MHSAA Division IV Semifinal Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the first time in a few years, I'm not going for the “full Monty” on finals weekend. Only made it to one session on Thursday. Michigan's smallest classification delivered with a diversity of players from different grades and geographic areas. Following are five standouts from Thursday night action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2423654' first='Keaton' last='Blanker'] 5-11 2025 Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (pictured) </strong>Came into the night with the most plaudits as he is the floor general of the defending champions. More importantly however— played like it. Last year a hot shooting team from the Upper Peninsula necessitated a big Tri-Unity second half comeback, Blanker wasn't going to let that happen Thursday night. Efficiently got the Defenders into their offensive sets early and often. Exemplifying the famous hardwood adage of “hurry but don't rush. Frequently kept his dribble alive for an abnormally long time. Waiting patiently for a teammate or driving lanes to open up. When he was left open, confidently nailed open shots. A complete point guard performance from the Grace Christian commitment. Finished with 10 points and seven assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alex Halfmann 6-6 2025 Fowler </strong>Hailing approximately 20 miles from the Breslin Center. The Eagles made themselves right at home in advancing to Saturday's final. They featured a deep and balanced rotation with multiple players in double figures. I was most impressed with a player who did not reach double figures. If he played poorly, he would still draw attention. Has an athletic and eye opening frame that you simply don't see often in this division. Very long arms that are not skinny. Also has broad and thick shoulders. Used these features to be a huge presence on the glass and defensively. This was especially big late in the contest as their opponent attempted to mount a furious comeback. Essentially ended it with one exchange. A strong left handed drive and finish. Followed by an intimidating block on the perimeter that speaks to his length and quickness. Not surprised as he tested out as one of better athletes at a Ferris St Elite camp in the summer. Finished with a near double double of eight points and 10 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2119776' first='Ethan' last='Esse'] 5-10 2026 Allen Park Inter-City Baptist </strong>When you reach this round it's really “all about the win.” That being said, the most impressive individual performance of the night came from this junior guard in a losing effort. Esse struggled last year against Mount Pleasant Sacred Heat's suffocating perimeter defense. Was on the attack early this year. Got off to slow start. However warmed up when he adjusted to the size Fowler had at the rim (see above) Has an extremely quick first step that he used to blow by defenders often. A lefty but he was able to drive both ways. Attacked the rim without fear despite not being very big. When the outside shot began to fall, he became very hard to guard. Was a good live dribble passer, but did get a little careless with ball at times. Finished with 25 points. Both he and his young teammates have a bright future and could make three straight trips to the Breslin Center next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588176' first='Carlos' last='Jackson'] 6-3 2026 Allen Park Inter-City Baptist </strong>With Esse manning the perimeter. Jackson drew the short straw against Fowler's big frontline. Like Esse, got off to slow start but adjusted well as the game continued. Not an overly explosive athlete yet. However made up for it with well schooled and crafty footwork. Looked bigger than last year in the upper body. Has a soft touch around the basket. Good ball skills and was able to initiate offense out of the high post. Finished with a hard earned double double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2622028' first='Vic' last='Giuliani']</strong> <strong>6-3 2027 Crystal Falls Forest Park </strong>The future of the Upper Peninsula was on display in Forest Park's decisive defeat. Didn't have his best night, but flashed the potential that has many excited deep in the heart of the UP. First the obvious attention grabbing headline from the contest. Scored his 1,000th career point. You don't often see that from players who have yet to log time as an upperclassman. Got to his spots and rose easily over most defenders. He was bothered at times by the different pressure looks Tri-Unity threw at him. Was pushed to the baseline and corners by TUC's disciplined team defensive concepts. As a lefty, they also forced him exclusively to the right which he didn't seem to love. Despite evident easy and explosive elevation. Didn't finish at the rim as empathically as I expected. Even with those demerits, their was a lot to like. Has a smooth and seemingly effortless offensive game. Despite the eye opening career scoring totals. Wasn't some type of small town pump. Got his shots within the offense and wasn't a ball stopper. Stayed in motion off the ball and came off of screens well. Definitely a rural prospect to monitor in Michigan's still developing 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->