Who’s up next and who’s hot now? Day 2 of the Michigan Invitational
The Michigan Invitational signaled the start of the AAU basketball season for most teams in Michigan. The tournament, as always, did not disappoint. The tournament included a ton of big name players per usual. But there are a lot of talent hat goes unrecognized. The following is a list of under the radar players who made a splash with their impressive game play. The first four names on this list are juniors and the last two are incoming freshman.
Jordan Whitford Michigan Playmakers 17U/MLK – In Michigan Playmakers quarterfinal game against Team Hype, Whitford had the hot hand and it was just that simple. Against Hype’s 2-3 zone, the junior MLK High guard had a field day. Whitford totaled 17 points with 13 coming in the second half. He did a great job finishing on the fast break as well as hitting his midrange j’s which come so easy to him.
Ken Thomas Michigan Playmakers 17U/Harper Woods– Thomas was a monster in his quarterfinal matchup against Team Hype. He was almost invincible down low. The Harper Woods beast totaled 14 points against Hype all coming in the paint. Thomas ran the floor well and also took the the ball up the court multiple times. Thomas is a strong rim protector and rebounder.
Cameron McEvans Michigan Playmakers 17U/Southfield A&T– If a college coach is looking for someone who can flat out shoot the rock, McEvans is their guy. In a matchup that was close against Michigan United, McEvans led the Playmakers run to pull away from Michigan United. McEvans led Playmakers with 20 points off of six triples and one fast break layup. McEvans is a great shooter but also a strong defender. He does a great job at staying in front of his man and reading the passing lane.
Brandon Michrina Michigan United 17U/Utica Stevenson– Michrina filled it up in a semifinal match against Michigan Playmakers. Despite getting blown out, Michrina was the the main reason that Michigan United stuck with Playmakers in the first half. Michrina’s team was fatigued due to not getting a break after their quarter final matchup against Michigan Warriors. But Michrina looked very fresh in this matchup. The wing from Utica Stevenson high has a very efficient jumper. He hit multiple triples in the first half and also got some buckets down low. Michrina ended with 11 points and 14 rebounds in Michigan United’s loss to Michigan Playmakers.
Orlando Lovejoy The Squad 15U/16U– Lovejoy was very impressive this weekend while playing 15U and 16U for the squad. The 14 year old made a name for himself dominating on the middle school circuit throughout the past couple of months. He has very well rounded game. Lovejoy is a solid defender but also a strong scoring point guard. He has a strong outside shot but most of Lovejoy’s offensive comes by penetrating and either getting to the basket or attempting a mid range jumper or floater. Lovejoy also competed with River Rogue’s summer league team last summer.
Sonny Wilson The Family 14U– Wilson, the younger brother of CJ Wilson, SVSU commit, also has a lot of skill. Wilson is a true PG. He is a good defender and an efficient shooter. What was most impressive about Wilson’s game was his court vision and IQ. He was dropping dimes against Team Hype in bracket play. Due to his lack of size, it will be interesting to see how is game translates at the next level. Regardless, the young guard can ball.