PGH Michigan JAM! Muskegon, Parma Western, Paw Paw

<!-- 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 look at three Dynamic Duos from the Western Conference representing Muskegon, Parma Western, and Paw Paw!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Muskegon Big Reds</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":981115,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-Muskegon.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-981115" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502311' first='Mariah' last='Sain']-5-9-CG-Muskegon-[program_tooltip program_id='712672' first='Michigan' last='Crossover EYBL']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mariah has insane athleticism, speed, quickness, and game-breaking basketball abilities that create a buzz whenever she hits the court. Mariah elevates to score tough shots in the paint and is a relentless defender on the ball. Her high-flying style, explosive downhill drives, and continuous motor on the floor make her one of Michigan's best prospects and a video game type of player. Mariah is the highest-ranked guard in her class and she continues to prove why in every basketball environment we watch her compete in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/memorial-day-shootout-crossover/">Read More About Mariah</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='614713' first='Cece' last='Bonner']-5-6-PG-Muskegon-MBA UA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cece is an explosive lead guard with toughness, grit, and scrappy defense that has earned her the top ranking amongst point guards in her class. Cece stuns defenders with her hesi and inside-out dribbles then shifts into high gear to burst by for layups. Cece has a solid mid-range pull up jumper and elevates way up to convert tough finishes around the rim. She causes chaos for ball handlers with her pressure and is an effective passer. Cece is an impressive prospect and one of Michigan's finest point guards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/juniors-and-seniors-shine-at-ferris-team-camp/">Read More About Cece</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Parma Western Panthers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":981123,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-ParmaWestern.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-981123" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613946' first='Rayah' last='Hitt']-5-8-CG-Parma Western-[program_tooltip program_id='713024' first='Michigan' last='Drive Premier']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rayah is a crafty competitor who has offensive firepower that can put games out of reach in a hurry. She threads the needle with her passes through tight windows and throws the long ball for assists in transition. Rayah is quick off the draw, creating separation with step-back dribbles to bury deep 3-point jumpers. She has multiple combo dribbles she can use to beat defenders for floaters or finishes around the rim. Rayah is a predator for the Panthers who is always on the prowl. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/sau-shootout-dynamic-duo/">Read More About Rayah</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='424567' first='Bayli' last='Stewart']-SG-Parma Western-[program_tooltip program_id='713024' first='Michigan' last='Drive Premier']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bayli has toughness, quickness, and versatility that makes her a lethal weapon for any coach in travel or high school ball. She is a fierce rebounder, defender of forwards or guards, and explosive driver to the basket. Her strength and quickness create challenges for opponents on both ends and with her progress offensively she is becoming one of the more complete prospects in her class. Bayli has a high motor and edge that make her a Panther to fear on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/sau-shootout-dynamic-duo/">Read More About Bayli</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Paw Paw Red Wolves</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":981127,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-PawPaw.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-981127" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='589743' first='AJ' last='Rickli']-6-2-C-Paw Paw-MBA UA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AJ has the height, power, and presence of an intimidating Wolf in the paint. She terrorized opposing players at our Expo last winter, sending them home howling. AJ continued her dominance throughout the high school and travel seasons. AJ has good footwork in the paint, walls up to create misses inside, and fiercely rebounds the basketball. She will be a heavily recruited center and a prized addition to a college program prior to graduation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2023/09/bells-elite-eight-from-the-top-250-expo/">Read More About AJ</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613003' first='Grace' last='Mitchell']-5-10-CG-Paw Paw-MBA UA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grace attacks hard off the dribble to score at the rim and uses her physical advantage to muscle her way past opposing guards for rebounds. She rips the nets with her effectiveness shooting from 3-point range and dishes accurate passes with either hand. Grace has an aggressive style and skillset that make her a dangerous Red Wolve to matchup with on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/mba-mothers-day-classic-2025-all-tourney-team/">Read More About Grace</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming Events</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":962082,"width":"864px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><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" style="width:864px;height:auto" /><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">Registration for 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>  [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 coachevanbell@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->