PGH Michigan JAM: Lumen Christi, Manton, Michigan Center

I am excited to announce the release of the “MICHIGAN JAM” series. During my 2024 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.   <a href="https://videogamehistory.fandom.com/wiki/NBA_Jam">Read more about the history of NBA JAM</a>   MICHIGAN JAM! HS Article Series   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”. Rating Breakdown: 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)   MICHIGAN JAM! Ratings Explained: 0=Not Observed, 1-2=Rare, 3=Average, 4=Above Average, 5=Advanced, 6=Elite   Speed is ball handling, acceleration, and quickness, 3 pts is shooting 3s efficiently more often than not, Dunks is leaping ability, elevation, and/or height, Defense is steals, deflections, shutting down your position, and Final Rating 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 rate 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 19 teams per conference.   Throughout the next few weeks, each team will have its video game graphic released in articles and on X! With that in mind, let's meet the dynamic duos from Jackson Lumen Christi, Manton, and Michigan Center!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lumen Christi Titans</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/10/PGHJam-JacksonLumenChristi.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1322276" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='932733' first='Kenna' last='Hunt'] and [player_tooltip player_id='928228' first='Lucy' last='Wrozek']   Jackson Lumen Christi made a deep playoff run to the quarterfinals before falling to eventual state champions Ypsilanti Prep. This year, they'll have state champion Head Coach Scott Stine on their bench, and that's a big reason why the Titans are my preseason favorite to win it all. Lucy has been a breakout prospect on the travel circuit and at elite camps during the off-season. She's athletic, explodes downhill to score at the rim, and finishes through contact. Lucy excels on the defensive end, produces rebounds, and is an excellent facilitator. She fills it up from three-point distance and will be a key member of the backcourt this winter. [player_tooltip player_id='932733' first='Kenna' last='Hunt'] is the #1 prospect in the 2028 class--her ratings in PGH Michigan JAM reflect the athleticism and array of skills that have earned her D1 offers, which now include Michigan State. Kenna was the Select Events P24 Circuit 16U MVP. Her explosive quickness off the dribble, ability to elevate and finish from tough angles, elite ball-handling control, passing vision, defensive prowess, and shooting proficiency put Kenna on another level. She won PGH Freshman Player of the Year, leading the team in nearly every statistical category. Kenna and Lumen Christi look ready for a historical season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Manton Rangers</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/10/PGHJam-MantonRangers.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1322277" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1172516' first='Lillian' last='Chittle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='866209' first='Aubrey' last='Hiller']   Manton won 21 games last year and made a playoff run to the regional finals. Their season came to an end against Calumet, but this duo is a big reason why I believe the Rangers are a top-five D3 team in the state. Lillian is a scrappy point guard who can do it all. Her relentless defensive pressure makes life difficult for opposing guards, and she handles the ball with ease. Lillian penetrates gaps with her shifty quickness and finishes with toughness at the rim. She has great court vision, passing precision, combination dribbles, and touch on her floaters. Lillian is a three-point threat and an aggressive rebounder. Aubrey's recruiting has taken flight this off-season with D2 offers coming in from Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State. We had the chance to see Aubrey more closely during the travel season and at elite camps--it became evident that she was a top 15 prospect. She's a sniper from three-point distance with a lethal step-back and maintains balance off the catch or dribble. Aubrey has advanced ball-handling control, passing skills, and is a lockdown defender. She's a creator who scores at all three levels and will look to lead Manton on a deep playoff run.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Michigan Center Cardinals</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/10/PGHJam-MichiganCenter.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1322280" /></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='808352' first='Mayrese' last='Vieau'] and [player_tooltip player_id='502306' first='Kara' last='Straub']   Michigan Center moved to Division 2 last year and held their own. The Cardinals won 19 games before experiencing defeat against Parma Western in Districts. They bring back their talented core and are a top ten team in D2 heading into the season. Mayrese was a PGH Freshman Player of the Year finalist last season, and she has continued to deliver notable performances during the off-season. Mayrese dominated at the PGH Expo and displayed her polished all-around game, earning All-Showcase First Team honors. She's a determined and relentless prospect who harasses the ball on defense and keeps the pace in full-throttle on offense. She has great instincts, tight handles, and her dribble penetration creates open looks for teammates. Mayrese finishes effectively at the rim, drops in floaters, knocks down mid-range shots, and buries triples. Kara has committed to Trine, and her presence in the front-court is a huge advantage for the Cardinals. Kara has the length and strength to mix it up inside, while having the mobility to defend the perimeter. She contests shots to force misses and protects the rim as a shot blocker. Kara finishes well off two feet and has excellent footwork. She has a smooth jumper and can make teams pay when they leave her open on the perimeter. Kara has good passing instincts out of the post and can face-up to drive downhill for layups. This dynamic duo will be exciting to watch this winter.

I am excited to announce the release of the “MICHIGAN JAM” series. During my 2024 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.