Michigan JAM! Grand Rapids CC, Haslett, Holt

<!-- 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 take a look at three Dynamic Duos from the Western Conference representing Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Haslett, and Holt!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":975041,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-GrandRapidsCC.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-975041" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='734966' first='Hailey' last='Durland']-5-7-PG-Grand Rapids CC-Mystics</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hailey is guard who impacts the game with her gritty defense, slashing style off the dribble, and outside shooting. She pressures opposing defenders, fights for loose balls, and creates steals. Hailey handles the ball with poise under pressure with the ability to accelerate past defenders to score layups. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/the-clash-2026-prospects-pt-1/">Read More About Hailey</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='519161' first='Grace' last='McKinney']-6-1-SF-Grand Rapids CC-Lady Meanstreets EYBL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grace is a multi-dimensional forward/wing who creates an advantage for the Cougars on both sides of the ball. Her length and quickness closing out on shooters creates advantages to block shots on the perimeter and in the paint. Grace has a smooth shooting stroke from beyond the arc and she finishes strong off of two feet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/juniors-and-seniors-shine-at-ferris-team-camp/">Read More About Grace</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Haslett Vikings</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":975049,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-Haslett.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-975049" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751132' first='Avery' last='Hannah']-5-8-SG-Haslett-Mystics</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Avery has the Midas touch from 3 point land to take over games. I watched Avery catch fire, hitting 6 triples in one game during the travel season. She is a passionate competitor, vocal teammate, and energizer. Avery has shown the toughness and determination necessary to be a leader for the Vikings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/lbiasc-2027s-raining-buckets/">Read More About Avery</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502298' first='Christina' last='Dixon']-5-10-Haslett-Mystics</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christina shouldered a heavy load of the offense to help Haslett make a playoff run and finish their winter season strong. She shifts into another gear to blow by defenders and score layups off the dribble. Christina elevates to convert and finish from difficult angles. She heats up now and then from the perimeter to chip in 3s. Christina blocks shots and creates turnovers using her quickness to pressure ball handlers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/03/region-13-girls-basketball/">Read More About Christina</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Holt Rams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":975672,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/08/PGHJam-Holt.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-975672" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='919121' first='Allison' last='Metzger']-5-8-SF-Holt-[program_tooltip program_id='955650' first='Michigan' last='Drive Express']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Allison is a versatile prospect who has the toughness and physicality to excel in the paint, while also contributing as a shooter from the perimeter. Allison is a relentless rebounder who constantly works for the advantage on both ends of the floor. She shines in games against tough matchups and has downhill determination when driving to the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/06/june-rankings-update-shooting-guards-trending-upwards/">Read More About Allison</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong> [player_tooltip player_id='750259' first='Olivia' last='Gadson']-5-8-CG-Holt-[program_tooltip program_id='713024' first='Michigan' last='Drive Premier']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olivia has explosiveness off the dribble and shifty change of direction that creates problems for her opponents. Olivia creates space from defenders using her dribble to knock down triples and mid-range jumpers. She competes with a high motor and balanced defensive stance to cause turnovers against opposing ball handlers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/04/2027-breaking-out-at-the-clash/">Read More About Olivia</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming Events</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":962082,"width":"1368px","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:1368px;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: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;</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;</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 prepare2winbasketball@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->