MICHIGAN JAM! Edison, Renaissance, Mercy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During my summer vacation, I visited an old-school arcade that happened to include an edition of “NBA JAM,” the ultimate retro basketball video game. This game became famous during the 90s at the arcade and on numerous gaming consoles. The original game was released by Midway in 1993 and featured players from NBA rosters. Each NBA team featured two players who competed in 2 on 2 with no subs. Later additions to the game included 3-5 players, which gave gamers the ability to sub new players into the games. The game's exaggerated graphics, high-flying dunks, and lack of fouls made it wildly unique and popular amongst gamers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://videogamehistory.fandom.com/wiki/NBA_Jam">Read more about the history of NBA JAM Here.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MICHIGAN JAM! HS Article Series</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article series, modeled after the original “NBA JAM”, will include 2 players per team. There is an Eastern Conference and a Western Conference. Two high school players from the same team are included as a “Dynamic Duo”. Each player will be assigned a fictitious rating for physical and skill attributes based on the criteria of the original “NBA JAM”.&nbsp;<strong>Rating</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Breakdown</strong>: Overall speed/6, Shooting skill from 3 pt/6, Skill at dunking/6, Overall defensive skill/6. The overall rating is out of 24 (rating criteria are modeled using the original “NBA JAM”). Some of the original ratings of players from “NBA JAM”: Tim Hardaway-speed 5/6, 3 pts 4/6, dunks 1/6, defense 4/6, Final 14/24, Charles Barkley-speed 4/6, 3 pts 3/6, dunks 6/6, def 1/6, Final 14/24, Scottie Pippen-speed 5/6, 3 pts 4/6, dunks 6/6, def 5/6, Final 20/24. Best Rated Teams: New York Knicks (33 pts), Charlotte Hornets (32 pts), Chicago Bulls (32 pts no MJ), Sacramento Kings (30)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>MICHIGAN JAM! Ratings Explained:</strong>&nbsp;0=Not Observed, 1-2=Rare, 3=Average, 4=Above Average, 5=Advanced, 6=Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Speed</strong>&nbsp;is ball handling, acceleration, and quickness,&nbsp;<strong>3 pts&nbsp;</strong>is shooting 3s efficiently more often than not,&nbsp;<strong>Dunks</strong>&nbsp;is leaping ability, elevation, and/or height,&nbsp;<strong>Defense</strong>&nbsp;is steals, deflections, shutting down your position, and&nbsp;<strong>Final Rating</strong>&nbsp;is the sum of all those categories out of 24 points. As you can see, legends of the NBA game including Hall of Famers don't score over 20! This is meant to be a lighthearted and fun way of learning about some of the great duos in the state and not to be taken too seriously. There were 27 teams in the original “NBA JAM”, but I have expanded the total to 18 teams per conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/snes/588511-nba-jam/faqs/35861">Read more about NBA JAM RATINGS</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PGH MICHIGAN JAM Twitter Tournament</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Twitter, these teams have been seeded into an elimination bracket. YOU decide who advances each round of the tournament by voting in the polls on my Twitter page. Each poll lasts 48 hours and whoever receives the most votes wins! Teams from each conference go head to head until we have a winner of the Eastern and Western Conferences. The winners then compete to determine the PGH Michigan JAM 2024 Champion! The winning team wins live PGH coverage at one of their high school games during the 2024-25 season. The bracket is posted on Twitter with updates following each round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each week, new teams from each conference will have their individualized ratings, graphics, and team evaluation posted in articles, so you will want to keep your eyes peeled for the articles and tournament updates on Twitter!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at three Dynamic Duos from the Eastern Conference representing Detroit Edison, Detroit Renaissance, and Farmington Hills Mercy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Detroit Edison Public Academy Pioneers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":969765,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-DetroitEdison.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-969765" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419530' first='Isis' last='Johnson-Musah']-5-10-CG-DEPSA-[program_tooltip program_id='712672' first='Michigan' last='Crossover EYBL']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isis is on top of the 2025 Michigan prospect hill, ranked number one in the state. She has narrowed her offers down to five D1 colleges still in the race. Isis produces in every category on the court and has athletic measurables that make her nearly unguardable 1v1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/03/d2/">Read More About Isis</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751162' first='Nichole' last='James']-6-2-PF-DEPSA-[program_tooltip program_id='712672' first='Michigan' last='Crossover EYBL']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nichole made a strong impression on our scouts at the Freshman Showcase last year because of her ferocious style and competitive passion. She is an effective rim protector and finisher off two in the paint. Nichole has an athletic advantage inside against other forwards and does not shy away from contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/08/freshman-showcase-bell-ringers-girls-basketball/">Read More About Nichole</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Detroit Renaissance Phoenix</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":969769,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-DetroitRenaissance.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-969769" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419544' first='Imani' last='Johnson']-5-11-PF-Detroit Renaissance-[program_tooltip program_id='712670' first='Michigan' last='Storm UAA']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Imani is a versatile and athletic prospect who excels playing different roles on the court. She has the confidence/guard skills to handle the ball under pressure and put the ball in the basket from all three levels. Imani uses her strength to defend in the post and has a solid face up game in the high post. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/12/m-h-c-rise-of-the-phoenix/">Read More About Imani </a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='617318' first='Jaebri'an' last='Autry']-5-10-SF-Detroit Renaissance-[program_tooltip program_id='962114' first='Lady' last='FVV']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaebri'an competes with a relentless effort and what stands out most to me is how she impacts the game defensively. Jaebri'an has the quickness to put opposing guards in a box, but her length and grit give her an edge defending post players as well. She shifts into high gear off the dribble to score full speed layups in transition and in the half court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/wayne-state-thursday-shootout/">Read More About Jaebri'an</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Farmington Hills Mercy Marlins</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":969796,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-FarmingtonHillsMercy.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-969796" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419534' first='Aizlyn' last='Albanese']-5-10-SG-Mercy-[program_tooltip program_id='712670' first='Michigan' last='Storm UAA']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aizlyn gives defenders fits because of her length, quickness, ball handling control, and efficiency shooting from beyond the arc. She disrupts passing lanes, creates steals, and blocks shots on the defensive end. Aizlyn is a pure scorer and clutch player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/07/u-of-m-team-camp/">Read More About Aizlyn</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716481' first='Emily' last='Walker']-5-9-SG-Mercy-[program_tooltip program_id='712670' first='Michigan' last='Storm UAA']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emily understands spacing well, drifting to open spots on the perimeter to catch and shoot. She fires the ball with balance off the dribble and knocks down two's and three's efficiently. Emily delivers accurate passes to teammates and adds steals on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/bcam-reaching-higher-2025/">Read More About Emily</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming Events</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":962082,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/UPSIDE_Announcement-Detail-2024-d.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-962082" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Upside by Highest Platform</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":969797,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHMI-ExpoBell2024.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-969797" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://events.prepgirlshoops.com/e/1255/register/the-expo-michigan">Register for The Expo</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong> is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops and Director of <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong> </strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>         </strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball']</strong></a> </strong>         </strong> . Our <a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a> at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you know a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at prepare2winbasketball@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->