Gilbert’s Notebook: Week 6 Notes

<p>Last one of the year, let’s get right to it </p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1125780" first="Kaleb" last="Moore"] 5-9 2021 Manton </b>Talk about saving your best for last. Moore had the best individual performance I have witnessed all year in his last game of the regular season. Scored 36 points in every way possible for his undermanned Ranger team. Manton only dressed seven players for a hastily scheduled finale against a big and deep Cadillac squad. With virtually no practice time Moore went out and put on a show. The consummate point guard. Frankly it was refreshing to see Moore looking for his own shot while also maintaining his efficiency. Scored from deep, at the rim, and featured multiple clever mid range floaters. Very similar to Manton’s last pint sized standout <b>Jaden Perry </b>who is now on scholarship at Lake Superior St. I could see Moore following this trajectory if given a chance. Valedictorian with an excellent academic profile. The whole package is there, minus size. Averaging 20 points on the season but as this performance showed could easily score more. </p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="985668" first="Luke" last="Hazelton"] 6-7 2023 Glen Lake </b>After an injury and COVID shortened freshman season Hazelton is beginning to establish himself in his sophomore campaign. Playing for a brand new coach without a summer season of integration could account for the somewhat slow start. Put an exclamation mark on his season with a 24 point performance in a win over Leland. These were not empty statistics as the Lakers needed everyone of them in the 56-51 victory. I was looking forward to seeing him go up against Cadillac’s frontline in the regular season finale but that game was cancelled. Active on the grassroots scene so he will have ample opportunity to show off his expanding game. </p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1068145" first="Cole" last="Jenema"] 6-8 2022 Cadillac </b>Did what he was supposed to against a small Manton squad. This might sound like a backhanded compliment but it was good to see. Jenema possesses a ton of physical potential but has tendency to coast. Did not wait for the game to come to him. Used his elite length to block and alter multiple shots. Got out in transition and made plays as well. Two huge dunks also went on the highlight reel. A deep tournament run could feature matchups with Ludington’s [player_tooltip player_id="983502" first="Peyton" last="LaCombe"] and Escanaba’s [player_tooltip player_id="814615" first="Carter" last="Hudson"]. Good performances in those contests followed by a strong AAU season could open some coaches eyes. </p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="983502" first="Peyton" last="LaCombe"] 6-8 2022 Ludington (pictured at top of article) </b>The upset of the week belonged to a Ludington program that always seems to be peaking at tournament time. The Orioles went on the road and defeated Big North conference champion Traverse City Central 41-37. The Trojans huge frontline features two Division 1 football recruits. LaCombe showed off his added muscle by handling this imposing group. Led Ludington with 10 points. This came on the heels of a 25 point 8 rebound performance against Muskegon Catholic Central. Appeared in the state semi finals as a freshman. A return trip could firmly place him on the recruiting map. </p> <p><b>David Shillinger 5-7 2024 Ludington </b>We began with a small guard playing in his last regular game, we’ll end with another with plenty more to play. Shillinger is going to make his name on the defensive end. That showed as Shillinger’s two late steals were the catalysts that allowed the Orioloes to steal the aforementioned Traverse City Central upset. Not just a defender has a steady outside shot and notched 9 points in the victory.  The mere fact he not only played but started this season should tell everything you need to know about this young man’s game. Stepping in at at difficult position, in a storied program, with no summer offseason is a huge challenge. Checked off all three boxes. Did I mention he is only freshman? Along with his opponent [player_tooltip player_id="1111925" first="Anthony" last="Ribel"] the future of the point guard position is bright in Northern Michigan. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>