M.H.C. Rise of the Phoenix
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The second half of games at the Michigan Hardwood Classic featured high-flying prospects who could jump out of the gym. Many of these athletes are on college radars already, and the headlining game came when spectators saw one of Michigan’s…
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Continue ReadingThe second half of games at the Michigan Hardwood Classic featured high-flying prospects who could jump out of the gym. Many of these athletes are on college radars already, and the headlining game came when spectators saw one of Michigan’s best, Renaissance, take on one of Illinois’ best, Chicago Kenwood Academy. Here are the prospects who stood out.
Dania McClain Dania McClain 6’2″ | PF South Lake | 2025 State MI is a towering forward prospect for South Lake with outstanding athleticism. She has the length and frame to block shots and protect the paint, while leaping up for offensive rebounds and put backs. Dania elevated over a defender to catch and finish off a lob pass; she made a strong bounce pass off of a defensive rebound in transition. Dania put together a complete performance scoring 23 points with 8 rebounds and 9 blocks.
Christina Gibson Christina Gibson 5’4″ | CG South Lake | 2025 State MI had her offensive skills on full display Saturday at the Michigan Hardwood Classic. She used her dynamic dribbling skills to create space and then light up the defense with three deep 3’s. Christina scored transition buckets off steals and hit contested floaters in the paint. She dished out 4 assists and added 6 rebounds against one of the SVL’s best teams.
Damaya Hartwick Damaya Hartwick 5’2″ | PG Grand Blanc | 2025 State MI was a very effective guard for Grand Blanc at the Michigan Hardwood Classic on Saturday. Damaya drilled a corner 3 off of a baseline play, drilled another corner jumper, and pulled up for a mid-range bucket. She sees the court very well and has the confidence to pass using either hand, which creates a great inside out scoring dynamic with the posts. She made a high level choice to pass up a contested three so she could dish a one handed pass for an assist to her teammate inside. Damaya causes turnovers pressuring the ball and is going to be a key CG for the Bobcats this season.
Highlights
Parc Liggins Parc Liggins 5’8″ | CG Grand Blanc | 2026 State MI was an effective court general for Grand Blanc Saturday at the Michigan Hardwood Classic. She stole a pass then raced down the floor for a left hand layup in transition; Parc also drained a 3 pointer off the dribble from up top. She uses her quickness, dynamic dribble attack moves, and vision to create offense for herself and teammates. Parc scored 9, and her poise handling the ball contributed to a Bobcats victory.
Highlights
Imani Johnson Imani Johnson 5’11” | SF Detroit Renaissance | 2025 State MI was a phoenix on fire at the Michigan Hardwood Classic on Saturday. She played an elite opponent and was able to break their full court press, split defenders, and finish at the rim. Imani drilled multiple wing 3’s, finished put backs, and converted downhill drives. She added 9 rebounds, finishing with a game high 21 points to help Renaissance earn the victory and prove why she’s a top wing in Michigan.
Danielle Brooks Danielle Brooks 5’7″ | PG Kenwood | 2026 State IL is the top ranked PG in Illinois for the 2026 class and she showed us why at the Michigan Hardwood Classic. She came to Michigan and had an outstanding game against one of our best teams. Danielle is an effective outside scorer off the catch or using a separation dribble. Danielle hit four triples; she used her shifty behind the back snaps and crossovers to beat defenders. Danielle has the burst to drive downhill and finish at the rim in traffic. She ended the game with 14 points and 6 rebounds Saturday.
Ariella Henigan Ariella Henigan 5’7″ | CG Kenwood | 2025 State IL showed off her elite basketball abilities at the Michigan Hardwood Classic Saturday. Against one of Michigan’s best teams, she had an outstanding game for Kenwood. Ariella finished many difficult floaters and drives inside using both hands; she caused havoc defensively with steals and transition buckets. Ariella showed why she is a top guard in Illinois, finishing the game with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.
At the Buzzer
Evan Bell is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Lapeer High School, and Director of Lapeer County Cobras . Our mission at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you have knowledge of a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at lapeercountycobras@gmail.com