Storm Classic: Next Generation

The Storm Classic is one of the premier spring events in Michigan. This year's iteration featured its usual star studded field. I'm going to kick off coverage with the “kids”. The underclassmen who showed out with big performances. I'll limit it to the classes of 2029 and 2030.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2029 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2844038' first='Jace' last='Opoku-Agyeman'] 6-2 Rockford I wondered a week ago how this player would respond to playing up an age group. The answer is resounding just fine. Beyond "just fine", thrived in leading the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] to the Platinum championship in the 16U division. Was dynamic with the ball his hands, but more importantly did it without many turnovers. Frankly not sure if I saw any in the games that I watched. Put up a team 16 pints in the championship contest. The drive game was outstanding and got to the basket whenever he wanted. However, didn't abuse that privilege and was a steady floor leader and playmaker. Good live dibble passer and operated well in two-man situations. Continues to trend towards the top of what looks like is going to be a special 2029 class in Michigan.   [player_tooltip player_id='3258647' first='Brody' last='Champagne'] 6-5 Clarkston Playing varsity basketball as freshman at a historic program like Clarkston is not an easy task. Consequently, I knew I was going to see a talented player. However, with the measurables and family history I was expecting to see a post. To the contrary, Champagne is a fluid a smooth wing who does not play like freshman. Like Opoku-Agyeman, played up an age group with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077028' first='North' last='Oakland Wolfpack']. Leading them to the Platinum quarterfinals. Runs the court well and is explosive in transition. Already has the size to shoot over most defenders. With an effortless and well-schooled release.   [player_tooltip player_id='2825577' first='Tristin' last='Moore'] 6-5 Saline I first caught Moore playing up an age group with [program_tooltip program_id='2539820' first='The' last='Academy'] last year. I was struck then by how mature his game was. That maturity and intangible skillset has helped him fit in quickly after moving over to the host squad. Playing the 15U division he led the Storm to a Platinum final appearance. Beyond the intangibles, I was impressed with how well he shot from beyond the arc. Also, markedly bigger and with improved athletic bounce. A coach's son, but more importantly, plays like it. Isn't going to make too many mistakes. Part of a talented young group in Saline that should be a team to watch from the Ann Arbor area in the next few years.   Charles Stewart Jr 6-3 Roseville A unique prospect who led [program_tooltip program_id='2075987' first='UTS' last='Elite'] to a Gold championship in the 15U division. Unique in the fact that appeared to be true point guard and playmaker, but without the standard build. Is a big kid with broad shoulders and a developed upper body. However, has requisite skillset to play the point. Shed defenders on penetration and showed the ability to finish through contact. Is left-handed and drove hard to that side. Completive and didn't seem to like losing which you like to early in pool play of an AAU tournament. Part of emerging Roseville program that is loaded with young talent.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2030 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2844069' first='Jackson' last='Huffman'] 6-7 Hillsdale Academy (pictured) You would be amazed at how many inquiries I have received about this player in the past week. Why, well this isn't Kentucky. Eighth graders do not earn first team All-State honors often in Michigan. Huffman recently achieved that feet. Now seeing him in person, you can see why. Nothing about his game says middle schooler. While still quite skinny, he is a legit 6-7 and a fluid athlete. Finishes with both hands around the basket and handles the ball like a guard. Has excellent footwork both on the block and out on the perimeter. Sees the court well and is a willing passer. Saw him first in a Saturday loss but eventually led his M2 Meats squad to a Platinum Division championship. Has dual citizenship in Canada. That is strange sentence to write, but I included it to add that he will be playing with UPlay Canada on the prestigious EYBL circuit this summer.   Brian Bridges Jr 5-5 School NA If I'm going to write about Huffman. I need to acknowledge the diminutive REACH point guard who defeated his squad on Saturday morning. Looks every bit his age but doesn't play like it when the ball tips. Attacked the basket without fear and showed craftiness with unique finishing angles. Super tight handle and did not turn the ball over in my viewing. Physical growth will obviously be key here. However, Michigan has had a pretty good run of late with prospects of this ilk (Lance Stone, Moses Blackwell) Not saying he will be these players. But definitely fits this template.   Elijah Dorsey 5-10 Pinewood Middle School/East Kentwood The floor general for a [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] 2030 squad that made noise playing up an age group on the weekend. Advanced all the way the semifinals of 15 Platinum bracket. Defeating a talented Indiana Game squad in the process. Dorsey is sturdily built lefty who plays a mature floor game. Gets to the basket at will but is also a willing passer and playmaker. Interesting to see what the coming year looks like for him. Plays at the middle school that sits next to East Kentwood high school. However, the Falcons have very deep rotation returning. Wherever or whatever level he plays at, I feel pretty confident in saying he is going to have a good year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2844062' first='Alijah' last='Sydnor'] 5-10 Muskegon I can't really mention one Elijah from the Storm backcourt without mentioning the other (albeit with a different spelling) Sydnor came alive late in the aforementioned Storm victory over Indiana Game. More of a natural scorer than a playmaker. Still has some physical development to go. However, comes from a basketball family. Older brother is Division II basketball player. Like Dorsey, not sure how much varsity time he could earn in the talented and deep Big Red program. But a name to monitor in Michigan's 2030 class.

The Storm Classic is one of the premier spring events in Michigan. This year's iteration featured its usual star studded field. I'm going to kick off coverage with the “kids”. The underclassmen who showed out with big performances. I'll limit it to the classes of 2029 and 2030.