MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Showcase season is almost upon us.

Starting the first week of December, almost every weekend in Michigan will feature multiple boys high school basketball showcases. Most of them feature 4-8 games per day.

Although it’s still only early October, some of these showcases are already confirming teams, dates, game times and venues. The Moneyball Kick-Off Classic was one of the first to confirm its field this year, featuring six action-packed games Saturday, December 9 tentatively at Holt High School.

Here’s a breakdown of the 12 teams featured in this early-season showcase:

Stockbridge vs Henry Ford at 12 PM – Stockbridge has one of the fastest risers in the state in center Shannon Henderson (6-8). Henderson’s recent growth spurt has made him a D1-D2 college sleeper. His length and athleticism have made him an elite defender with a growing offensive repertoire. Stockbridge also has Kegan Collins (6-1) to lead the offense and provide senior leadership. Henry Ford will be led by explosive combo guard Terrance Coker (5-10). Coker is the next in a long line of talented and athletic lead guards at Henry Ford.

Lansing Everett vs Bridgeport at 1:30 PM – Two teams who have recently reached the Breslin Center, but have since been through a rebuilding period. Bridgeport is led by senior forward Fransco Lee Jr. (6-4) a brute in the paint who plays above the rim and scores at multiple levels. Bridgeport should also see major contributions from junior Torri Burt (6-3), an athletic wing with a nice shot. Everett has a couple of junior standouts in guard Nzjai Davidson and forward TJ Benson.

Mason vs Adrian at 3:00 PM – A couple of future college guards headline this game. Adrian’s Stevie Elam (6-2) already has a D1 offer from Central Michigan and a D2 offer from Wayne State. He’s a powerful guard who can hit from deep or finish above the rim. He’s must-see T.V. Mason is led by Luke Marlan (6-2), who is a silky-smooth scorer. This guard matchup could be quietly one of the best this season. Mason will also get key contribution from Levi Stambaugh (6-0) and Kaleb Parrish (6-5).

Holt vs. Cass Tech at 4:30 PM – This matchup took a bit of a hit when Cass Tech lost nationally ranked point guard Darius Acuff (6-2) to a prep school. But Cass Tech is still loaded. Freshman guard Stevie Hall (6-1) already has two D1 offers, including Nebraska. Cass Tech also has a formidable frontcourt with Amari Johnson (6-7), Lee Harris (6-6) and Triston Pierce (6-5) all expected to make an impact. Holt has an underrated backcourt led by recent transfer Brandon Mercer (5-8), along with Carter Bishop (6-1) and Nigel Gadson (5-10).

Lansing Waverly vs. Lansing Sexton at 6:00 PM – Two of the state’s best and electric players will face off with Waverly’s Deunte Phifer (6-5) lining up against Sexton’s Keyshawn Summerville (5-11). Both have D1 college offers. Waverly will also feature post prospects Treyvon Miller (6-6) and Derek Thomas (6-3). Junior point guard DeShawnta Malone (5-10) will run the offense. Sexton has one of the deepest and youngest backcourts in the state. Joining Summerville will be Markese Murray (5-10), Mario Murray (5-10), Josiah Stewart (5-8) and Jay’Veair Garcia (6-2), none of whom are seniors.

Grand Ledge vs Saginaw at 7:30 PM – People should take advantage of any opportunity to see Saginaw High in its last season of existence. The Trojans are led by dynamic point guard Torrion Stevenson (6-2), who is a fitting floor general to end Saginaw’s illustrious program. Saginaw sniper Brandon McCune (6-4) lit up the nets at the Breslin Center in March. He looks like a breakout candidate this season. Sophomore forward Ahijah Eichelberger (6-5) could be a factor, too. Grand Ledge has a deep roster, led by sophomore Braden James (6-8) who is a commanding presence on both ends of the court. Guards Elijah Hendricks (6-2) and Carson Daly (6-2) will run the show, while junior forward Izaiah O’Dell (6-5) looks for a breakout campaign.