LCN beats Hazel Park to kick off The D Zone Playoff Tune-Up

GROSSE POINTE - L’Anse Creuse North cruised to a 67-50 victory Saturday at Grosse Pointe South to kickoff the inaugural The D Zone Playoff Tune-Up.

The Crusaders jumped out to a convincing 19-2 first-quarter lead, using their deep bench to wear Hazel Park down. The Vikings made a second-quarter rally, but the second half was all Hazel Park.

LCN MVP: Julius Wilson, 6-2, Jr.

Wilson made the switch from De La Salle this year to be coached by his grandfather, and it looks like that was a great decision. Wilson has great size for a point guard and he’s able to score, dish and guard the other team’s best backcourt threat. Wilson, who finished the game with 17 points, will be an interesting player to watch next season as college coaches start to notice his skills.

Hazel Park MVP: Jayce Goff, 5-8, Fr.

Goff is young and looks it, but you can also immediately see the upside and poise in his game. He has great point guard instincts with a nearly perfect 3-point shot that allows him to make plays against bigger, faster players. As he continues to grow and mature, he could be a special player in the making - definitely a player college coaches should have on their radars. Being a coach’s son doesn’t hurt, either.

Team Analysis:

LCN

The Crusaders had lost a couple games entering the showcase, but they can play 10 deep with great guard play. Juniors Wilson and Nehvir Njoku (6-2) provide plenty of scoring and excitement for the future. Both are athletic guards with the ability to line up anywhere in the backcourt. Senior Brandon Thomas (5-7) is a quick guard who can also drain 3-pointers. He scored 12 points against Hazel Park. Sophomore forward Arber Ljajcaj (6-6) showed upside as an inside-out threat. Overall, this team might be one year away from really contending from a deep run, but they are a good and deep team with a strong backcourt.

Hazel Park

The Vikings’ top three scorers all return next year, but they aren’t quite there just yet. Goff will be an important piece for the next three-plus seasons. Juniors Ki’shaun Stewart (6-3), Chris Hana (6-1) are good shooters with athleticism. Overall, this team lacks size and physicality, but make up for it with outside shooting. Hazel Park is a team to watch out for, especially next year, as those guards get even more familiar with each other.