Louis O’Neal Classic: Standouts From Games 1-3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The staff at Saginaw Valley St put together another outstanding six game slate to open the 2024-2025 basketball season. The first three games of event provided plenty of high level performances. Following are five that caught my eye.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2058636' first='Easton' last='Day'] 6-2 2025 Mount Pleasant (pictured) </strong>I have long been a fan this guard's game. Especially the variety of ways he is able to score. I have wondered about his ability to be a true point guard at the next level. With a different Oiler attack than usual on Saturday. Day largely alleviated those concerns. In past years, Day was able to play off of two bigs. With ample driving lanes available. This year he does not have that luxury and is playing a more traditional point guard role. Setting up and initiating offense like a seasoned veteran. Plays with his head up and gets wherever he wants on the perimeter with a nice handle. Is a good live dribble passer. Has advanced court vision and the height to see over most defenders. The scoring is still there. Has an assortment of pivots and step backs that he uses cleverly to create room. A consistent performer with [program_tooltip program_id='2429901' first='REAL' last='Basketball'] on the Prep Hoops Circuit. He looks to be carrying that over into what could be a big senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2430297' first='Jimmy' last='McCrum']</strong> <strong>6-7 2025 Bay City John Glenn </strong>Like Day another alumnus of the [program_tooltip program_id='2429901' first='REAL' last='Basketball'] program. McCrum had a difficult task on Saturday. Leading his squad against Mount Pleasant without John Glenn's star post [player_tooltip player_id='1289694' first='Sean' last='Wesolek']. McCrum stepped into that role capably. However he is a much different player. Is a bouncy, long, and lean prospect. This allows him to also play out on the perimeter at times. Showed improved ball handling and footwork then when I first caught him this past summer. Hit a clutch late three with a smooth and confident release that surprised me. Down low, is active on the glass with his long arms and a quick second jump. This could be a late blooming prospect that could surprise for the right type of coach. The same could be said of the John Glenn program if they are able to be Wesolek back .</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806447' first='Connor' last='Mcgarry']</strong> <strong>6-1 2026 Caro </strong>First extensive viewing of this prospect. I came away impressed— especially early. Looked more than ready for the big stage of a college court. Getting off to a very quick start. Isn't a small guard in terms of frame. Has broad shoulders and does not appear to mind contact. Got his first bucket by being aggressive and quick on the offensive glass. Also showed good body control with a difficult floater. Put it up softly with right while falling hard to the left. Was a good shooter from beyond the arc. Might have to speed up the release a little. Capable ball handler who shifted to the point at times. That might need to be his position at the next level. As the only junior among this grouping. Has plenty time to continue his development. Cooled off considerably in the second half of what was a lopsided game. Intrigued to see what type growth comes from this Thumb area prospect in the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300916' first='Zander' last='Nash'] 6-7 2025 Imlay City </strong>Nash has long been a skinny and versatile prospect that just oozes potential. Now as a senior he is beginning to look like a finished prospect. Speaking to his extreme versatility, essentially played all five positions for the Spartans on Saturday. Guarding the post while also playing the point. Looks completely different physically— and it is more than just the long hair. His long arms and shoulders have filled out considerably. Was very aggressive and assertive offensively. Smoothly and confidently hit threes. Including one at the first quarter buzzer. Scored with both hands around the basket. Took charge and didn't wait for the game to come to him. Went right at a Powers defender and drew his opponents second foul. About those fouls though…Nash's promising start was derailed by foul trouble of his own. That was unfortunate as his second half effort was severely impacted. With his versatility, physical development, and high academic profile. Could make a college coach happy at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1437568' first='Dempsey' last='Cull'] 6-7 2025 Flint Powers Catholic </strong>Nice down and dirty post performance for a prospect who has long earned attention for his ability to play away from the basket. Has clearly put in the work physically as his upper body is now fully formed. Stepped up for his twin brother Jesse, when he went out with two early fouls. Did most his damage on the block and off the glass. However still showed the ability to stretch the floor when needed with his perimeter shot. Scored four in a row at crucial portion of the game. Impressive all around performance for player who looks like he is settling into his role as a “new school” stretch five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->