District 18 Quarterfinals: 10 Prospects
The intensity was in the air in Saline High School last night. It was a packed house with standing room only. It was easy to see why when looking at the matchups. At 5:30PM Ann Arbor Huron and Saline tipped…
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Continue ReadingThe intensity was in the air in Saline High School last night. It was a packed house with standing room only. It was easy to see why when looking at the matchups. At 5:30PM Ann Arbor Huron and Saline tipped off. Saline looked for a repeat of last seasons district upset of Ann Arbor Huron. They looked the part, taking a 23-21 lead into the half. Ann Arbor Huron proved to be too much in the 2nd half however, as they forced turnovers and took a quick lead in the 3rd quarter. They walked away with a hard earned 56-47 victory over the Hornets.
Game 2 featured Ann Arbor Pioneer and Ypsilanti Lincoln. Pioneer led 9-7 midway through the 1st. The flood gates opened as Lincoln pushed the ball with outlet passes off of rebounds and spread the floor with better passing. Their overall size, skill, and athleticism was too much, even for a game Ann Arbor Pioneer squad. Ypsilanti Lincoln earned an 80-60 win and officially began their journey to defend their state championship.
There were a lot of high quality players and prospects featured in the district quarterfinal games. Check out these 10 prospects that were especially impressive last night.
Julian Lewis Julian Lewis 6'5" | SG Ann Arbor Huron | 2021 State MI (2021, SG, Ann Arbor Huron)
Lewis is a terrific 2 way player. He can put up 20 points, all while playing lockdown defense. Lewis can score from all 3 levels with efficiency. Last night, I was impressed with the way he handled the ball and his ability to initiate the offense. Lewis is a strong D1 prospect.
Devin Womack Devin Womack 6'2" | CG Ann Arbor Huron | 2021 State MI (2021, CG, Ann Arbor Huron)
Womack was impressive last night. He was solid on defense against a strong Saline backcourt. When Womack got rolling, the Huron team followed his lead. He scored at all 3 levels, and his finishes in the paint through contact were extremely tough.
Brandon Rawls (2021, F, Ann Arbor Huron)
Rawls came off the bench and made a difference in the game. He’s a very strong and physical player that frustrates opponents. Rawls plays bigger than his height and will aggressively attack the glass. The jumior could play a big role in how far Ann Arbor Huron goes this post season.
Trevor Arico Trevor Arico 6'1" | CG Saline | 2020 State MI (2020, CG, Saline)
Arico is one of the top shooters in the state and it takes a great effort from the defense to keep him in check. Arico works hard without the ball, constantly driving the defender through screens. This young man will be a huge asset to a college program over the next 4 years.
Griffin Yaklich Griffin Yaklich 6'4" | CG Saline | 2020 State MI (2020, PG, Saline)
Yaklich ended his high school career battling till the very end. He attacked the rim off the dribble with a straight line drive. Yaklich protected the ball and used his size and strength to get in the lane. He finished at a high percentage at the bucket.
Mac VanRenterghem (2020, SG, Ann Arbor Pioneer)
VanRenterghem flat out plays hard. He gets in a stance and defends every single possession. VanRenterghem has been known as a shooter, but he attacked the bucket last night and forced Lincoln to rotate and play help defense.
Emoni Bates (2022, G/F, Ypsilanti Lincoln)
What can be possibly be said that hasn’t been said before? Well, he was slowed to 4 points in the 1st quarter. But he also had 3 assists making him active in 10 of his team’s 19 first quarter points. The young man is like a rock star and he absorbs the pressure that goes with it. Bates is a special talent, not just physically, but mentally as well.
Tate Mackenzie (2020, C, Ypsilanti Lincoln)
Mackenzie has a big impact on the Ypsilanti Lincoln team. He cleans up in the paint on defense and is very active on the glass on both ends. Mackenzie is a crowd favorite and brings a lighthearted leadership that soaks up some of the pressure of defending a state championship.
DeCorion Temple (2022, F, Ypsilanti Lincoln)
Temple really impressed me last night. He’s a strong player that plays well with contact. He’s athletic and can play above the rim. Temple was active on the defensive glass and looked to make the outlet pass off of every board.
Simon Wheeler Simon Wheeler 5'8" | PG Phhoenix Prep Post Grad | 2022 State AZ (2021, PG, Ypsilanti Lincoln)
Let’s not forget about how talented Simon Wheeler Simon Wheeler 5'8" | PG Phhoenix Prep Post Grad | 2022 State AZ really is. He has strong handles and can play at a very fast pace. Wheeler is excellent with the ball in his hands leading in transition. He can find a running mate and put them in position to finish.