In Honor of Kobe – Michigan Mambas
Kobe Bryant was a legend. It’s that simple. He, his daughter and others passed tragically yesterday in a helicopter crash that has rocked the basketball community world wide. Kobe was a hero to many and an advocate for the game,…
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Continue ReadingKobe Bryant was a legend. It’s that simple. He, his daughter and others passed tragically yesterday in a helicopter crash that has rocked the basketball community world wide. Kobe was a hero to many and an advocate for the game, especially at the youth level.
In honor of Kobe Bryant and his #8, we will look at 8 Michigan high school players that in some way remind me of him. They are our very own “Michigan Mambas”.
Jasmine Clarkley (2020, PF, Okemos)
Bryant was as strong and as tough as anyone that’s ever played. To the same token, Clerkley is one of the physically strongest players I’ve seen in Michigan. Her toughness is a huge asset in her game.
Gabrielle Elliott Gabrielle Elliott 5'11" | SF Detroit Edison | 2020 State MI (2020, Wing, Detroit Edison)
As if this one doesn’t seem obvious. Kobe was a winner. Elliott is built in a similar fashion. She flat out wins and will do whatever it takes to make sure that happens.
Sanaya Gregory Sanaya Gregory 5'5" | PG East Lansing | 2020 State MI (2020, PG, East Lansing)
Kobe Bryant was one of the best defensive players that the NBA has seen. Gregory might be the top perimeter defender in Michigan. Just like Kobe, she can lock down her opponent.
Cheyenne McEvans Cheyenne McEvans 5'10" | CG Southfield A&T | 2020 State MI (2020, G, Southfield A&T)
Bryant could do it all and contribute in so many different ways. McEvans does the same in Michigan high school basketball. She scores, handles, plays tough defense, and attacks the glass.
Damiya Hagemann Damiya Hagemann 5'8" | PG Detroit Edison | 2021 State #35 Nation MI (2021, PG, Detroit Edison)
Kobe was a playmaking highlight reel. Hagemann has impressive film in her own right. She has eyes in the back of her head when dishing off the ball and terrific body control when attacking the bucket.
Bree Salenbien Bree Salenbien 6'2" | SF Lenawee Chrisrian | 2021 State #47 Nation MI (2021, SF, Adrian Lenawee Christian)
Kobe Bryant could get the ball on the wing and have his way hunting shots. I love watching Salenbien do the same thing. Much like Kobe, she seems to have her way in isolation.
Mya Petticord Mya Petticord 5'9" | PG Arbor Prep | 2022 State #33 Nation MI (2022, PG, Arbor Prep)
Kobe, even at a young age, had one of the most mature and disciplined games. Petticord has been the same way since her first high school game. She has a keen understanding of the game and seems to be a step ahead of the action.
Ruby Whitehorn Ruby Whitehorn 6'0" | PG Detroit Edison | 2022 State #20 Nation MI (2022, SG, Detroit Edison)
It was always obvious that Bryant was ridiculously talented, but it was his hard work and determination that put him over the top. This seems to be the path for Whitehorn as well. She’s got all the intangibles, but her grit and work ethic is what truly separates her.