Jeff McDonald Showcase: 2027 Guard Standouts

Jonathon Gilbert January 26, 2026 @ 10:50 PM

In its fourth year. The Jeff McDonald Memorial Showcase presented a competitive and weather adjusted four game slate. A disproportionate amount of junior guards stood out. I've already mentioned a few in other pieces.   Following are an additional five from the event that slipped through the cracks a bit   [player_tooltip player_id='1974621' first='Kaelin' last='Tate'] 6-0 Paw Paw (pictured) Tate continued to show the defensive tenacity that makes him standout in grassroots basketball. He drew the difficult task of guarding Traverse City West's college bound 6-6 big. Had mixed results and got into foul trouble early. However, that allowed a chance to show versatility and intelligence by playing through foul trouble the rest of the game. After getting through the foul trouble, also began to get going offensively in the second half. Did it with aggressive and strong drives. Goes hard to the rim with little regard for his body. Probably has the bruises to show for it after this contest. Finished with 11 points and a hard earned 5 rebounds against a big TC West frontline. Paw Paw graduates a very good lead guard after this year. I will be intrigued to see how Tate preforms in that role next year.   Messiah Himes 6-0 Ludington Like Tate (above) and his Oriole teammates. Got off to slow foul riddled start. He got going quickly and was there when his team needed him in the clutch. Still finished in double figures in the overtime victory. Looks much more advanced physically then when I saw him in the spring/summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm']. Has a smooth and effortless release from beyond the arc. Relocates well and stays in motion off the ball. Good ball handler, but primarily plays to two due to the presence of fellow 2027 standout [player_tooltip player_id='2951459' first='Taj' last='Williams']. These two could form one of the top backcourts in the region next season.   Jaxon Webb 5-11 Cadillac Webb led the host squad to a win over a Manistee unit that featured a good backcourt (see below) Showed good ball handling and distribution ability. Has plenty of quickness and a little wiggle to his game. Successfully got the ball down low early where the Vikings had a decided height advantage. Cadillac is in the midst of a slight rebuild with some young talent. If Webb continues to round out the rest of his game (strength, outside shot) It could be a short one year rebuild for the host squad.   Tyler Standfest 6-3 Elk Rapids That's not a typo in regards to the title. Standfest is legitimate backcourt prospect at a long 6-3. The lanky frame helps him play bigger than even 6-3. The length appeared to bother a strong but diminutive Ludington backcourt for most of the game. Versatile player who can guard multiple positions. Good enough ball handler to even play the point in a pinch. The frame is complemented by solid lateral quickness that also makes him a standout on the soccer pitch (did I say that right?) Strong basketball bloodlines as his sister plays at Michigan Tech. Part of strong and deep Elk Rapids junior class that should make them one of the top Division III teams in the region next year (arguably this year as well)   Dayvion Neal-Berry 6-0 Manistee Formed a nice backcourt duo with fellow 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2835843' first='Chaos' last='Davis']. Good athlete who came off Manistee's old school post looks quickly. Scored at the rim despite not being the biggest prospect. Competed hard on the defensive end against bigger players. Not surprisingly is a standout on the gridiron. Has been the Mariners starring quarterback since his freshman season. I would think he would be trending towards that sport at the next level.

In its fourth year. The Jeff McDonald Memorial Showcase presented a competitive and weather adjusted four game slate. A disproportionate amount of junior guards stood out. I've already mentioned a few in other pieces.