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Add commentThe D Zone Showcase kicks off with three star-studded matchups at Birmingham Groves
The D Zone will host a series of exciting showcases this winter, including The D Zone Showcase.
Friday, December 20, six star-studded teams will try to get an early-season momentum boost in a thrilling atmosphere at Brimingham Groves.
Here are the three-star-studded matchups you won't want to miss:
Flint Powers vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard
Fresh off a final four run, Flint Powers returns three starters from that squad. All-state point guard Javontae Ross (5-11) has done everything and should start earning college offers. Ross is tenacious and fearless going to the basket. He’s a great ball-handler and can make acrobatic shots look easy. A good scorer and passer who should get a chance to play at the next level. Twins Jesse Cull (6-5) and Dempsey Cull (6-6) also return to the starting lineup. Jesse is more athletic and a better shooter. He plays on the wing and should be in line for a breakout season. Dempsey is a stretch-4 who could also play at the next level if he can gain some quickness. Look for juniors Tyler Wood (6-6) and Breckin Cicalo (5-6) to round out the starting lineup and make a big leap in production.
Riverview Gabriel Richard returns its entire starting lineup from last season’s final four run. Point guard Luke Westerdale (6-0) recently picked up an offer from Ferris State. He will remind people of former Mr. Basketball Foster Loyer. Saginaw Valley State commit Charles Cage (6-8) is a long, rangy post whose best basketball is still in front of him. Cage looks like a future star who just needs to get more confident and aggressive on offense. Nick Sobush (5-11) always seems to shine when I see him play. He’s a multi-level scorer who has a penchant for hitting corner 3-pointers. Drew Everingham (6-4) is a knockdown shooter with the length to guard multiple positions. He can be a bit streaky, but he’s a game-changer when hitting shots. Derek Lasko (6-0) and Antonio Sobush (5-11) will rotate pretty evenly. Both add another scorer and great defender to the lineup.
Grand Blanc vs. Whitehall
If you haven’t seen Whitehall senior Camden Fall Thompson (6-6) take the court, treat yourself to some high-caliber entertainment at our event. Thompson, who is committed to play basketball and football at Western Michigan, is a spectacular athlete. He’s a threat for 20 points and 20 rebounds every night. He’s an explosive dunker and almost unstoppable when he gets to the block. Kal Koehler (6-4) is a solid secondary scoring option. He’s another good athlete with size who can score from all over the court. Finn Muller (5-10) will likely run point, but Thompson might handle that responsibility in big games. Corde Anderson (6-4) is a rising post player to watch develop throughout the season.
The days of contending for a state title might need to be put on hold for Grand Blanc, but this is a scrappy roster with a plethora of intriguing players. Donnie Huddleston (6-2) is a great 3-point shooter. If he can showcase a little more quickness and athleticism, his recruitment could explode. Georyeon Cannon (6-2) is a tall point guard with excellent speed. He gets to the basket and doesn’t shy away from contact. Watch out for freshman Max O’Mara (6-4). He might be even better than his brother, who currently plays for Calvin University.
Detroit King vs. Birmingham Groves
Birmingham Groves has the skill and makeup to be Michigan’s version of a March madness Cinderella team. John Simpson (6-5) is healthy and ready to shine. He was down-right unstoppable at times during the BCAM summer event. He’s a great shooter, and he can put the ball on the floor and create his own shot. D2 schools need to jump on him while he’s still available. Joshua Gibson (6-2) is also picking up D2 offers as an elite shooter who can play point guard. He’s a fierce competitor who never takes plays off. Landon McKinney (6-2) is a physical guard who hits outside shots and can lock down the opposing team’s best player. Sophomore post David Jones (6-6) showed flashes this summer. He could be a key piece as a rebounder and low-block scorer.
King will be entertaining as soon as this season, but they might also be one year away from a potential state title run. Their junior class is elite. Derrick Kilgore (6-1) is a skilled point guard who looks the part and often answers the call as a scorer and distributor. Mareon Knott (6-4) is versatile on both ends of the court. If he adds an outside shot, his recruitment could explode. Steven Jones (6-2) can play anywhere on the perimeter. He needs to be a little more confident but he’s still on the rise as a prospect. Drew Floyd (5-9) may be undersized, but he’s quick and rarely turns the ball over. Sophomore Tyler Hunter (6-8) looks like a future Big Ten player. This will be a great night of basketball to preview the next day’s elite lineup of games.