UPrep wins overtime thriller over Grand Ledge at The D Zone Rising Teams Classic

AUBURN HILLS - Detroit University Prep won the fourth game of The D Zone Rising Teams 68-66 in overtime against Grand Ledge at Avondale.

The game was neck and neck the entire way, with neither team able to gain any separation. Grand Ledge led most of the way, but just ran out of gas a bit at the final moments.

Despite getting into early foul trouble, UPrep rallied to earn the win in extra time.

Grand Ledge MVP: Braden James, 6-9 Jr.

There aren’t enough superlatives to describe how good James could be. His height-skill combo is nearly unrivaled in the state - and he still has two more years. James was a force in the paint off the pick-and-roll, finishing with a game-high 30 points. He got to the free-throw line with regularity and he even stopped out and shot well from 15 feet. He definitely looked like a future D1 college athlete.

University Prep MVP: Ryan Neal, 6-3 Sr.

Neal’s game was very smooth Sunday night. He scored from all angles and hit 3-pointers with relative ease, finishing the game with 23 points. He has a great shooting stroke, and extended his range a few feet beyond the 3-point line. Neal looks like the perfect wing to play alongside star point guard Ye’ Smith-Powe.

Team Analysis:

Grand Ledge

The Comets are so close to becoming an elite team. They seemingly have all the pieces, but it just hasn’t yet come together for them. Still winless on the season, Grand Ledge is led by James and Northwood University commit Carson Daly (6-3), who scored 12 points in this game. Isaiah O’Dell (6-7) looks the part, but he needs to finish stronger around the rim and command the ball more frequently. Alex Moran (6-2) is a solid point guard who can shoot and dish, so I just don’t understand why the wins aren’t there. It’s a long season, and they will definitely be a factor come March.

UPrep

Smith-Powe is one of the smoothest players in the state. A silky point guard in the Chris Paul mold, who makes an enormous impact even if he’s not the leading scorer. He finished with 17 points and helped set the pace UPrep wanted. Chris Byrd (6-4) is another long wing who can shoot and defend multiple positions. Jermaine Watkins (6-8) is a big, mobile transfer who gave great minutes in the paint. Junior Maurice Jackson finished with four points. He’s a special player who got into foul trouble early. The Panthers are a well-balanced team with many players worth a look by college coaches.