MHSAA District Dispatches

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A little cold hampered my usual heavy playoff plans. However I was still able to get out for two nights this week as the state tournament kicked in the Mitten. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1372969' first='Lincoln' last='Lockhart'] 6-1 2025 Traverse City West </strong>The Titans put together as good of a shooting performance as you will see from a team. While Lockhart's shooting hand played a role in that. I was more impressed with the all around point guard skills. It's easy to hit shots when you are passed to an open spot and get the ball in the “bread basket”. Lockhart had the ball on a string all night and controlled tempo like the veteran he is. Stayed out of dribble and kept his dribble alive. Trine (IN) is getting a good one who I could see blossoming at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2477378' first='Carter' last='Grubb'] 6-6 2026 Traverse City West </strong>While Lockhart controlled the perimeter. Grubb was big down low. The late bloomer is still developing offensively. But the ability to get off the ground quickly is special and can't really be taught. Had a quick elevation two handed dunk that showed this off in the first half. Didn't need a gather dribble or much room for takeoff. Is extremely light on his feet and was a factor defensively as well. Hedged out hard on ball screens and used his elevation to protect the rim. Has good hands and knows what to do with the ball. West is a senior dominated squad. If the junior continues what has been a rapid rise after playing JV basketball last year. He could be in line for a big senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1890551' first='Corbin' last='Bisballe'] 6-3 2026 Lake City </strong>Full disclosure…. due to broadcasting responsibilities I have seen this player a lot in the past two years. Unfortunately, the early part of his career was challenging, winning three and five games respectively. Now as a third year varsity player, and after not seeing him much this year. I was impressed with the growth he has shown. Is an intriguing long and lanky point guard prospect. Has a nice handle for a player his size. Is a natural point guard and isn't just playing the position out of necessity. Accordingly he seemed hesitant to score or look for his own shot in the past. That was not the case Monday night. Seemed to find a new gear late when he realized both of his opponents starting guards each had four fouls. Comes from a basketball family and his older sister plays in the Big Ten at Wisconsin. Bisballe could be a late blooming and unique point guard prospect with a nice offseason of work. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2539732' first='Hudson' last='Mclean'] <strong>6-3 2028 Traverse City Central </strong>(pictured) It was a tough night for Central after West's second quarter onslaught. However Mclean showed that the Trojans future is extremely bright. In his own age group, has the size and strength to overpower most opponents. At the varsity level, showed more perimeter skills than I initially thought he had. Wasn't crazy about the unique and low release point on his shot. However it was effective and repeatable. Stayed in motion off the ball. Kept competing even as the game became increasingly out of reach. If Mclean continues to improve on the perimeter, his ceiling as a prospect will remain high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2758267' first='Domenic' last='Wing'] 6-6 2028 Cadillac </strong>Saved the best individual performance for last. Wing had a coming out party in Cadillac's district final win over Mount Pleasant. Scoring 27 much needed points. While that total is eye opening. It was the way he did it that was even more impressive. This wasn't just the case of a young player getting hot from beyond the arc. It was the opposite. He showed assertiveness and got many of his points at that foul line. Playing with strength is the next step for this slender and long perimeter prospect. The lefty release point is hard to guard due to the size advantage he has over most defenders already. Michigan high school basketball is too fragmented and dense to have a comprehensive statistical database. I would bet the list of freshmen scoring 27 point in s Division I championship game isn't a very long one. The future of the Big North Conference is in good hands with Wing, Grubb, and Mclean all returning next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->