Top Performers from the Storm Classic and More

<p>I had weekend full of hoops in Grand Rapids, spending Friday night at the Storm Classic. Then on Saturday and Sunday, I was fortunate enough to officiate the Puma NXTPRO event on Court 1. Here are some Michigan prospects I enjoyed watching this weekend (with 1 bonus Ohio prospect).</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Storm Classic</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">I've seen the highlights, full games on stream, and was at the Breslin for the state title, but I haven't been fortunate enough to watch perhaps the best on-ball perimeter defender in Michigan's 2029 class work up-close. In my time here in Michigan, I haven't watched someone use angles to beat ball-handlers to the spot quite like Jace. Here's the kicker, it's not for a viral clip or just a few possessions, the Rockford guard plays like that the entire game.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">I've seen Morrish play a few times now in various settings, fall ball, travel, and in the HS regular season. I can confidently say that I'm a fan of his game. Logan is an exceptional passer who connected on multiple deep-transition balls Friday night at the Storm Classic. Also, his on-court communication amongst teammates and willingness to cheer from the sidelines help contribute to my fandom. I would expect for him to have another solid summer with Inspire U on the Prep Hoops Circuit.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Puma NXTPRO</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">I will always be a fan of a player who focuses on the game, not fans or officials. In a game full of emotion, physicality, and over-zealous fans, Redmond remained calm and composed. He is built like a linebacker and uses his strength on both ends of the floor. On offense, he can get to his spots and finish at the basket. On defense, Brenden is quick enough to stay in front of guards and strong enough to switch onto wings/bigs.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700"> Mature, that is how I would describe Beaker's game. He's an all-around solid player that can do a little bit of everything. Nathan uses his size and strength to impact the game on both ends of the floor. From an official's perspective, I didn't come across a more respectful kid all weekend. From settling down frustrated teammates to engaging in positive in-game conversations, Beaker was the most additive person on his team, and that includes his coach. It's a bummer he got hurt and was forced to miss a game, because it was clear that his team was lost without his leadership.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">After what he would probably consider a slow start to the weekend, Gavin exploded for a monster performance in the game I officiated. He was benched early on and was told by his coach to be more aggressive. Boy, did Gavin respond in a great way. Upon checking back into the game, he used his size to dominate the glass on both ends. Delaney's length also impacted shots at the rim all game long. Gavin was a big reason for his team's victory.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Without a doubt, [player_tooltip player_id='2532415' first='Luke' last='Rowe'] my favorite non-Michigan prospect from the weekend. I found him to be deceptively quick with a solid handle of the basketball. His go-to move is a quick crossover that gets him by his defender a majority of the time. Rowe can already fill-it-up from the college 3-point line, making numerous deep attempts in the game I saw. An overall efficient player who doesn't force anything, I will for sure be monitoring Luke's basketball journey from here up north.</p>    <p></p>

I had weekend full of hoops in Grand Rapids, spending Friday night at the Storm Classic. Then on Saturday and Sunday, I was fortunate enough to officiate the Puma NXTPRO event on Court 1. Here are some Michigan prospects I enjoyed watching this weekend (with 1 bonus Ohio prospect).