2018 Michigan Invitational Day 1 Standouts 17U
Harlond Beverly REACH/Southfield Christian -Beverly accounted for eight of REACH’s first ten points.His strong scoring ability is known region wide so that was no surprise. He also showed his strong court vision with a dime to Carrington McCaskill early on. When he was subbed back in the ball game, he hit a triple within the first 20 seconds. He had 16 points in the first half against Old Gold Dream Team. Beverly ended with 24 points and 6 rebounds. Throughout the rest of the game and in his next matchup, he also showed his strong leadership, directing his teammates on where to be or what to do.
Brendan Downs REACH/Novi Catholic Central– The Novi Catholic Central wing has skill and size. He possesses a very efficient perimeter shot as well as strong defense. Downs can’t be left open because he has the ability to score from deep. He also ran the floor very well and played with a ton of poise.
Donovan Freeman M2K Elite/River Rogue– Freeman is a downriver dog. The River Rogue junior played extremely well in M2K Elite’s AAU debut. He did just about everything M2K Elite against a talented Michigan Playmakers team. He flourished on both ends of the floor. On the defensive end, he continued to swat shots and get boards. On the offensive end, he hit shots from outside and down low. He looked like one of the most intriguing prospects after Day 1 at the Michigan Invitational. He ended with 16 points against Michigan Playmakers.
Rayvon Williamson Michigan Playmakers/Detroit Community– Williamson played like the mid range king against M2K Elite. Whenever he got inside the perimeter his shot was almost always going in. In his second matchup against Team Hype he switched up and contributed with some points in the paint. Williamson is like the other Playmaker guards who are all great perimeter defenders. Williamson scored 13 points against M2k Elite.
Wendell Green Jr. Michigan Playmakers/Detroit Country Day– Green has been getting minutes on Michigan Playmakers 17U team since he was 14 years old and all of those minutes have been well deserved. Green filled up the stat sheet this winter for his second season starting varsity at the historic Detroit Country Day. During his sophomore season he averaged 20 PPG, 7 APG, 6 RPG, and 4 SPG. In his first contest of the day against M2K Elite, he had a rough first half but quickly turned it on in the second half when his team needed him most. He scored six straight points in the closing minutes for his team and finished with 16 for the game. He showed that he can shoot from deep, break a double team, rebound, distribute the rock, and even dunked. The undersized guard is one of the top guards in his class and the state.
Steve Pearson Michigan Playmakers/Northwestern– Pearson, like Green, is another sophomore that has been succeeding playing an age group up for Michigan Playmakers. He is known around the mitten for his high flying dunks and his flash when getting to the basket. The Northwestern guard also showed strong defensive abilities. A lot of his fast break buckets against Team Hype he created for himself. He did a great job reading the passing lanes. Ultimately, when he is on a fast break no one is catching him.
Josh Warren Michigan Warriors/Woodhaven– Warren is another downriver dog who showed that he was legit this weekend. The Woodhaven guard plays with a fight in him. Despite being undersized, he never backed down. When larger opponents on REACH tried to back him down, he would either pick their pocket or they would have to swing it back out. He has strong court vision and he is great at finishing on the fast break. He finished with 9 points and 7 assists in a loss against REACH. The junior guard also reached the 1,000 point mark half way through his junior season.
Josh Ukomadu Michigan Warriors/Roseville– Ukomadu played very well against a talented REACH team. He has a lot of upside with his 6’6 frame and very long wingspan. He was a monster down low finishing, blocking shots, and grabbing boards. The Roseville big runs the floor very well and has a nice handle. If he improves his jumper and adds some more muscle he could likely play his way in to a college offer.