2018 Hankamp’s Turkey Day Award
For sports fans, Thanksgiving is always a much anticipated day. One of the long standing Thanksgiving sports traditions is the Madden Turkey Leg Award given to an impactful player in an NFL Thanksgiving Day game. For the second consecutive year, I will name a Hankamp’s Turkey Day Award winner. Players that win this award are young men who epitomize what high school basketball is all about. They are young men that basketball fans in the state of Michigan are thankful for the opportunity to watch. In 2017, the winners were Rashad Williams (Wayne Memorial / Cleveland State) and David DeJulius (EEVP / University of Michigan).
Drew Lowder (2019, PG, Ann Arbor Pioneer)
Lowder is a lightning quick point guard. He has a dangerous first step that catches defenders off guard. He is the type of floor leader that a coach at any level would like to have. Lowder has a well deserved reputation for his work ethic and his dedication to the game of basketball. Drew Lowder has proven that he will do whatever it takes for his team to be successful.
Ryan Wade (2019, SG, Ann Arbor Skyline)
Wade is a long athlete who is a threat on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he’s a smooth shooter who can light up a scoreboard. Wade is also an elite defender. Wade uses his length and good footwork to stifle his opponent and clog passing lanes. Ryan Wade is respected statewide for his work ethic and classy demeanor on the floor.
The great thing about this years winners of the Hankamp’s Turkey Day Award? They play at rival schools. Pioneer and Skyline not only share the city of Ann Arbor (with Huron as well), but are two of the top teams in Michigan this year. What’s even MORE special about the award winners? Despite being on rival schools, they respect and support one another as players and people. In fact, they will be teammates next year as both are committed to attend and play basketball at Holy Cross. Congratulations to Drew Lowder and Ryan Wade.