Random Memories Of 2020 – Part 1

This has been a crazy calendar year. Last year at this time, who would have thought that we’d be sitting where we are now? That applies to all aspects of life, including basketball. But it’s not all doom and gloom. I have a lot of great lasting high school basketball memories from 2020. I’ll list some off as they pop in my head. <strong>Saline’s run and [player_tooltip player_id="27971" first="Ella" last="Stemmer"]’s (2021, SG) performance.</strong> Saline’s basketball program is leaps and bounds ahead of where it was a few years back, and [player_tooltip player_id="27971" first="Ella" last="Stemmer"] is a big part of that. She was playing outstanding basketball at the end of last season and her Saline squad was rolling. I believe that they were on their way to the state semifinals if Covid didn’t derail the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="138300" first="Kenzie" last="Bowers"] (2021, PG, Kent City) breaking records.</strong> Bowers destroyed the Kent City record books last spring and it’s easy to see why. She’s a pure shooter and a heady point guard. <strong>The rise of Detroit Renaissance.</strong> It wasn’t long ago that Renaissance wasn’t really a factor. Now? Now their roster is filled with next level talent. They have gained a reputation for their aggressive defense and their constantly moving offense. It really looks like the best is yet to come with stars like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="138299" first="Kailee" last="Davis"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28017" first="Shannon" last="Wheeler"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="27997" first="Nika" last="Dorsey"]</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="28015" first="Mikyah" last="Finley"] </strong>waiting for the season to start. <strong>The Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo.</strong> This was the first Girls Top 250 in Michigan, and it was a huge success. There were nationally coveted prospects like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="188564" first="Maddie" last="Petroelje"] </strong>(Hudsonville) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="188580" first="Macy" last="Fegan"] </strong>(Standish Sterling). There were players proving themselves to be high level prospects like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="230802" first="Sela" last="Lefler"] </strong>(North Farmington). There were stars being born and made to shine even brighter. A bunch of college coaches filtered into the gym while more watched the livestream. It was obvious that the Top 250 is here to stay and will be a premier showcase event in the midwest. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="189304" first="DeAndrea" last="Smith"] (2023, SF, Flint Carman-Ainsworth) dominates.</strong> Speaking of the Top 250. I knew Smith was a good player, but I didn’t realize that she had THAT MUCH talent. The young lady had her way at the Top 250. She showed elite handles and the ability to create off the dribble. Smith scored from all 3 levels. Her name needs to be on a lot of radars. &nbsp; &nbsp;