MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Another terrific year of games from the 2K26 Showcase took place Saturday at Grand Rapids Community College.

Eleven great Michigan teams, and one Ohio team (who didn’t play their star player) took the court Saturday in hopes of gaining some late-season momentum.

Here are some of the day’s top performers:

I.G. Muhammad, 6-5, Warren Lincoln – The star sophomore scored all 17 of his team-high points in the second half, while also securing 10 rebounds for a dominant double-double against a top-10 team. Muhammad has obvious D1 college upside as a tall, strong player who can also handle the ball and shoot from deep. Could be a power-4 prospect.

Damonee McBride, 6-1, Benton Harbor – The undersized center can also play other positions, but he was key in the paint Saturday, leading his team with 22 points and 14 rebounds. He’s very active on both ends of the court, using energy and passion to make up for any lack of skill for his height. He should get some JUCO looks.

Taveon Vaughn, 6-2, Kalamazoo Central – Vaughn has really elevated his game lately, serving as point guard, top backcourt defender and occasional scorer. He scored eight points with five assists, five rebounds and five steals. His quickness and height make him an ideal JUCO point guard to develop his shooting and confidence getting to the basket.

Xavier Pendergrass, 6-7, Lansing Waverly – Easily the most versatile big in the state. He has improved tremendously as a shooter, showcasing a really nice mid-range fadeaway. One of the more entertaining players in the state to watch. He finished the close loss with 22 points and 10 rebounds. He looks like an eventual D1 player at some point in his college career.

Carl Thompson, 6-4, GR Christian – I’m always super impressed with his game. I don’t know if I always catch him at his best, but it’s very tempting for me to move him up to No. 3 in the senior top-200 rankings. Great shooter, tremendous athlete and can even run the point if needed. He scored a game-high 25 points en route to an MVP performance.

Connor Johnson, 6-6, GR Christian – Over the course of the season, he’s played much more aggressively on offense. No longer just settling for 3-pointers, Johnson now uses his height and strength to bully defenders. He also plays above the rim and can still knock down outside shots. Poured in 20 points with eight rebounds in Saturday’s blowout win over Ferndale.

Jaxson Tabor, 6-3, East Kentwood – Really stepped up in C.J. Reynolds’ absence, scoring 16 points against a top Ohio team. Tabor has accepted his role off the bench on a loaded EK roster, but he proved he’s still among the best juniors in the state when given the opportunity to shine.

Cam Ryans, 6-4, GR Northview – Ryans went toe-to-toe with fellow Mr. Basketball favorite KJ Torbert and poured in a career-high 41 points, looking every bit the most dominant player in the state. I have a hard time believing he will be at Western Michigan all four years, as he has the game to play in the Big Ten, or any other power-4 conference.