Under The Radar Performances From The Weekend
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There was a lot of outstanding basketball in Michigan over the weekend. The Cager Invitational and The May Event drew some of the best players and brightest stars in the state. There were a ton of elite performances that were the talk of the town at these 2 excellent events. I decided to take a bit of a different approach to this weekend. I looked for players that had great performances or made big statements, but flew a bit under the radar. Let’s look at 5 of those athletes.
Drue Allen Drue Allen 5'10" | SG Olivet | 2023 State MI (2023, CG, Olivet, Michigan Premier)
Allen has always been able to make plays and hit shots from the perimeter, but from the looks of things this weekend at the May Event, that 3 point shot is turning into a flat out weapon. She had at least 5 triples on the weekend, but the number isn’t the most important thing. What was really impressive, was Allen’s smoothness and her confidence in the shot.
Sophie Canen Sophie Canen 5'9" | SG Saline | 2022 State MI (2022, SG, O3, Saline)
I live for stories of grit and toughness like this one. Anyone that has felt the wrath of the second covid vaccine shot knows how it can make you feel. Well, Canen was under it’s effects and needless to say, was sitting out. Then her O3 team fell behind by double digits. Canen couldn’t sit by and watch. She not only mustered up the strength to check in the game, but once she did, she dropped 10 points and pulled her team within 2. That’s flat out gutsy.
Molly Deurloo Molly Deurloo 5'9" | PG Howell | 2023 State MI (2023, CG, PR1DE 2023, Howell)
Deurloo’s weekend was probably highlighted by a 13 point and 6 rebound performance. She helped lead her team to a Silver championship at the Cager Invitational. Deurloo is an extremely efficient and effective ball handler, but can play both on and off the ball. She’s a very high percentage scorer that seems to always be under control and focused offensively.
Lina Rea Lina Rea PG Utica | 2022 State MI (2022, PG, Tri-County Hoopers, Utica Eisenhower)
I’m going to continue to throw Rea’s name out until she’s in the headlines. She led her team all the way to the Platinum championship game at the Cager Invitational. Rea just continues to play excellent basketball this spring. It seems like she’s been one of the most consistent scorers around during grassroots season.
Kursten van Hoffman (2023, SG, Taylor, Downriver Elite)
I had a couple people dm’ing me asking who the shooter for Downriver Elite was. Well Ms. van Hoffman, you have our attention. Her team went 1-2 at the Cager Invitational and they showed a lot of potential. That potential may have been highlighted by van Hoffman’s 4 triples performance.