Miles Bridges Invite: Elite 8 Upperclassmen Peformers

I was privileged to get invited to cover the first ever Miles Bridges Invite at Grand Blanc High School this past week. Beyond basketball it was a seen and be seen type of event. A who's who of basketball royalty was present. From the event's namesake to national champion Trey McKenney (Michigan) to former Mr Basketball's like Pierre Brooks Jr (Butler/Michigan St) Along with countless other big name coaches and trainers. Everyone was there.   But this isn't a sports gossip website. Let's get to the basketball. Literally every top player from the east side of the state was present. It made identifying top performers difficult. However following is a group of eight upperclassmen that caught my eye. I will list underclassmen in a separate column   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2027 </h2>   Jamaal Ali 6-8 2027 River Rouge There were 55 invitees at the camp. As the intro states, it was a very deep field. I can be blunt and honest. I had never heard of this player before the event. He was arguably the top performer of the night. Simply put, there wasn't much he didn't do from the post position. Protected the rim with his length. I lost count of the blocked shots. Was in good position to get them with excellent lateral quickness. The quick feet were also seen on the offensive end. Was able to get to his spots and into his shooting motion quickly like a wing. With his height and high release point easily shot over most defenders. Smooth effortless release with repeatable mechanics. Used this weapon to make the final grouping of the 1 on 1 tournament. Can add weight but I wouldn't classify him as a skinny prospect. Could be a very important player next year. With what I watched, if he suits up for the Panthers. Rogue could have the top starting five in the state. He was that good on Wednesday.   [player_tooltip player_id='2381130' first='Samuel' last='Makuag'] 6-7 East Kentwood When you have Makuag;'s length and bounce it's easy to assume the West Michigan wing is just a transition threat. While he remains that type of threat. As he approaches his senior campaign, he is now a fully formed wing prospect. This was especially evident during the 1 on 1 portion of the camp. Didn't just "jump over" players to make the final. Created space with much improved ball handling and got into the shooting position in the mid-range efficiently. That is to be expected with work he is put in. What was surprising is how he created space in the post. Has the type of lanky frame that is never going to add too much mass. Despite that used his body to bang and lean on defenders When you combine in his strong pivot foot work. He did a lot of his damage after using his three allotted dribbles in the drill. Coming off a strong run with [program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family'] on the EYCL Makuag could have a big senior campaign.   [player_tooltip player_id='2561198' first='Andrew' last='Walker'] 6-5 Detroit Catholic Central Another standout of the 1 on 1 drills. Walker made the finals with his unique balance of burst and bulk. Gets off the ground quickly and tries to dunk everything. The bulk allows him to absorb contact, and he finishes through it often. Creates space and changes direction with a nice crossover. Gets good height on a well schooled jump shot. The release point and balance might need to become more consistent. As I wouldn't classify him as shooter yet. However, the outline is certainly there. Coming off a strong spring with Ohio's Midwest Basketball Club on the Adidas circuit and is starting to garner national recruiting attention.   [player_tooltip player_id='3659385' first='Edgar' last='Hubbard'] 6-3 Detroit Edison I missed the Pioneers at the BCAM event this past weekend. That was disappointing as I had heard from others that Hubbard had made some strides from last season. They weren't lying. Hubbard looked bigger, stronger, and more explosive. Really excelled in transition opportunities during scrimmages. While he slashed well from the wing. I thought he thrived with the ball in his hand at the point of attack. Made the right decisions on the pass and exploded to rim when it was there. A big playmaker he often just shot over smaller defenders. Due to its size and depth of players. Every year a senior breaks out from Detroit area as prospect. This year it could be Hubbard.   [player_tooltip player_id='2380766' first='Davier' last='White'] 6-5 Kalamazoo Central I was impressed with the expansion White showed on Wednesday. It does not take an advanced degree in scouting (do they exist) to know the White is a next level shooter. The approach and release are so smooth and efficient. However the field on Wednesday night was very guard heavy. It was nice to see White exploit mismatches and go to work on the block. Used his wide base to pin defenders deep under the basketball. Unsurprisingly the soft touch away from the basket was seen around the hoop as well. Also showed good footwork and the post and it does not seem like a foreign area. He didn't need to venture out there as much last year with the presence of Isaiah Theodile (Oakland) If he can be this versatile going forward. He could have a huge senior year for the Maroon Giants.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2028 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='3627521' first='Kayden' last='Harmon'] 6-8 New Haven (pictured) Like Ali (see above) Harmon took advantage of perimeter heavy field and asserted his size down low. While he showed some perimeter abilities. Harmon appears to know what he is. Didn't venture too far away from the basket. Walled up well and showed major potential as a rim protector Light on his feet and ran the court well. Strong finisher around the basket and did not appear to mind contact. Not overly skinny and has a projectable frame. Looks like he could easily add weight without sacrficing explosiveness. Could join [player_tooltip player_id='2630702' first='Lewis' last='Lovejoy'] (see below) as the top overall player in Division III next year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2194490' first='Andre' last='Cast Jr.'] 5-10 Hamtramck The previously stated 1 on 1 tournament was Cast's chance to shine. If you have seen him play you know why. If it's just a ball, a defender, and a basket. I'm not sure how you are keeping him from getting there. Just too quick, crafty, and plays with a low center of gravity. While he is not very big can get into a mid-range look easily with a sudden burst and surprising elevation. I thought he struggled at times when I saw him last year in a new spot at Hamtramck. With how he has played this spring, I wouldn't be surprised if has a big campaign in his second year in the Cosmos' system.   [player_tooltip player_id='2630702' first='Lewis' last='Lovejoy'] 5-10 Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac Simply put, if there are any type of stakes in a game. Lovejoy is going to play a role. Highly competitive and productive player who has just wins at a high clip in his basketball career. Played through an injury to be right in the middle of the action during the championship scrimmage. Up close the outside shot is certainly unique. You can't say it isn't effective. Coming from the side of his head. It partially explains how he is able to hit so many difficult shots from unique angles. One of the fastest players in the state with the ball in his hands, and it showed Wednesday night. If he stays in state and at ATAP. Has pretty good chance to make four straight final game appearances. That would be quite a coda to an already impressive winning resume.

I was privileged to get invited to cover the first ever Miles Bridges Invite at Grand Blanc High School this past week. Beyond basketball it was a seen and be seen type of event. A who's who of basketball royalty was present. From the event's namesake to national champion Trey McKenney (Michigan) to former Mr Basketball's like Pierre Brooks Jr (Butler/Michigan St) Along with countless other big name coaches and trainers. Everyone was there.