Jeff McDonald Showcase: Stars Come Out

In its fourth year. The Jeff McDonald Memorial Showcase presented a competitive and weather adjusted four game slate. Some established stars from Northern and beyond showed up and played up to their billing.   Following are five that continued to cement their reputations and top players within their respective regions.   [player_tooltip player_id='2477378' first='Carter' last='Grubb'] 6-6 2026 Traverse City West (pictured) Grubb had an outstanding game in Traverse City West's lost to Paw Paw. He has  shown a lot of improvement in taking his game out the perimeter in the last year. Going into the contest I thought this might “hurt” him as Paw Paw featured a very small frontline. Grubb seemed to identify these mismatches and exploited appropriately. Got his first assignment into foul trouble quickly and stayed aggressive all game. Really owned the block offensively. Also established a “no fly zone” at the rim with a handful of blocks and plenty of bothers that don't show up on the stat sheet. The ability to get off the ground and quickly and run the court at his size is special. Showed it with a late breakaway dunk that was much needed. The Lake Superior St commit finished with 21 points.    [player_tooltip player_id='1588172' first='Truman' last='Brennan'] 5-10 2026 Paw Paw Arguably the performance of the day went to the Kalamazoo area point guard. Really controlled the tempo and tenor of the game for a diminutive Paw Paw that was facing an opponent with a decided size advantage (see above) While he controlled the game, he did it without the ball sticking in his hands. Kept the ball in constant motion with quick and decisive passing. At first glance (or second and third) he seems to overpenetrate. Getting very deep on drives to spots where could get smothered by size. However always seemed to know where his safety valve (pass) was. Accordingly really excelled in drive and kick opportunities. Wasn't all passing though. Scored when needed as evidenced by a game high 22 points. Has a “ball on string” handle and quickness. Could be a very good point guard at the next level with the right fit.   [player_tooltip player_id='2112170' first='Braeden' last='Flynn'] 5-9 2026 Petoskey Flynn gets the efficiency award of the day. Put up 24 points in only three quarters of action. Efficiency is the theme, as he did without putting up a ton of needless shots. A consummate point guard who got his team into their sets quickly. Not very big but keeps defenses honest with deep range on the perimeter. Also has a creative finishing package that helps him score at the rim against bigger players. The fundamental nature of his game is evident with how seamlessly he has fit in at a new program after a post June transfer. Fairly certain his recruitment will wrap up soon, and he will be at a good spot at the next level.    [player_tooltip player_id='2758267' first='Domenic' last='Wing'] 6-7 2028 Cadillac The player with possibly the most upside in the field got off to quick start in the finale. The skeleton key for this prospect is the rare skill/size combo. He appears to still be growing and is a legit 6-7. While also already owning a two guard skill set. Has a nice touch from the perimeter and high left handed release point that isn't going to get blocked. That being said he plays for team without a lot size. Went to work early and did most of his damage down low. The scoring fell off in the second, but his impact did not wane. Found open shooters as defense adjusted and began to double. Already a good ball handler and the passing seemed to be improving. Put up 14 points and continued to show the form that makes him arguably the top player in the class for region (and possibly beyond)    [player_tooltip player_id='2951459' first='Taj' last='Williams'] 6-0 2027 Ludington With noon start time, both Williams and Ludington got off to a bit of a sluggish start. They were minus their senior leader with illness as well. However, once Williams slid into his featured scoring role. He came alive very quickly. Facing a lengthy zone he didn't get to show his advanced penetration ability as readily he wanted. When he did though, showed quick burst explosion to the rim. Appears to have added strength as an upperclassman and finished through contact. Also got to the line often. Hit enough outside shots to keep defenses honest. Good live dribble passer, though a few were ill advised. Now a junior, the four player continues to show a lot of potential for the Orioles. Was big in the clutch and overtime period. He wanted the ball in his hands and did not shy away from the moment. Showed above the rim elevation with an exclamation mark late dunk. Put up 24 points in the come from behind victory.

In its fourth year. The Jeff McDonald Memorial Showcase presented a competitive and weather adjusted four game slate. Some established stars from Northern and beyond showed up and played up to their billing.