Storm Classic: Up North Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Always one of the premier Midwest AAU events. The Storm Classic held outside of Grand Rapids produced its usual deep and talented field. Due to some familial commitments and an uncommon length in distance between the two main gyms. I was only able to catch action in the 17U division. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was one other welcome change. Be it a schedule quirk and just a shift in talent. It was not difficult to find talent from Northern Michigan is this years field. That unfortunately is not usually the case with my remote region of origin. Following are five that caught my eye. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2112170' first='Braeden' last='Flynn'] 5-9 2026 Harbor Springs (pictured) </strong>Flynn had a nice Saturday outing against a team from the Fort Wayne area. Continues to balance scoring and playmaking opportunities. Had a nice dump off pass thar turned into a dunk for a big. Came ready to play with the intensity needed on a Saturday morning game. Getting his squad out to a big early lead. Took control when things got tight late. Had a personal 5-0 run in the clutch to seal the win. Not very tall, but has the frame and intangibles to overcome it. Uses broad shoulders and wide base to create space on penetration. Also shows creativity in getting his shot off over bigger defenders. Regular season teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2218043' first='Rider' last='Bartel'] also had a good weekend. Together they should form one of the better backcourts in Northern Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588171' first='Owen' last='Ribel'] 6-3 2026 Traverse City Central </strong>Ribel had a nice Saturday for a HB Elite squad that went undefeated in pool play. Showed a complete scoring arsenal. Was especially impressive in the mid range with a nice floater. Older brother was a natural consummate point guard. Ribel shows more of a natural scoring ability with a nose for the basket. Continues to develop physically as he enters his senior campaign. Not a breathtaking above the rim athlete. However there is plenty of bounce and quickness on a slender athletic frame. After a choppy start to his career. Looks to be lined up for a big senior campaign with second year head coach Luke Johnson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Luke Bradford 6-5 2026 Onekema </strong>First time extensively catching this prospect and came away impressed. The positional versatility primarily stood out. Is by no means a point guard. However, somewhat out of necessity, showed the ability to initiate offense. Has a well out put together frame and did not appear to mind contact on drives. Should form a nice inside out duo with AAU and regular season teammate <strong>Tyler Hart.</strong> Hart also played well with [program_tooltip program_id='2077029' first='Parallel' last='45'] on the weekend. In a wide open Division IV field. The Portagers could be a major factor Up North.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588205' first='Cole' last='Vanderhaag']</strong> <strong>6-0 2026 Mason County Central </strong>Vanderhaag was a nice second scoring option on the perimeter for HB Elite. Picked his spots and played well off of Ribel (see above) Coaches son, but more importantly plays like it. Gets his shots within the offense and doesn't force things. Honestly could probably be a little more aggressive at times. Has a well schooled shot from the perimeter and you can't leave him open. Scored in double figures and was a factor on the glass in a Saturday night victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Messiah Himes 6-0 2027 Ludington </strong>While I mainly saw the 17U division. I did catch some 16U action late Saturday night. Himes is small but quick point guard from the lakeshore. It was nice to see the ball in his hands more on Saturday. As he plays off of fellow 2027 standout <strong>Taj</strong> <strong>Williams</strong> in the regular season. Himes changes direction well with the dribble. Showed toughness by playing through a nasty fall on Saturday night. A more consistent jump shot should open up more driving lanes. While he appeared taller this weekend. Looks like he could still have some physical growth and should easily add weight to his frame. With 2026 <strong>Cam Gunsell</strong> playing well with the aforementioned HB Elite. The Orioles could be a tough out in Division II next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->