Havoc in the Heartland: Mitten State Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking place in Indiana, the annnaul Havoc in the Heartland event had an expected Hoosier state tint. That did not stop players from other states from showing out. One of them was my home state of Michigan. Following are five standouts from the Mitten.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jeremiah (Jayden) Warren 6-6 Battle Creek Central/Play Right Academy (pictured) </strong>This is a deep pull for Michigan high school basketball fans. Basketball did not end in Albion with the closing of that historic high school. Former Eastern Michigan head coach Miton Barnes has established Play Right Sports Academy in the city limits. With the basketball team only one year old, they have already produced a hidden gem. I'll just say it. In this scout's viewing, Warren was the best player in gym this weekend. Additionally, this was a strong field with shoe teams and players with Division I offers. Warren was uber explosive wing who lived above the rim for the undefeated Indy Jazz. He got wherever he wanted with a surprisingly tight handle for a player his size. Showed an in an out dribble that was devastating on the perimeter. Defenders couldn't stay in front of him due to his quick and sudden change of direction ability. If they guessed right, he simply jumped over them. Countless highlight reel dunks on the weekend. More than an athlete. Good shooter from beyond the arc. Hit six threes to finish with 24 points in a Saturday win against a good Refined Indiana squad. Really showed off the full wing skillset package. Yes, he is a reclass and was most likely older than his opponents. I believed he graduated from Battle Creek Central in 2025. However skill is skill, and Warren is loaded with it. Seems to go by "Jayden" now. I have listed both if an intrepid coach is looking for more info or highlights. This could be a real diamond in the rough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3585153' first='Reed' last='Gates'] 6-4 2028 Edwardsburg</strong> I was impressed with this prospect a few weekends ago at The Stage in Indianapolis. He continued to play well this weekend with Indiana Impact- Leighton in Lafayette. Nothing too flashy. Just a fubdamentally sound combo forward who is productive and makes winning basketball plays. Skilled enough to play three, but sturdy enough to play and defend on the block. Strong player on penetration. Seeking and finishing through contact. Plays off two as well once near the basket. As you woold imagine from that description. Draws fouls and gets to line often. This was evident in a victory against a good [program_tooltip program_id='2269794' first='United' last='Persuit'] (see below) team out of Michigan on Saturday afternoon. Was perfect at the line and finished with 20 points in the victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2875428' first='Keeson' last='Trevino'] <strong>6-2 2028 Battle Creek Harper Creek</strong> In addition to Warren, there is some talent beginning to come out of Cereal City. Particularly in the lower grade levels. Trevino is a part of the group. A shooting guard with sturdy frame. He also showed the ability to play the point at times for his [program_tooltip program_id='2269794' first='United' last='Persuit'] squad. Got to his spots easily and showed a trigger quick release. Has the physicality to compete with bigger and strong players. This was especially evident on Sunday against a an All Love team out of Illinois that fit this criteria. Finished with 19 points in a come from behind victory that showed grittiness and toughness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2867839' first='Ayden' last='Fusco'] <strong>6-5 2028 Allegan </strong>With Trevino providing the perimeter pop. Fusco was essentially a one man show down in the post. First time catching this prospect and came away impressed. Highly mobile post with projectable frame. Even with the mobility, knew where his most effective spot was. Right in front of the basket. Fought hard and sealed deep post position often. Did this despite not having the thickest frame. Showed a soft touch around and wiry strength. Long arms and lateral quickness make him a plus defender already. Had a few nice blocks. Including one he controlled and cleverly threw off the shooter out of bounds to change possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3635781' first='Darion' last='Phillips'] 6-2 2028 South Haven </strong>With Trevino's perimeter touch, and Fusco in the post. The mid-range and transition fell to this long lanky wing. Plays bigger than 6-2 due to the length. Gets to rim creatively with an advanced finishing package. Highlighted by an assortment of long bounding euro steps. Though these moves helped him avoid contact often. He did seem to mind contact and showed the ability to finish through it at times. Good enough ball handler to play the point in a pinch. Also used the handle to get his spots on the perimeter. South Haven loses some production from a highly successful team. Phillips could be ready to step into a bigger role in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->