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<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>
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<p><a href="https://videogamehistory.fandom.com/wiki/NBA_Jam">Read more about the history of NBA JAM Here.</a></p>
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<p><strong>MICHIGAN JAM! HS Article Series</strong></p>
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<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”. <strong>Rating</strong> <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>
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<p><strong>MICHIGAN JAM! Ratings Explained:</strong> 0=Not Observed, 1-2=Rare, 3=Average, 4=Above Average, 5=Advanced, 6=Elite</p>
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<p><strong>Speed</strong> is ball handling, acceleration, and quickness, <strong>3 pts </strong>is shooting 3s efficiently more often than not, <strong>Dunks</strong> is leaping ability, elevation, and/or height, <strong>Defense</strong> is steals, deflections, shutting down your position, and <strong>Final Rating</strong> 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>
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<p><a href="https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/snes/588511-nba-jam/faqs/35861">Read more about NBA JAM RATINGS</a></p>
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<p><strong>PGH MICHIGAN JAM Twitter Tournament</strong></p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<p>Let's look at three Dynamic Duos from the Western Conference representing Howell, Ishpeming, and Kalamazoo Christian!</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Howell Highlanders</h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-Howell.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-975711" style="width:872px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613940' first='Gabby' last='Piepho']-5-8-CG-Howell-[program_tooltip program_id='955650' first='Michigan' last='Drive Express']</strong></p>
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<p>Gabby is a guard with deep 3 point shooting accuracy that can quickly put a game out of reach. Last fall, I saw her make 6 of 7 triples from spots all over the court and she fires the ball with balance and a high arcing release. Gabby converted an absurd 44 consecutive free throws during her Freshman season for the Highlanders, which is second all-time in the state record books. She mixes up her dribble to drive and finish with solid footwork around the basket.</p>
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<p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/10/legacy-fall-league-of-champions/">Read More About Gabby</a></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='424155' first='Alison' last='Farr']-5-5-CG-Howell-[program_tooltip program_id='955650' first='Michigan' last='Drive Express']</strong></p>
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<p>Alison is a Highlander guard who leads the team to success in many areas of the game. She consistently communicates verbally on both ends of the court and from the sideline, mentally/physically tough, scrappy defender, wins the effort plays, and creates open shots for teammates. Alison hits clutch shots and is an efficient 3 point shooter, she finishes in tight spaces around the basket, and handles the ball well under pressure.</p>
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<p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/03/district-finals-clutch-performers/">Read More About Alison</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ishpeming Hematites</h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-Ishpeming.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-975725" /></figure>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='886257' first='Mya' last='Hemmer']-6-1-PF-Ishpeming-[program_tooltip program_id='715386' first='Great' last='Northern Elite']</strong></p>
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<p>Mya is a strong and athletic forward who gives her team the advantage on both sides of the ball. At the Breslin last winter she was an unstoppable force putting up double-digit rebounds with 5 blocks in the championship game. Her physicality and motor in the paint offensively lead to free throws or strong finishes off two feet. </p>
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<p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/03/d4-all-breslin-team/">Read More About Mya</a></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884596' first='Jenessa' last='Eagle']-5-8-CG-Ishpeming-[program_tooltip program_id='715386' first='Great' last='Northern Elite']</strong></p>
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<p>Jenessa is a quick and athletic guard with length that creates matchup problems for opposing defenses. She shifts into high gear on her drives to the basket and elevates to finish with finesse. Jenessa causes many deflections and steals on defense with her pressure on the ball and pushes the tempo to score transition layups. When Jenessa catches fire from 3-point territory it's "GAME OVER".</p>
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<p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jenessa-eagle/">Read More About Jenessa</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kalamazoo Christian Comets</h2>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-KalamazooChristian.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-975728" /></figure>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='336005' first='Jordyn' last='Bonnema']-5-7-CG-Kalamazoo Christian-[program_tooltip program_id='713442' first='MBA' last='UAA']</strong></p>
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<p>Jordyn has a polished game and adaptability that helps her to contribute in whatever role she plays in to help the team succeed. Jordyn is an efficient shooter from beyond the arc, finishes tough contested shots off two feet in the paint, and works hard to guard her girl on defense and contest shots. Jordyn has the confidence and ability to take over games offensively, while relentlessly pursuing the ball for offensive rebounds.</p>
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<p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/hopkins-shootout-standouts/">Read More About Jordyn</a></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='866189' first='Elliana' last='VanDusen']-5-10-CG-Kalamazoo Christian-[program_tooltip program_id='713442' first='MBA' last='UAA']</strong></p>
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<p>Elliana attacks hard off the dribble into traffic to earn free throws or finish layups at the rim. She has the toughness to absorb contact, fight for 50/50 balls, and continue competing. Elliana has the shooting range to knock down shots from outside and her length causes trouble for opposing ball handlers. </p>
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<p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/hopkins-shootout-standouts/">Read More About Elliana</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming Events</h2>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2>
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<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><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> . 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>
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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.
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