Northern Michigan Showcase: Underclassmen Standouts

Jonathon Gilbert February 12, 2025 @ 12:23 PM

In its third year, the Northern Michigan Showcase delivered another ambitious five game slate pitting UP North programs against teams from the Metro Detroit area. While a handful of stars and new names stood out. I would be remiss if I did not mention the plethora of underclassmen who also played well.   Following are five young players from the deep and talented field who you might be hearing more from in the next few years.   [player_tooltip player_id='2139970' first='Dean' last='Lewis'] 6-4 2027 Walled Lake Western (pictured) Blame it on the snow and the long drive. But like the rest of his team. Got off to a bit of a slow start on Saturday. Once he figured out what a big Glen Lake frontline was doing, he started to attack the basket. The physical development is striking. No longer a 6-1 ish skinny lead guard. While still skinny, has jumped up to a legitimate 6-4 wing prospect. I was impressed with how he took on contact on penetration. Also took on the task of guarding Glen Lake's best player after Western's front court got into foul trouble. Showed improved ball handling. With the ability to run point and lead transition opportunities. Appeared most comfortable operating in the mid range where he easily rose over most defenders. Finished with 14 points.   Toby Bradford 5-11 2027 Glen Lake Not the most highly touted of Glen Lake's underclassmen littered backcourt. However played within the system and did what a point guard is supposed to do. For the Lakers, that is efficiently get the ball down low to their big frontline. Isn't very big (the size listed is a guess) but competed hard defensively. When his number was called, wasn't shy a hit a key three pointer. Coach's son and more importantly plays like it. Finished with 8 points and showed some nice long term potential.   Liam Wilson 6-7 2027 Canton Wilson drew a daunting task, as Cadillac has a big and experienced senior frontline. He held up well defensively and allowed Canton to pull out a rock fight low scoring victory. Has a lengthy projectable frame that he used to wall up well at the rim. Very light on his feet for his size, and showed good lateral quickness. Standout play was a “pick six” steal thar he took coast to coast to finish with a dunk. Still has some growing to do both skill wise and physically. However there is a lot of upside in the Ann Arbor area post prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='2758267' first='Domenic' last='Wing'] 6-6 2028 Cadillac This is a bit of a cumulative mention. As Wing did not have the best outing on Saturday. However is the type of physical prospect that doesn't need to play well to garner attention. The only freshmen on this list, the size and skill mix is hard to ignore. Is a legitimate 6-6 wing (pardon the pun) Is a good ball handler and shooter with plus length. Has high release point and shoots left handed. He is not getting his shot blocked often. Not now nor in the next three years. Has plenty of athletic explosion already. Was already the starting quarterback on playoff bound football team. An injury there might have slowed his transition to the hardwood. Put up 10 points in a victory against a Traverse City West squad that looked good on Saturday. Canton exposed his timidity and inexperience. Definitely a prospect to monitor going forward in Michigan's embryonic 2028 class.   Jake Bixby 5-11 2027 Traverse City St Francis Bixby is part of sophomore backcourt that the Glads are attempting to rebuild around. At times played well against the heavy pressure Hamtramck posed all game. When he didn't allow himself to get sped up. Showed the ability to drive and finish through contact. Isn't very tall but has an athletic and physical frame. I saw him play well in a close loss to Jackson earlier this year. So while Saturday might not have been his night. There is some potential here.

In its third year, the Northern Michigan Showcase delivered another ambitious five game slate pitting UP North programs against teams from the Metro Detroit area. While a handful of stars and new names stood out. I would be remiss if I did not mention the plethora of underclassmen who also played well.