Run N Slam Rebuilds: Statewide Edition

<p>The annual Run N Slam event in Fort Wayne is the preeminent Midwest grassroots event. It is an expansive event that covers multiple states and shoe company allegiances. So where to start?</p>   <p>I found this year to be particularly incisive about the future of high school basketball in Michigan. As some established schools with recent state championships graduated long term lauded cores. After giving you some teams from the Metro Detroit area who showed their rebuilding units earlier in the week. We'll now venture out into the rest of the state. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">East Lansing </h2>   <p>Heavy is the head that wears the crown. We'll start with the defending Division I state champion. The Trojans lose quite a bit from their rotation. Additionally one of their main returning pieces in 2027 standout [player_tooltip player_id='2140508' first='Kingston' last='Thomas'] is out with an ankle injury. So why the optimism coming out of the weekend in Fort Wayne? </p>   <p>First and foremost the known commodity. [player_tooltip player_id='1806404' first='KJ' last='Torbert'] (pictured) continues to look like one the strongest lead guard prospects in the Midwest. Attacking the rim with a ferocity you don't often see from a player of his size. However their new name comes from Michigan's still emerging 2028 class. As [player_tooltip player_id='2500721' first='Tyree' last='Anthony'] led his Swish club on a deep Sunday run in the top Platinum Division. Anthony doesn't have the biggest frame at the moment. However makes up for it with length and explosiveness. The 6-2 wing attacked the basket without fear and could carve out space in the Trojans crowded rotation next year.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Muskegon </h2>   <p>Like East Lansing, the Big Reds lose quite a bit of production from last year's squad. Particularly along the frontline. They will look to replace that production with perimeter firepower. After an extended absence due to a severe arm injury. [player_tooltip player_id='1805260' first='James' last='Martin'] looks like he is back to his high flying wing form. The 6-3 wing matched his AAU teammate Torbert (see above) in aggressively attacking the basket. More than just an aerial assault artist. Martin continues to improve in penetration and on his perimeter shot. He continues to trend toward being a Division I prospect.</p>   <p>Perimeter support could also come up from the Big Reds JV program. As 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2527369' first='Lou' last='Gressett'] looks ready to contribute after a strong two weekends with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm']. Like Martin, Gressett also missed extended time with a serious injury in the past year. He is clever and creative combo guard who appears ambidextrous. Attacking both ways and finishing with either hand at the rim. He is probably a two long term. However he is also an excellent passer with advanced court vision.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grand Rapids Christian </h2>   <p>After advancing to a Division II state championship appearance in 2024. The Eagles got off to a strong start before faltering a bit down the stretch last year. With some senior leadership graduating, one might expect a bit of a step back. Not sure that's happening based on what I saw in Fort Wayne.</p>   <p>Senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2217997' first='Carl' last='Thompson'] might be one of the more underrated players in the state. He has long been one of the smoothest scorers you will see— perhaps too smooth at times. Now playing on a shoe circuit, he is showing more strength and assertiveness. Even playing the point at times. To be honest though, as a long longtime believer in his game. This development and growth is not particularly surprising.</p>   <p>What caught my attention this past weekend was the developmental leap Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2112202' first='Connor' last='Johnson'] appears to be taking. Playing with out of state Indiana Game it might fly under the radar for some. Long a skilled and versatile wing. The 6-7 Johnson is now playing with strength in the paint. Evidenced by a strong no power dribble needed dunk in Saturday action. He kept up his strong play up all weekend leading Indiana Game to a Gold Division championship. With continued strength he could become a prototypical stretch four at the next level.</p>   <p>The Eagles will need to replace Heidelberg (OH) bound [player_tooltip player_id='2725412' first='Tyler' last='Davis'] at the point. Fortunately 2027 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2140474' first='Braylon' last='Taylor'] appears up to the task. Taylor isn't very big. But that is about all you could mark him down for. He is a fearless and highly competitive on both ends the court. Avoids getting smothered with speed and good court awareness. Also keeps defenses honest with pure outside shot.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The “Traverse City's” </h2>   <p>The quotation marks are meant to cover the two largest high schools in Northern Michigan by enrollment. While neither West nor Central are projected to be state title contenders. With fellow conference foe Cadillac taking a bit of a step back. These two large schools should be the most talented teams in Northern Michigan. </p>   <p>Of the two, West loses virtually their entire rotation from a conference championship and regional final squad. However they should reload nicely. [player_tooltip player_id='2477378' first='Carter' last='Grubb'] continued to show that last year's elite camp blow up was not a mirage. The extremely bouncy 6-6 senior forward showed that he can compete with anyone athletically. Lives above the rim and the get up is special. Is now leading the break with improved ball handling and shows the ability to hit the three.</p>   <p>While the offense has caught up to his physical traits. With <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1372969' first='Lincoln' last='Lockhart']</strong> graduating, someone needs to get Grubb the ball. That is where <strong>Blake LaFaive </strong>comes into the picture. LaFaive is a 2026 swing guard who showing vast improvement through the spring. Has the abilty to play both guard spots. Guards has always seemed to develop nicely in the Titan program and I would expect LaFaive to follow a similar trajectory. </p>   <p>Central doesn't lose as much as their crosstown rivals. However their young core showed vast improvement throughout the weekend. 2026 standout [player_tooltip player_id='1588171' first='Owen' last='Ribel'] continued what has been scorching spring with HB Elite. One the better shooters I saw alll weekend— period. Has a unique shot with an uncharacteristic high arc. It goes in often and lands sofly on the rim if it doesn't. Gets it off easily with well schooled footwork and a trigger quick release. </p>   <p>He will get help from fellow 2026 and HB Elite teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2279487' first='Cassius' last='Feeney'] and a pair of underclassmen. HB Elite's 2028 group took home a Platinum Championship behind [player_tooltip player_id='2539732' first='Hudson' last='Mclean'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2758909' first='Collin' last='Rademacher'] Rademacher is a lightning quick and aggressive point guard who not shy. He is still learning the nuances of the position, but there is a lot of physical talent to work with. Mclean is a hyper versatile and nearly positionless prospect. At 6-4, he can effectively play every spot except the point at his grade level. Showed a clutch gene by hitting the game winning shot in his team's final (and championship) game of the weekend. In the second year Luke Johnson's system the Trojans have the potential to take the long awaited next step as a program.</p>   <p></p>

The annual Run N Slam event in Fort Wayne is the preeminent Midwest grassroots event. It is an expansive event that covers multiple states and shoe company allegiances. So where to start?