21 reasons to attend The D Zone Invitational at Clarkston Saturday, Dec. 21

One of the state’s most elite showcases arrives Saturday when the inaugural The D Zone Invitational kicks off at Clarkston.

Here are 21 players you have to see at Clarkston on Saturday:

Sharod Barnes, 6-2, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Heady guard who can play point or score from the wing. He developed a more well-rounded offensive game, but his defense remains his strength. He has the physical tools and skills to excel at the next level, where he has signed with Western Michigan. A perfect Robin to McKenney’s Batman.

Jake Bascom, 6-5, Rockford

Perhaps the most underrated player in the state. He has an offer from Ferris State, but he’s a mid-major D1 prospect - no doubt. Scores in bunches, rebounds and is a great passer out of the post. He’s sturdy on defense, blocks shots and is a tremendous area rebounder. Easily a top-10 junior in the state.

Markus Blackwell, 6-2, Warren Lincoln

Elite scorer coming off a state title. He has signed with D1 Eastern Illinois. He can score off the bounce or set up teammates. He’s one of the most well-rounded players in the state and could lead the Abes right back to the Breslin Center.

Moses Blackwell, 5-8, Warren Lincoln

Small, shifty point guard who usually seems happy setting up the offense but can score in bunches when asked to. He’s a great 3-point shooter and almost unstoppable in transition. A player on the rise who should play at least D2 college ball.

Leroy Blyden Jr., 6-1, UD Jesuit

Toledo signee is electric with the ball. He’s a good 3-point shooter and looks like the roadrunner on the court due to his quick acceleration. Blyden has a plethora of solid scorers around him, and he knows how to set them up to succeed. Toledo gets another great Cubs point guard - expanding the link.

Cole Charter, 6-4, Clarkston

Tall point guard with a long stride and great court vision. His scoring game has improved, but he could still get to the free throw line a bit more. Looks the part of a future college point guard who continues to grow on both ends of the court. Clarkston has one of the best 8-man rotations in the state, and Charter leads the show.

Jeremiah Cooke, 6-1, East Kentwood

Explosive sophomore who has already made a recruiting wave, making several D1 college visits this summer/fall. Quick off the dribble with poise getting to the basket and a nice outside shot. He’s one of many standout sophomores on EK’s revamped squad.

Greg Grays Jr., 6-2, Brother Rice

Strong guard who can punish defenders cutting through the lane. He’s also a solid outside shooter, giving him the versatility to grow into an elite scorer. Brother Rice is void of the big names they’ve recently had, but Grays and fellow junior Trevor Smith (6-8) are very talented players.

Cameron Hutson, 6-5, East Lansing

One of the state’s best players and a knock-down 3-point shooter who can get hot in a hurry. Fluid athlete who can finish above the rim in transition and through traffic. Signed with Saint Louis University. East Lansing has lost in two straight quarterfinals, so Hutson should be hungry to stop that trend.

Alex Jamison, 6-2, Port Huron Northern

Jamison is a bit of a throwback player as a heady guard who excels hitting mid-range jumpers. He can run the point or play off the ball. His 3-point range is solid, and he’s a deceptive athlete. PH Northern is ready to break out at this event and show the state why they get rave reviews.

Keashawn Johnson, 6-4, Muskegon

Johnson has somehow remained underrated despite playing in a state final two years ago and signing with Ferris State. He’s Muskegon’s most well-rounded scorer who allows them to stretch the floor with his great shooting. Tremendous athlete who could lead Muskegon back to the Breslin.

Xavier Johnson, 6-4, UD Jesuit

One of the state’s best athletes, Johnson is in desperate need of college offers. He’s a special talent who is still fine-tuning some things. College coaches should be salivating at the thought of coaching him, and fans should be lining up to watch him play.

Camden Karel, 6-9, Byron Center

Karel is a three-level scorer with a nice 3-point shot. He signed with Bowling Green, where he will be a natural stretch-4. He’s capable of doing the dirty work in the post, and headlines what could be a special Byron Center team.

Dominic Krzesowiak, 6-5, Ann Arbor Huron

The senior transfer is a smooth player with a nice shooting stroke from 3-point and mid-range. He’s added the ability to get to the basket and has multiple D1 and D2 college offers. Now playing for the River Rats, he will have to learn how to share with Mr. Basketball candidate Macari Moore.

James Martin, 6-3, Muskegon

An elite athlete who has already gone viral multiple times for his ferocious dunks. Easily the state’s most dangerous player when in transition. He has the ability to play point guard, which should help his recruitment. Needs to work on his half-court offensive game.

Trey McKenney, 6-4, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Best four-year Michigan has had since Cassius Winston, and he seemingly gets better every year. Chose the Michigan Wolverines over a host of suitors last month. He’s a five-star national recruit who can score from all levels and make a 30-point game look effortless. A must-see player every time he takes the court.

Macari Moore, 6-3, Ann Arbor Huron

Iowa State commit is a strong, tall guard who excels at getting to the basket and free throw line. Now that he has another superstar next to him, he’s going to have to prove he can also be a distributor, which would help his case to play point guard at the next level. One of the toughest players to defend because he has no real weakness.

Cameron Ryans, 6-5, Grand Rapids Northview

An elite player surging up the all-around state rankings. He’s firmly a top-5 overall player in the state. He can play four positions in high school and could be a point guard in college. He already has an offer from Iowa State and should be a force wherever he ends up.

Noah Silkworth, 6-5, Ann Arbor Skyline

A joy to watch as a physical terror in the post. He’s developed some go-to post moves. He can also step out and hit jump shots, making him very difficult to defend when locked in. Skyline has a great starting lineup where all five players stick to their roles.

Brady Swartz, 6-7, Grand Rapids Northview

A Mr. Basketball candidate and Western Michigan commit, Swartz is an elite scorer who has really improved getting to the basket. A near lock to score 20 points even though his 3-point shot has been a bit off at times, lately. A breakout player last year, Swartz has cemented his status as one of the state’s best players.

K.J. Torbert, 6-2, East Lansing

Going toe-to-toe with Ryans for the best junior in the state, Tolbert plays a different game than his former MSU Spartan father. Torbert is a point guard who plays above the rim and can score in bunches. He will likely be a national recruit before his high school career is finished. Maybe he will be the next son of a Spartan to impress in East Lansing.

The 21st reason? The best concessions menu you will find at any showcase this season. You won’t want to miss out!