Inaugural The DZone Invitational offers exceptional slate of basketball

The grand show is just around the corner.

On December 21 at Clarkston, The DZone Invitational unveils a new event every basketball fan will want to attend. A jam-packed seven-game slate awaits just before Christmas, pitting 14 of the state's best teams against each other in an early-season test.

Here's a look at all matchups and teams set to represent the inaugural event:

Brother Rice vs. East Kentwood

Void of the big-name stars the school has produced in recent years, this Brother Rice squad is formidable in its overall quality and depth. Point guard David Williams (6-1) is a well-built lead guard with untapped potential. He’s a good shooter and a load to try to stop when he gets a full head of steam. Greg Grays Jr (6-2) is another well-built guard with a versatile game and upside. Freshman Adam Tribul (6-0) is already one of the state’s best 3-point shooters. He could be a standout from Day 1. Trevor Smith (6-8) provides size and skill around the basket. He moves well and is a great area rebounder. Jacob Lamb (6-1) and Jeremiah Caffey (6-3) are solid two-way players who have a penchant for hitting clutch shots. Louisiana transfer Sebastian Thrower (6-1) and senior Logan Hamama (6-0) will be the teams’ x-factors.

The Falcons have perhaps the best sophomore class in the state, led by combo guard C.J. Reynolds (6-2), who is returning from a leg injury suffered late last season. He has D1 college potential. The 2027 class also features three frontcourt players who could all become D1 recruits. Samuel Makaug (6-6) is a supreme athlete with a more well-rounded game than one might expect. He will start this season. Andrew Kenyi (6-9) has already shot up a couple inches from June. He has good hands, runs the court well and is an aggressive finisher around the basket. Majak Ajuong (6-5) is the sturdiest of the three but the most raw offensively. He’s a tremendous defender, who can lock down opponents with quick feet and snag boards with brute strength. Sophomore Stephan Jones (5-7), junior Randy Chapman (6-2) and senior Landon Storms (6-3) will likely start this season. This game also has special value as both head coaches Mike Thomas (EK) and Rick Palmer (BR) played for Albion College.

Port Huron Northern vs. Ann Arbor Skyline

Port Huron Northern’s terrific trio of Alex Jamison (6-2), Cam Harju (6-2) and Amir Morelan (6-1) are now juniors. They have plenty of experience and skill. Now, they will look to take the next step and contend for a Breslin Center run. Jamison is a do-everything type of player who has no real weakness, except, perhaps, speed. He’s an amazing shooter from all levels of the court. Harju is a knockdown 3-point shooter who can really get hot and start torching nets. Morelan runs point as an aggressive lead guard who bullies defenders on his way to the paint. Malik Thompson (6-0) and Narrel Jordan (6-4) add depth as solid scoring options when called upon.

One of the many summer darlings who emerged as legit contenders with dominant displays, Skyline features an ideal blend of size and skill in its starting lineup. Guards Ben Solomon (5-11) and Jake Rademaker (6-1) are both good shooters who have started picking up college offers. Forwards Alex Brabec (6-2) and Braylon Brown (6-5) are athletic wings who can score in a variety of ways. Brabec is a great shooter, while Brown boasts elite versatility. Center Noah Silkworth (6-5) was this summer’s breakout performer, climbing up rankings as one of the best post players in the state.

Clarkston vs. U of D Jesuit

I’m a big fan of taller teams, and the Wolves might have the tallest starting lineup in the state. Power Forward Hayden Flavin (6-8) is starting to get D2 looks as a powerful force with skill and upside. Quinn Rosenberg (6-5) has a smooth and versatile game, who could find a college roster with an even further improved 3-point shot. Cole Charter (6-5) is a tall, explosive point guard who, other than Flavin, has the best next-level prospects. John Kaul (6-2) works off the ball as a good shooter and adds another college prospect to the roster. Junior Hayden Barrow (6-0) will round out the starting lineup as a shooter and great defender. Watch out for sophomore Ace Walters (6-0). He’s one of the top shooters in the state.

Most people expect OLSM to repeat this season, but the Cubs might have the most overall skill and depth this season. Toledo commit Leroy Blyden Jr. (6-1) leads the way with quickness, athleticism and outside shooting. He’s one of the most talented and consistent players in the state. Xavier Johnson (6-4) and Jaden Garwood (6-5) are both extremely athletic and entertaining to watch. Johnson still needs to transition from athlete to fully-skilled basketball player, while Garwood just needs to be a bit more aggressive and both could be D1 college recruits. David Herron III (6-2) stepped up last season as a potential third scorer. Sebastian Randolph (6-7) will start at center. Transfer Solomon Spann (6-2) has next-level potential as a solid shooter and defender.

Ann Arbor Huron vs. Grand Rapids Northview

Huron received a major boost earlier this month when D1 recruit Dominic Krzesowiak (6-5) transferred from Romulus Summit. Krzesowiak is a great all-around athlete with a multi-faceted offensive game. He will pair with Iowa State commit Macari Moore (6-3) who will almost certainly be a Mr. Basketball nominee this winter. Jayden Keefer (6-4) and Kaleb Brown (6-4) give Huron two athletic forwards who can knock down shots and have versatility on defense. Junior guard KG Morning (6-0) showed this summer that he could be special one day.

One of the best westside teams, Northview features two of the state’s best overall players. Western Michigan commit Brady Swartz (6-7) is a high-flying athlete with a dangerous 3-point shot. He’s a guard in every aspect, which at his height gives him a unique upside at the next level. Junior national recruit Cameron Ryans (6-4) is one of the most versatile players in the state. He can run point, shoot from the wings, or dominate in the paint. He might be able to play point guard at the next level, where he already has Power 5 offers. A myriad of young, but inexperienced players will round out the rotation. Northview needs one or two to step up and develop into consistent players: Sophomores Anthony Willis (6-1) and Izzy Hatibu (6-4) have the best chance.

Warren Lincoln vs. Byron Center

Unfortunately for their opponents, the Abes are still in Division 2. Their lineup could easily contend in D1 if everyone can click. The defending D2 state champions return Eastern Illinois commit Markus Blackwell (6-2), as well as his twin brother Moses Blackwell (5-8) also a highly-rated recruit. Both players are tremendous shooters. Northern Iowa commit Geon Hutchins (6-4) joins the group from Oak Park. He’s another long, athletic wing who can score all over the court. Da’Marion Bozeman (6-5) is one of the most athletic and exciting players in the state. He has picked up some D2 college offers. Christopher Morgan (6-7) could be a breakout candidate with his length and 3-point shooting.

The Bulldogs have quietly been filled with talent over the past two seasons, but have inexplicably shied away from showcases, which could explain zero district titles during that stretch. Bowling Green commit Camden Karel (6-9) is one of the state’s premier players. Despite his height, he’s a good ball-handler who can create his own shot, rebound and has a bevy of post moves. Guard trio Isaac Lee (6-1), Keane Hinkle (5-11) and Cassius Bont (6-3) all have well-rounded games. Lee is a three-star national football recruit, while Hinkle and Bont are on the D3 college basketball radar. East Kentwood transfer Jaden Bowman (6-5) adds physicality on both ends of the court.

Muskegon vs. East Lansing

The Big Reds are annual Breslin Center threats with Keith Guy, one of the state’s best coaches, leading the program. Ferris State commits Keashawn Johnson (6-4) and Elija Langston (6-8) have developed into dangerous playmakers. Johnson excels on offense as a good corner 3-point shooter and solid rebounder. Langston might average five blocks a game. He has incredible timing. He just needs to be more consistent on offense. East Kentwood transfer Darryl Thompkins Jr. (5-10) just picked up a D2 college offer as a savvy veteran who rarely turns the ball over and can score points in bunches. Junior guard James Martin (6-3) is the team’s best player. He’s a YouTube sensation with a history of rim-shaking dunks. He has D1 college offers.

The Trojans have lost in the quarterfinal each of the last two seasons. Saint Louis commit Cameron Hutson (6-5) is one of the best shooters in the entire Midwest. He’s also athletic and aggressive, making him a true star in every way. Junior point guard KJ Torbert (6-2) could emerge as a national recruit. His offensive game has few, if any, holes, and he continues to get better and more confident every game. JC Branson (6-4) is a human highlight reel with an overall skill set. Kingston Thomas (6-4) has started picking up D1 offers and could become an elite scorer. Dequarious Stewart (6-6) still has upside, while B.J. Windham (6-1) and Cameron Essel (5-11) rotate point guard duties.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. Rockford

The best of the west versus the best of the east? Potentially, which makes this a great way to cap off an incredible day of games. Rockford junior Jake Bascom (6-5) is a throwback undersized power forward who always seems to find a way to score. He’s also a great rebounder and defender. He has D2 offers. Lucas Pitsch (6-7) provides even more size as a tall wing with a versatile game. He will also play college basketball. Dylan Gross (5-9) is a great shooter, while Michael DeKuiper (6-0) is a tremendous leader and floor general. Freshmen Eli Wolfe (5-11) and Josh Bascom (6-3) already have D2 college offers.

Five-star national recruit Trey McKenney (6-4) might be the biggest lock to win Mr. Basketball in state history. Still uncommitted, U of M remains in play for the bruising guard who seemingly never misses a jump shot and recently cut his college list to three schools.. Western Michigan commit Sharod Barnes (6-2) has developed an elite offensive game to go with his lockdown defense. Jayden Savoury (6-6) could have played college basketball, but instead chose to play tight end at Michigan State. Zip Hines (5-11) is a lightning quick point guard who also has D1 college offers. Sophomore Peyton Kemp (6-1) could still be special despite some unfortunate leg injuries. He’s a national recruit with D1 offers.