Grit Memorial Classic: Game Changing Michigan Performers

Jonathon Gilbert June 1, 2022 @ 11:29 PM

As I stated in both of my all tournament write ups. The deep field in Columbus led to some difficult cuts. In many cases I gave the tie to home team (state) So I have to look for my home state. Following are a six pack of “game changing” Michigan performers from the Grit Region Memorial Classic.

Trey Kolakovich Trey Kolakovich 5'10" | CG Croswell-Lexington | 2023 State MI 6-0 2023 Croswell-Lexington The class of Michigan performances in the 2023 division. Kolakovich provided exemplary point guard play for Hopson Elite all weekend. Standout performance was a 17 assist game against NEBC. This wasn’t accomplished against substandard competition. The upstate New York squad featured Jaiden Holloman. Arguably one if the better 2025 guards in the Empire state. Threw a lob right off the tip without a dribble. This play exemplified his look ahead passing instincts. Really excels in pick and roll situations. Good outside shooter who can keep defenses honest. Has a stocky build but has really improved his overall athleticism in the past year. There is a lot of power and strength in his legs. Showed by his recent conference winning high jump performance. Frankly not sure how he pulled this off. As he is seemingly always in a gym somewhere. I think he will make a college coach happy wherever he ends up.

Tyler Robertson Tyler Robertson 6'0" | PG Ida | 2023 State MI 5-11 2023 Ida Playing at a small school tucked in the southeastern corner of the state. Robertson flies a little under the radar. Also plays with an out of state AAU squad— Ohio based Athlete Headquarters. Not going to overpower you with athleticism. But is a savvy pass first floor general. Has a thick frame and drives hard to the basket without fear. Took some punishment in a Sunday contest against Western PA Pride. But that did not dissuade him and he kept driving hard. Set up teammates well. Should form a nice inside out duo with Carter Diedrich Carter Diedrich 6'7" | C Ida | 2023 State MI in his senior season.

Davion Goins 6-5 2023 Cassopolis Second mention that Goins corralled from me on the weekend. Earned the best athlete moniker from my Saturday superlatives column. Then took it up an even bigger notch on Sunday to earn this mention. Defining game was an overtime victory over a very good OBC team. Willed his way to an offensive rebound and the game winning follow at buzzer. Plays like that make you think he is capable of just about anything when he is locked in. Has long arms, broad shoulders, and excellent lateral quickness. Finishes at and above the rim with ease. Had impressive two handed in traffic in 5 Star’s closing game of the weekend. A chance to be a real break out prospect in his senior year.

Bode Anspach 5-9 2023 Fruitport Second straight weekend this Lakshore area guard shot the lights out on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Played the point for a West Michigan Lakers squad that went undefeated on the weekend. Balanced ball distribution and scoring well. Not very big but is more than a good enough shooter to keep defenses honest. Drained seven threes on the way to an even 30 points in a victory over an Athlete Headquarters squad that featured a good backcourt (see above) Not very big but is quick enough to keep defenses from smothering him out on the perimeter. Plenty of skill and if he develops late physically could be a steal for a college coach.

Austin Buckley Austin Buckley 6'2" | SG Byron Center | 2023 State MI 6-2 2023 Byron Center Anspach’s backcourt partner was equally impressive. Just as good of a shooter but brought the added dimension of above the rim playmaking. Had emphatic two handed dunk in a truncated victory over New York City based Castle Athletics. Had 23 points in that shortened contest. Posted 29 points in another victory. Along with some intriguing younger players. Byron Center could be a real sleeper on the west side of state.

Jaiden Googins 6-1 2024 Caledonia The two headed monster attack of Brayden Szamrej Brayden Szamrej 6'2" | PG Hudsonville | 2024 State MI and Cameron Regnerus Cameron Regnerus 6'7" | PF Grandville | 2024 State MI sparked West Michigan Future to a 4-0 record. However basketball is not a two man game. The rest the Future stepped up in a big way this weekend. Googins led the charge. Prospect that does not pass the initial eye test. Aggressive player who scored around the rim despite not having a ton of elevation. Good shooter from the perimeter as well. Unlike the other players on this list. Googins is a 2024. Has some time to improve his athleticism and overall skill level.