Northern Michigan Showcase: Stars Come Out

In its fourth year, the Northern Michigan Showcase returned to the classic old gym at Traverse City St Francis. While presenting its standard ambitious five game slate. The event took on a slightly different flavor this year. By adding three of the top teams from the Upper Peninsula. The Showcase provided plenty of next level college performances featuring players from West Michigan to the far reaches of the UP.   Following are five that caught my eye   [player_tooltip player_id='2561786' first='Ethan' last='Marta'] 6-3 Ishpeming Westwood (pictured) I put it on social media during the event, and I'll repeat it here. I watch a lot of basketball in this state. I've seen both Mr Basketball favorites put up 40 pieces this year. This 31 point performance put up by the Michigan Tech commit ranks right up there with one of the best performances I saw all year. Nothing too flashy and is not the type of athlete that is going to wow you in warmups. However when the ball tips it becomes readily apparent that this guard just knows how to play. Put up a bunch of points, but did it mostly through the flow of the offense. When the Glen Lake defense keyed in on him, he showed his advanced court sense with plenty of assists. Once again, none of it flashy or live dribble whip passes. But the right passes, at just the right time, to the right spot. Has plenty of speed and athleticism as well. Seemed to put his foot on the gas and attacked the basket more when his opponent appeared to get rattled late. The intelligence was apparent again, as he got to the line often. I think he will fit in very well with the high IQ system that has served Michigan Tech well over the years in the GLIAC.   [player_tooltip player_id='2477378' first='Carter' last='Grubb'] 6-6 Traverse City West As a resident of the region I've seen Grubb play a lot over the last two years. From a fifth quarter varsity player to a Division II commitment. The rapid ascension and growth has been fun to watch. In the tail end of his senior year, I wondered what he had left in the tank. The answer— quite a bit. Dropped a 40 piece last weekend in a showcase in the Grand Rapids area. Followed it up with the most complete performance I have seen from him. Began the day by showing the perimeter touch with a confident three. This seemed to open things up and he fiercely attacked the basket rest of the day. Had a huge third quarter dunk that had the gym buzzing. I was more impressed with the lead up. Didn't do it off a lob or in transition. Caught the ball in the far corner, then explosively drove all the way to the cup with probably only two dribbles. That is a big time move from the long strider that will serve him well at the next level. Wasn't doing it against walkover competition (see below) Helped West get their first victory against an OK Red opponent this year. Finished with 29 points and seven rebounds. Lake Superior St is getting a good one    [player_tooltip player_id='2112231' first='Isaiah' last='Guyton'] 6-7 Grandville Like Grubb, this was as good as I have seen the Grand Rapids area stretch four look. Is a very good shooter for his size. In the past, could fall in love with that spot and float a bit on the perimeter. On Saturday attacked the basket early and often. Was competing against stiff competition as well (see above) Seemed to find a second gears after Grubb put down a big third quarter dunk. Answered with a baseline drive and powerful finish of his own. The shooting touch will always be there, and it was once again Saturday. Finished with 22 points in the close loss. Has took a circuitous route to the GLIAC conference. From Godwin Heights, to a brief prep school detour, followed by his lone semester with the Bulldogs. Will wind up close to home next year at Davenport.    [player_tooltip player_id='2561784' first='Tanner' last='Theuerkauf'] 6-3 Menominee Theuerkauf had the opposite day of his UP-cohort in Marta. Got off to a very slow start in a sluggish first half. Came alive in the second half. Almost leading the Maroons to a huge comeback. Showed the deepest range of any prospect on the day. Displaying a smooth and nearly effortless release from well… and I mean well beyond the arc. The Northern Michigan football commit is physically advanced and went down in the post when needed. Good ball handler who got to his spots on the perimeter. Well schooled half court player who came off screens properly in the Maroons half court sets. Finished with a game 28 points in the nip and tuck loss. Quarterbacked his team to a state championship in the fall, and will continue on the gridiron at the next level. However, the D2 hardwood talent is there. You might see him popping up in a GLIAC box score in a few years.   [player_tooltip player_id='2270808' first='Jacob' last='Plamondon'] 6-6 Maple City Glen Lake An outstanding old school post performance from an outstanding old school post prospect. As he approaches the end of his standout career. I'm still waiting to see someone match his strength in the post. Even in a loss, that did not happen on Saturday. The lane agility and ability to attack an entry pass are rare. Ishpeming Westwood had a good scheme to limit his touches. Often it felt like the Lakers guards simply just put it up and let him go get it. Showed his transition ability with an early steal and big dunk in the first half. Collected fouls in bundles on Saturday and got to the line often. Looks like the Grand Valley commit will need to travel to the next level to find the physicality to slow him down.

In its fourth year, the Northern Michigan Showcase returned to the classic old gym at Traverse City St Francis. While presenting its standard ambitious five game slate. The event took on a slightly different flavor this year. By adding three of the top teams from the Upper Peninsula. The Showcase provided plenty of next level college performances featuring players from West Michigan to the far reaches of the UP.