21 Reasons to go to The D Zone Rising Team Tip-Off Classic at Avondale, Sun. Dec. 8

The D Zone will kick off the 2024-25 season with a must-see showcase at Auburn Hills Avondale - the Rising Teams Challenge.

Some of the best up-and-coming teams will take the court looking to prove they can become postseason forces this winter. For a full schedule of games click here.

Here are 20 must-see players in the showcase lineup (alphabetical order):

Tyre Acuff, 6-1, Detroit Central

Hasn’t reached the recruiting heights of his D1 star brother, but Tyree is a crafty guard who can beat opponents in a variety of ways. He has some electric moments throughout a game, but consistency can be an issue. He’s not the type of player one usually sees in an opening game - which speaks to how loaded this showcase is.

Milo Barangan, 6-6, Mona Shores

I’m very impressed with his game. He’s a good outside shooter and he’s poised scoring around the basket. He made some special plays a couple weeks ago in a scrimmage against Lansing Sexton. Increased consistency could see him rise to at least a D2 college recruit.

Jordan Bledsoe, 6-0, Mona Shores

Strong, agile guard who is getting a lot of college attention. He’s an able scorer, but his main strength is leadership and running the offense. Very efficient player who rarely turns the ball over. He’s not flashy, but he’s extremely dependable.

Braylan Brown, 6-5, AA Skyline

He’s probably a little more consistent offensively than Silkworth, but the two together are almost impossible to score on. Silkworth is big and solid, while Brown is longer and a little more versatile. Brown has started getting college attention. He could be a massive breakout player this winter.

Jake Champagne, 6-2, Oxford

One of the state’s toughest guards. He can hit mid-range shots, get to the basket and set up teammates. This was a special group over the summer, with Champagne leading the way at every turn. He’s going to be a special player at one of the mid-to-lower college levels.

Jordan Clayton, 6-3, Auburn Hills Avondale

Like Silkworth, Clayton will be out to show the state what he’s capable of in the headline game. He’s extremely athletic with an improving shot and great bounce. He’s an emotional leader who uses his skill and physicality to dominate opponents.

Carson Daly, 6-3, Grand Ledge

Northwood commit is a dangerous 3-point shooter and moves around a lot in their half-court offense. He needs to be more assertive and show a little more ability to create his own shot, but Daly is a dangerous threat to get hot at any point in a game and can really change momentum when on a roll.

Donnovin Hamlin, 6-4, Flint Carman-Ainsworth

Hamlin is a physical beast in the paint. He’s a tad undersized for a power forward, but he more than makes up for it with physicality and skill. He’s one of those players I could see playing both football and basketball at the next level.

Maurice Jackson, 6-6, University Prep

He was a real difference-maker midway through last season and is expected to continue that momentum now a couple inches taller. He has super-star upside on a team that could contend in D2.

Braden James, 6-9, Grand Ledge

Easily has the most upside on this list. The height makes him stand out, but he moves well, has great touch around the rim and has some shooting upside. Injuries have set him back a bit, but playing in events like this should help his recruitment skyrocket.

Brian Jenkins, 6-3, Hamtramck

Big, physical wing with great shooting and driving skills. He’s a good rebounder and has some surprising lift around the basket. He’s hard to stop in transition, and he might be Hamtramck’s best half-court threat as well.

Carson Lutz, 6-0, Milford

He already has a 45-point effort to his name this season, as he raises his recruiting profile. Lutz is a great shooter and shotmaker, who is a must-see for anyone who wants to watch a potential electric scorer up close.

DJ Morgan, 5-10, North Farmington

This junior is good at just about everything a guard needs to be. He is scrappy on defense, he can handle the ball and he showed last season he can shoot from deep. This could be a breakout season for Morgan, who is another in a long line of good Raiders guards.

Jake Nellett, 6-5, Walled Lake Central

A great player who isn’t a household name throughout the state, yet. He’s a good shooter who can also score on the block and bully smaller defenders. He’s a constant double-double threat, who plays a similar game to Whitehall star Camden Fall Thompson.

Leo Perettie, 5-11, Grosse Pointe North

Fantastic, electric guard who can score in bunches. Despite being slightly undersized, he’s fearless driving through the lane. He’s a must-watch player on a rising team - a perfect player and team for this showcase.

Noah Silkworth, 6-5, Ann Arbor Skyline

One of the best post players in the state after a breakout summer. He’s been picking up college offers since, and could really put himself on the map with a great performance in the headline game.

Robert Smith, 5-10, North Farmington

The only returning starter from last season’s state finals run. Smith is a powerful and skilled guard who can set up his teammates or carry the scoring. He’s great at getting to the basket and has a quick first step.

Dimyuane Smith-Poe, 6-0, University Prep

One of the smoothest point guards in the state. He’s crafty running an offense and almost always gets his team playing to their desired pace. He has an offer from Wayne State, but he deserves many more.

Deuce Weston, 5-10, Flint Carman-Ainsworth

Quick, electric point guard who can score in bunches. He needs to play within himself a little more this season, but he’s a blur in transition. He seems like one of those players who might start at the JUCO level and quickly rise up the ranks.

R.J. Williams, 6-7, Grosse Pointe North

This 280-pound center will remind some of former Pershing and MSU star Derrick Nix. Williams is aggressive with a nice touch around the basket. Looks like an NFL tackle, but he’s a basketball player first and foremost and will be a major boost to this team.

21st reason to come check out this fantastic showcase: chicken fingers, fries, funnel cakes, lemonade and much more!