Season Preview: Northern Michigan Fab 40 30-21

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.    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    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.   30. [player_tooltip player_id='1806436' first='Liam' last='Tourtillott'] 6-0 2026 Dollar Bay From deep in the UP near the Keweenaw Peninsula comes one of the top shooters in the region. Has solid frame and isn't a small guard. Averaged nearly 23 points per game as a junior. Should form a nice backcourt for the Blue Bolts with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2964366' first='Baron' last='Colbert II']   29. [player_tooltip player_id='2845576' first='Roan' last='Johnston'] 6-5 2028 Reed City It's been a minute since this school in the southern part of the region produced a college level player. Johnston looked very good with a solid [program_tooltip program_id='2429901' first='REAL' last='Basketball'] 15U squad. A lot of physical tools that are readily apparent. A long projectable frame with skillset that could go either way. Already has a soft touch around the basket. If he is done growing has enough size to be a productive post. If he improves his ball handling could develop into a big wing. Definitely a name to monitor in Northern Michigan's still developing 2028 class.   28. [player_tooltip player_id='2430755' first='Josh' last='Rodenbaugh'] 6-3 2027 McBain Like Johnston, another product of the [program_tooltip program_id='2429901' first='REAL' last='Basketball'] AAU program. Younger brother of one of the Rambler's top players from last year. Has a similar frame to the Trine (IN) bound all-purpose forward. However, he's a different player. A fluid and easy shooter with range that extends well beyond the three point line. A good athlete with a solid frame. He competes hard on the defensive and rebounds. Will need to improve ball handling and playmaking to take the next step in his development.   27. [player_tooltip player_id='2776445' first='Jake' last='Bixby'] 6-1 2027 Traverse City St Francis Backcourt prospect with good size. Doesn't pass the initial eye test as a prospect. Showed an improving skillset though with HB Elite this spring/summer. Quicker than he looks and competes hard defensively. Along with fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='2853242' first='Reef' last='Wichern'] part of a Glad backcourt that continues to lead a rebuild.   26. [player_tooltip player_id='2519293' first='Grady' last='Harless'] 6-2 2026 Bear Lake Four year varsity looking to cap off what has been an outstanding career. Put together a strong grassroots run with [program_tooltip program_id='2077029' first='Parallel' last='45']. Aggressive offensive player who isn't afraid of the moment. I watched him hit a game winning shot at a Ferris St Elite camp in the late summer. Has the size and athleticism to shoot over most defender. Especially at the Division IV level. Highly productive player who already has reached the 1,000 point career mark. Averaged 19 point and five rebounds a game last year. Forms a strong duo with his slightly bigger twin brother Myles.   25. [player_tooltip player_id='2218043' first='Rider' last='Bartel'] 6-0 2026 Petoskey One half of the new Northmen backcourt that transferred across the Little Traverse Bay from Harbor Springs. Bartel has long been a good shooter who moves off the ball. Playing off a strong point guard for his entire career. He relocates well and is in constant motion. It will be intriguing to see how that skillset plays now in a Division I basketball league. Could have a breakout senior year if he adapts quickly to a new situation.   24 [player_tooltip player_id='2853275' first='Darrent' last='Butler'] 6-1 2026 Menominee The second senior weapon on a potent Maroon attack. Plays all the way in the central time zone and with the Wisconsin Blizzard during AAU. Consequently is little under the radar statewide. I could be wrong, but I believe he is one the only Menominee players who did not play on the state championship football team. He should be fresh for the season. Good shooter who gets plenty of open looks in the Maroons efficient system. Averaged 13.5 points per game last year. That should go up as a senior. Good athlete who excels in the high jump in the spring.   23. [player_tooltip player_id='2279487' first='Cassius' last='Feeney'] 6-0 2026 Traverse City Central A chemistry player who has been a model consistency in a Trojan player that has gone through a lot of change in his career. Not a small guard. Stocky build that he uses to compete hard on the defensive end. Capable scorer who should get more opportunities this year after the Trojans leading scorer transferred out of the program. Coming off a productive grassroots run with HB Elite. Could build off that, and have a big senior year.   22. Chaos Davis 5-11 2027 Manistee (pictured) Really liked this player with Hardwood Midwest in a few Prep Hoops circuit events during the spring/summer. Isn't very tall but is a bowling ball of a point guard prospect. Has a thick upper body and broad shoulders. Doesn't mind contact and even seeks it out on penetration. Advanced ball handler and passer. Especially off of the live dribble. Has strong movement skillset. Accelerates quickly, with sudden change of direction ability.   21. Luke Bradford 6-5 2026 Onekama Underrated multi-sport standout from a small district on the shores of Lake Michigan. Wide framed body, but is also very athletic and mobile. Is a good enough ball handler and passer to initiate offense out of the high post. As a coaches son, has an advanced court sense that also aids this skill. With his strength and size. Is a matchup problem on the block. Productive player who earned 1st Team all conference honors as a junior. Leads a strong Portager squad that will be one of the top Division IV teams in the region.

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.