Roundball Wrap Up: 2028 Standouts

In its 30th year, the Motor City Roundball Classic further cemented its reputation as the premiere holiday hoops event in Michigan. With plenty of high level play from teams across the state of Michigan. With the blizzard of late 2025 blowing in during the middle of event. I ended up booking an extra night and was able to attend portions of all four days of the stacked slate.    After giving you the top players from Michigan's emerging 2029 class. Following in an eight pack of names from Michigan's equally exciting 2028 (sophomore) class.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140494' first='Eli' last='Wolfe'] 6-1 Rockford These are young players so a lot can change. I don't do this often, but I'm going to go out on a bit of a limb here. Perhaps, I'm alone. In limited conversations, it feels like I am. I believe this is your top player in Michigan's 2028 class. The speed with the ball in his hands is elite. The change of direction ability is elite. He's a next level shooter already, and he is taller than you think. He's not going to weigh half of me his whole life. As he develops physically, if he can keep the speed and explosion. This could be a special player. Put up 17 points in victory against a good Ferndale squad with a talented and big backcourt.    [player_tooltip player_id='2539741' first='Josh' last='Bascom'] 6-4 Rockford If you don't believe Wolfe is the top player in the 2028 class. If you are looking for another name, it might be on the same team. It was impressive how good Bascom's looked after a very long injury layoff. The layoff was due to a complicated recovery from a foot injury. Consequently he wasn't getting a lot of on court work in the last six months. You would never know it. This is a “jack of all trades” positionless player who just knows how to play. Found the seams in the Ferndale defense and scored in a wide variety of ways. Instinctively knew what to do when Ferndale's headlining big was saddled with foul trouble. Attack the basket aggressively. Lefty but finishes with both hands. Wasn't always pretty, as he is still shaking off quite a bit of rust. Understandably got off to quick start, then cooled as fatigue set in. If he can get back to full health, has a similar “top of his class” potential as his teammate.   [player_tooltip player_id='2630702' first='Lewis' last='Lovejoy'] 5-9 Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac Lovejoy belongs in the conversation near the top of the class for simply the sheer amount of winning he has done already. Not many freshmen can say they were the focal point of a state finalist team as a freshman. Continues to win at a high clip early in his sophomore campaign. The only thing you can really ding him for is a lack of size. Jet quick with the ball in his hands and can change direction on a dime. Finishes strong at the rim despite not being the biggest player. Does this with strength you would not expect from his wiry frame. Also has zero fear. Consequently gets to the line often. Long arms and a well schooled jump shot helps him play taller than his listed height. Put up 24 points in his squad's victory over Charter League foe Detroit University Prep.   [player_tooltip player_id='2500721' first='Tyree' last='Anthony'] 6-2 East Lansing The defending state champions have the best 1-2 punch in the state. The second half of that duo was uncharacteristically off against Brother Rice. Anthony stepped into that void while East Lansing struggled a bit in the first half. It was nice to see this level of assertiveness from a sophomore on a veteran laden and established team. Scored eight first half points and kept coming for four quarters. Not sure what he is at this point of his development. Not a true point guard, but isn't a traditional two quite yet. Right now he is an elite athlete who scores by putting constant pressure on the rim. Younger brother of a BCS level wide receiver, so I doubt he is a finished product physically. Has a very bright future and could be the Trojans second option as early as next year.    Jayden Charles 6-5 River Rogue Big wing who has earned a lot of recent attention for his play. This is the upside pick for the top player in the class. Is not a post trying to cosplay as a guard. Has a legitimate backcourt ball handling skillset. Helps him get to his spots easily on the perimeter. Uses his size and elevation to easily rise over most defenders. Has a smooth and effortless release with a soft touch. Appeared to be playing with an injured hand. Might have affected his strength with the ball in his hands. This seemed to be lacking at times. Despite this there is a lot to like, and the Detroit area wing has a lot of potential.    Ignire Muhammed 6-5 Warren Lincoln Like the player directly above him, this is an upside play. Didn't get much run late year as a freshman on a state championship team. Has seamlessly stepped into a bigger role as a sophomore. I was very impressed with his footwork. Got himself out of trouble and created unique scoring angles with clever use of his pivot foot. Smooth and easy elevation allows him to play well above the rim already. One on very young and talented team, he should continue to improve.    [player_tooltip player_id='2194490' first='Andre' last='Cast Jr.'] 5-10 Hamtramck The Harper Woods transfer has long been considered near the top of this class. Appears to be adapting nicely with the Cosmos. Has the type of skillset that aids this process. Is efficient pass first point guard who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. That type of player tends to fit in well. Isn't very big, but has an uncommon knack for creating space near the rim. Does this with a combination of Euro-steps and power jump stops that are special for a player his size. Also has an advanced “snake dribble” thar helps him excel in pick and roll situations. Good shooter who keeps defenses honest with deep range. Could be in line for a big sophomore season in a new locale.   Jayden Thompson 6-3 Harper Woods With Cast's transfer (see above) I thought Harper Woods would take a step back in terms of talent. Thompson begs to differ. The lefty was an assertive and aggressive scorer in Harper Woods loss to West Bloomfield. Scored at all three levels Was especially good in the mid range. I don't have much background on Thompson, and I believe he is transfer as well. Could have big year based on what I saw as he gets more comfortable in the Woods. Put up a game high 25 points in the loss to West Bloomfield.

In its 30th year, the Motor City Roundball Classic further cemented its reputation as the premiere holiday hoops event in Michigan. With plenty of high level play from teams across the state of Michigan. With the blizzard of late 2025 blowing in during the middle of event. I ended up booking an extra night and was able to attend portions of all four days of the stacked slate.