampoll-Torres 5-10 2025 Iron Mountain The Mountaineers are in the midst of an outstanding three year run. The trigger man for much of this success has been this experienced point guard. In the balanced Iron Mountain attack will probably never put up huge scoring numbers. However impacts the game in so many ways. Particularly on the defensive end where he accumulates steals in eye opening bunches.   29. [player_tooltip player_id='1504837' first='Morgan' last='Sleik'] 6-5 2025 Kingsford The Flivvers will be one the top teams in entire region and could make the rare UP Division II trip to the Breslin Center. That is largely on the back of a dynamic and fast backcourt. Sleik is the old school big man in charge of manning the paint. He does it quite well with a thick but athletic frame. Has broad shoulders and doesn't appear to mind contact. Also has soft touch around the basket and from the free throw line extended. Coming off a strong spring/summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2075498' first='Great' last='Northern Elite'] on the Prep Hoops Circuit   28. [player_tooltip player_id='2353057' first='Reece' last='Broderick'] 6-2 2025 Traverse City Christian Broderick has been putting up near record shooting numbers for the Sabers for three years. Is 80 three pointers shy of the all time state record. As a senior will need to show more playmaking for the small parochial school to break through in Division IV. Looked ready to do that in a solid grassroots campaign with [program_tooltip program_id='2077029' first='Parallel' last='45']   27. [player_tooltip player_id='2218043' first='Rider' last='Bartel'] 5-11 2026 Harbor Springs One half of what could be the top backcourt in the region. Despite not having ideal size at this point of his development. Is the more natural two guard in the tandem. Reflected in his statistical output from a breakout sophomore season. Averaged 18.3 points a game for the Rams. Followed it up with a standout grassroots campaign. Also played well at various campus elite camps.   26. [player_tooltip player_id='2610321' first='Jaxon' last='Jurmu'] 6-0 2025 Marquette Jurmu is a productive a workmanlike UP point guard. Doesn't do anything too flashy on the court. However his flash comes from the combine measurables that he put up various on campus elite camps. Just like last June. Continued to test out as one the best overall athletes— period in some deep and talented fields. Has a 40 inch max vertical that you would not expect to come from his frame. Also puts up elite lane agility and 3/4 court spring times. An All UP second Team selection. With his athletic upside. Could really pop at the next level if he finds the right situation.   25. [player_tooltip player_id='1616018' first='Drake' last='Koepke'] 6-1 2025 Bellaire Four year player for an extremely small school at the remote foot of the Shanty Creek ski resort. Has a long and lanky frame that helps him play taller than his listed height. At such a small school plays multiple positions well. However projects as a point guard at the next level. A stuff the stat sheet type of a player. Averaged 14.3 points a game, to go along with four rebounds and assists a piece for the Eagles. Will lead Bellaire squad should be one of top Division IV programs in the Northern Lower Peninsula.   24. [player_tooltip player_id='1588171' first='Owen' last='Ribel'] 6-2 Traverse City Central Ribel is a versatile guard who has played a lot basketball. Stepped up at times last year for an injury addled Trojan program. More of a two guard at this point of his development. Although he showed playmaking ability with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077033' first='West' last='Michigan Lakers'] during AAU. With his size, could really increase his recruiting profile with more point guard ability. Has the opportunity with a new coach (CMU-alumn) Luke Johnson who knows a thing or two about playing the position.   23. [player_tooltip player_id='2610371' first='Tristan' last='Demlow'] 5-11 2025 Grayling The prototype of a heady and consummate pass first point guard. Athletic, but not a speed merchant. Gets to his spots with intelligence and a tight handle. No empty calories is his ball handling diet. Penetrates with purpose and is a good kick out passer. Will need to improve as finisher at the rim to take the next step. His statistical profile could take a big jump in the coming year as the Vikings lose a lot of production. High academic prospect. But more importantly, plays like it. Had a nice grassroots campaign with [program_tooltip program_id='2429901' first='REAL' last='Basketball'] on the Prep Hoops Circuit.   22. [player_tooltip player_id='1439046' first='Gavin' last='Goetz'] 6-6 2025 Cadillac Demlow's teammate on a good REAL squad. Goetz is a unique prospect. Out of necessity (injury) played a fair amount of point during the June team camp season. Did an admirable job against some of the best competition in the state. Despite it being far from his natural position. Does this with the type of advanced ball skills you would expect from a four year varsity contributor. Operates comfortably out of the high post. While the all around skills are impressive. Could take the next step with increased lift and an improved ability to finish at the rim. Should have ample opportunity. As the Vikings will be a talented and big squad that might struggle to score.   21. [player_tooltip player_id='2112225' first='Cam' last='Gunsell'] 6-3 2026 Ludington (pictured) I have been impressed with Gunsell the last few years with Hardwood Midwest on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Should be the focal point of an Oriole attack that graduates a lot of production. A “ jack-of-all-trades” type of prospect. Doesn't have one singular standout skill but is good at just about everything. Is also an explosive athlete who excels on the gridiron as well. I will be curious see how he handles an increased scoring load and role this year. As this ranking would suggest. I am expecting him to handle it just fine.

Back by popular demand (insert sarcasm) I'm going to once again take on the daunting task of composing a list of the top 40 players in Northern Michigan. It is a herculean effort as this is a vast geographic region.