All is Fair in Love, War, and Recruiting

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Varsity fall league season is taking flight, but there is another story happening behind the scenes. As winter approaches, 2024 and 2025 prospects are choosing where they want to commit and colleges are finalizing their offers for the current calendar year. Some colleges are now transitioning to the 2026 classes as well. Let's take a look at who has made offers I like and what prospects are top prospects on my list without offers. Ring the bell!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cleary University</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by Coach Kevin Mondro and Jerry Wallace, this up-and-coming NAIA program has been on the prowl for prospects fitting their future team and culture. Cleary offered <strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='612073' first='Larissa' last='Gibson']</strong> out of Lakeville back on August 30th, following her impressive performance at Northwood and David Barns. <strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='364996' first='Amaya' last='Smith']</strong> from Lake Fenton is a GLUE player who has the toughness, leadership, fundamental abilities, and two-way play that make her an outstanding prospect who has been passed on for some time, they went all in on her September 5th. <strong>2024 Karma Jones</strong> is one of the most athletic, fast, physically imposing, and skilled ball handlers/downhill guards I have seen live. They offered her back on August 9th shortly after Schoolcraft. <strong>2024 [player_tooltip player_id='792653' first='Katie' last='Martus']</strong> is another excellent offer for Cleary, they have been trailblazers targeting 2026 Howell Highlanders [player_tooltip player_id='635277' first='MacKenzi' last='Duthie'], [player_tooltip player_id='613940' first='Gabby' last='Piepho'], and [player_tooltip player_id='780107' first='Hannah' last='Ralko'] ahead of the pack. They are hoping to land some of these names to build a competitive future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Olivet</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach David Smith and the Olivet Comets have made some headline offers this fall and I particularly like their pursuit of 2024 Wing [player_tooltip player_id='792653' first='Katie' last='Martus']. She is an inside-out scorer and defender who has performed at an elite level for some time. Olivet also made a wise/bold move putting an offer on the table for 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='612073' first='Larissa' last='Gibson'] following her performance at the David Barns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OCC </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are many who sleep on the JUCO avenue and hold to unfounded or outdated principles that JUCO is equivalent to intramural basketball: simply not the case. Many transfers and first-year prospects become the players they hope to be by attending a demanding JUCO program for two years. Head Coach William Jones and his staff have been hot on the trail searching for 2024 prospects to fit their values and scheme. They found that in <strong>2024 Wing/Forward [player_tooltip player_id='710817' first='Madison' last='Spanicciati']</strong> from Lapeer. Maddie finished top ten in rebounds per game and points per game during the 2022-23 season in the SVL and should have been named All-Conference. Maddie has the length, athleticism, speed, and competitive fire that will make her an excellent commit to the OCC WBB program. [player_tooltip player_id='244259' first='Riley' last='Abney'] from Brandon is another outstanding prospect with the drive and work ethic to be great that OCC has offered. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Great Lakes Christian College</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Ray Kimball is looking to make a splash in his first season commanding the Crusaders and he has targeted some excellent prospects this fall. <strong>2025 CG [player_tooltip player_id='754242' first='Emily' last='Cates']</strong> is a prospect who dazzled at the GLCC elite camp back in August and she has the complete ball handling skills, passing, shooting, and defense to play at the next level. <strong>2025 CG Tyra Wright</strong> is a lengthy guard who has elusive speed and scoring efficiency at all three levels, she is athletically off the charts and coach made a great choice getting her this offer and making her a priority. <strong>2025 CG Mallory Miller </strong>is a prospect who shined brightly at GLCC elite camp in August. She stood out as the most impressive overall passer, shooter, defender, and ball handler in my opinion. I have no idea why she is not being targeted more but I salute Ray in getting her an offer first because she deserves it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Unsigned Targets</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792674' first='Brooke' last='Swartz']</strong> of Bay City Western was all-conference in the SVL last season and is an all-around downhill scorer, outside shooter, and excellent defender. As a multi-sport athlete, she is raw and not in the circuits which explains why she has not been targeted as much.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244749' first='Klaire' last='Caldwell']</strong> of Midland Dow is coming back from injury and has clearly put in the hard work to add muscle to her frame. She is an aggressive rebounder and defender with length and speed. She handles the ball well with the vision to see the floor. Klaire can shoot the ball effectively anywhere on the court. She definitely should be targeted by schools prior to the winter season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> CG <strong>Marionna Dixon</strong> of Davison is a downhill speedster who has the build as a track star to explode through gaps and apply on-ball pressure. She can score inside and outside, she had an outstanding day at the Highest Platform Upside event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792671' first='Hannah' last='Lozano']</strong> of Clio is an outstanding physical prospect who can do everything to help her team win: shoot, drive, pass, rebound, defend aggressively, etc. She has been well-coached and is an excellent prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244229' first='Sarah' last='LaPrairie']</strong> of Stoney Creek can handle the ball effectively under pressure and shoot the lights out from the perimeter, she has performed in clutch situations for her team on many occasions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244295' first='Samone' last='Andrews']</strong> from Macomb Dakota dominated at the PGH Top 250 Expo with her elite ball handling and downhill game. She can also shoot lights out from deep. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='335990' first='Destiny' last='Washington']</strong> from West Bloomfield is an excellent ball handler with passing vision and speed to create for others and herself. She is strong and athletic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244280' first='Reagan' last='Byrd']</strong> of Arthur Hill scores at all three levels, has handles, and can get downhill. She is athletic and an aggressive defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='612074' first='Lexi' last='Ringley']</strong> from Heritage is a knockdown shooter and efficient ball handler for the Hawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wing <strong>Lexi Le</strong> from Howell is a knockdown shooter and a great defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='693832' first='Iliana' last='Williams'] </strong>from Port Huron has been one of the most impressive performers this summer/fall as an overall prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PF <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='792668' first='Heidi' last='Fuchs']</strong> from Dexter can score anywhere on the floor and defend as an exceptional stretch big. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='669105' first='Asiyah' last='Jihad']</strong> from North Farmington can score from all three levels, has length, and handles the ball like a guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Unsigned Targets Rapid Fire</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716695' first='Selena' last='Titus']</strong> Jenison</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='424147' first='Payton' last='Palmer'] </strong>Midland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='336011' first='Christen' last='Banks']</strong> University High School Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='424155' first='Alison' last='Farr']</strong> Howell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='796703' first='Kylie' last='Pung']</strong> Howell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='420492' first='Allison' last='Hufstedler']</strong> Oxford</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='336004' first='Jordyn' last='Egger'] </strong>Mount Pleasant </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PF <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='420496' first='Ruby' last='Jansen']</strong> Marian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='427198' first='Demi' last='Bolton'] </strong>Ferndale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>Ariyana James</strong> East Lansing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='423692' first='Alena' last='Blumberg']</strong> Dexter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PF <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='335980' first='Nevaeh' last='Wood']</strong> Avondale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='424567' first='Bayli' last='Stewart']</strong> Parma Western</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='716681' first='Mackenzy' last='Dennison']</strong> Croswell-Lexington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='663349' first='Isabella' last='Nooe']</strong> South Lyon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CG <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='431342' first='Emilie' last='Eritano'] </strong>Lamphere</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming Events</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024-2029 UNCOMMITTED prospects who are looking to compete in an elite camp/showcase event with college coaches have the opportunity to register for the HEADLINERS INVITATIONAL happening on Nov. 12th at Great Lakes Christian College. Register using this&nbsp;<a href="https://register.ryzer.com/camp.cfm?ID=254862">link</a>. Coach Bell from&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='715992' first='Lapeer' last='County Cobras']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>and Coach Kimbell from Great Lakes Christian College are organizing this event with media coverage by PGH scouts and film provided by SnipBack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 &amp; 2026 girls looking to join an independent travel team focusing on skill development and Michigan-based travel please email Coach Bell to attend open runs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":765474} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/Headliners-Invitational-at-GLCC.png" alt="" class="wp-image-765474" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Lapeer High School, and Director of<strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='715992' first='Lapeer' last='County Cobras']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>. 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 have knowledge of a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at lapeercountycobras@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->