PGH Michigan JAM! Saline, St. Mary’s Prep, Tecumseh

<!-- 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 Eastern Conference representing Saline, St. Mary's Prep, and Tecumseh!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Saline Hornets</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":981912,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-Saline.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-981912" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502307' first='Keira' last='Roehm']-2026-5-7-SG-Saline-Mystics</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keira is a hornet who stings opponents with her deadly perimeter shooting and buzzes by defenders off the bounce to score layups at the rim. Keira has good footwork on her finishes and can change hands to score in contested situations. She processes the game like a coach on the court and is very well-spoken about the game. Keira is a must-watch guard for the Hornets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/lbiasc-showering-praise-2026s-pt-1/">Read More About Keira</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751146' first='Harper' last='Backus']-2027-6-2-2027-C-Saline-Mystics</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harper is a new addition to the Hornets hive at Saline; she has been buzzing at showcases and travel tournaments all summer. Harper excels with her back to the basket and finishes with solid drop steps around the rim. She has continued to increase her strength and foot speed, which is going to make her a dangerous impact player in the paint this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/the-main-event-2027-post-players/">Read More About Harper</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Orchard Lake St. Mary's Prep Eagles</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":981923,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-StMarysPrep-v2-1.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-981923" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807281' first='Layla' last='Stewart']-2027-5-8-PG-St. Mary's Prep-Legends U</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Layla is an effective lead guard with lightning-quick handles and pinpoint accuracy from the perimeter. Her shifty speed and combination dribbles make her a tough matchup for any defender. Layla turns up the heat with her on-ball pressure to create turnovers and finishes with grace around the rim. She is ranked #1 in her class at the PG position, soaring above the competition with her back court teammate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/03/10-of-michigans-finest-freshman/">Read More About Layla</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751130' first='Allison' last='Crighton']-2027-5-6-CG-St. Mary's Prep-Michigan Storm Elite UA</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allie is a versatile guard who soars in transition for the St. Mary's Eagles. She preys on opponents with her downhill drives and deadly 3-point shooting. Allie has a keen awareness off the ball on defense, creates steals, and flies down the court for coast-to-coast layups. Allie scans the court to dish the rock to open teammates and is an exciting prospect to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/cagers-invitational-2027/">Read More About Allison</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tecumseh Indians</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":981934,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-Tecumseh.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-981934" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='666667' first='Makayla' last='Schlorf']-2026-5-3-PG-Tecumseh-[program_tooltip program_id='713024' first='Michigan' last='Drive Premier']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Makayla is a point guard who plays with a competitive edge on both sides of the floor. She drives hard to the basket, threads the ball through tight windows to open teammates, and shoots deadly accurate arrows from 3-point range. Makayla is a gritty defender who ties up the ball and fights for 50/50 balls. She leads the Indians on the court and is one brave teams hate playing on the battlefield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/the-clash-2026-prospects-pt-2/">Read More About Makayla</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419531' first='Alli' last='Zajac']-2025-6-2-PF-Tecumseh-[program_tooltip program_id='713024' first='Michigan' last='Drive Premier']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alli strikes fear into opponents with her deadly accuracy from the perimeter. She has the deep range and accuracy of a true sniper. Alli uses her size and strength in the paint to secure rebounds, while protecting the rim on the defensive end. She threatens defenses with her footwork on the blocks and finishes effectively around the basket. Alli is a versatile forward and Indian warrior who teams fear on the basketball court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/reviewing-the-clash/">Read More About Alli</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">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>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops and Director of&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/prepare-2-win-basketball/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;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 -->