Season Preview: Northern Michigan Fab 40 31-40

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back by popular demand (insert sarcasm) I'm going to once again take on the daunting task of composing a list of the top 40 players in Northern Michigan. It is a herculean effort as this is a vast geographic region.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From parts of the Upper Peninsula that stretch into central time zone. To the southern I-10 corridor passing through the Ludington and Reed City areas. These are the geographic borders I am going to use&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sticking with the purpose of this site I am going to focus primarily on college potential and not chiefly statistical output. In most cases (not all) this focus will also exclude players who will most likely play other sports at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>40</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2610290' first='Carson' last='Case'] 6-2 2026 Benzie Central </strong>One half of a solid senior Huskie backcourt. Good shooter with the size to shoot over most defenders at the Division III level. Physical enough to score at the basket as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>39. [player_tooltip player_id='2905618' first='Eli' last='Bowden'] 5-11 2027 McBain Northern Michigan Christian </strong>Small guard who shouldered a heavy load for a small parochial school that played a difficult schedule. Followed that up sigh some good work with the&nbsp; REAL AAU program. Keeps defenses honest with deep range on the perimeter. Good ball handler as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>37. [player_tooltip player_id='2885340' first='Chance' last='Dockery'] 6-3 2026 Baldwin </strong>Long and lanky wing looking to have a big year for the Panthers. Has the size to easily shoot over most defenders. Is explosive athletically and gets to his basket with ease. Coming off an BCAM All State Honorable Mention junior campaign.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>36. [player_tooltip player_id='2849777' first='Keaton' last='Pratt'] 5-10 2026 Roscommon </strong>A gridiron standout who is pretty good on the hardwood as well. Not very big, but is very fast with next level lateral quickness. Has deep range thar extends well beyond the three point line. Could be a real sleeper and break out as a senior.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>35. Lukas VanZee 6-8 2026 Boyne City </strong>There will not be a lot of size on this top 40 list. VanZee more than makes up for it. Has a very projectable frame with long arms and broad shoulders. Could easily add weight. Tested himself by playing with HB Elite. The Ramblers have a new coach in place and will down to Division III. While he still has some improvements to make. Bigs always develop later guards. Could be a late bloomer for a patient small college head coach.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>34. [player_tooltip player_id='2430549' first='Gavin' last='Smith'] 5-11 2027 Cheyboygan </strong>Small point guard who balances playmaking and scoring well. Evidenced by the differences in his regular season and AAU participation. Puts up some big scoring nights in the regular season. During the grassroots season was the consummate point guard for a strong REAL 16U program. Setting up one of the better shooting teams I watched in the spring/summer with plenty of open looks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>33. [player_tooltip player_id='1588163' first='Rowan' last='Zickert'] 5-11 2026 Benzie Central (pictured) </strong>Four year player for the Huskies. The experience shows. Able to get shots off despite not having ideal size of quickness. Has always been an outstanding shooter. Has a smooth and effortless release with extremely deep range. Has added playmaking abilities to the toolbox in the last two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>32. [player_tooltip player_id='2746394' first='Gabe' last='Hazelton'] 5-11 2027 Maple City Glen Lake </strong>The third Hazelton brother to come through the storied Laker program. Gabe is a much different player as a sub six foot guard. However is skilled and still has time to grow as a 2027 prospect. He also could play a very important role in the upcoming year. The Lakers will feature a dynamic and strong frontline. Getting them the ball will be paramount. As a coaches son Hazelton is a good entry passer and fundamentally sound ball handler. He is also a good shooter who should get plenty of open looks.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>31. [player_tooltip player_id='2849763' first='Stone' last='Walker'] 6-8 2026 LeRoy Pine River </strong>Like VanZee, his front court teammate on HB Elite. A late blooming big man with potential. Also like VanZee playing with a new head coach. Could earn more offensive opportunities as a senior. Has long arms and decent mobility. The defense is ahead of the offense at this point. Could be the defensive anchor for should be talented Buck outfit this yesr.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->