The second annual Cardinal Classic on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University hosted many programs from the mid Michigan area, and featured a few teams who are realistic contenders in their respective divisions.
Game results:
Bay City Western 64 Linden 30
Yale 71 Arbor Prep 62
Davison 48 Bishop Foley 39
Goodrich 42 White Lake Lakeland 32
Flint Southwestern 80 Holly 75
Flint Beecher 72 Saginaw 60
MVP: Cody Kegley 6’0″ junior point guard Yale
The only obstacle in Kegley’s performance was a blood soaked jersey, illustrating how aggressive he played, which took him out of the contest for roughly 40 seconds, the lone time Kegley would leave the game. Kegley scored 10 of his game high 37 points in the first quarter against Class C top ten team Arbor Prep, including two of three 3s on the day. Kegley was extremely difficult for defenders to stay in front of, drawing blocking fouls whether it be a forward or guard when attacking the lane. He’s also got some flare to his game, he can handle the ball with either hand and create for either himself or his teammates. Kegley also was active on the defensive floor, he fearlessly attacked the glass against taller opponents, coming away with 11 rebounds, while also generating three steals.
Other First Team Members:
Quavon Trawick 6’0″ senior point guard Flint Southwestern
Trawick fueled the Southwestern comeback, scoring 15 of his 21 points in the second half to lead the Knights in their win over Class A Holly. Trawick has a quick first step and scored on a multitude of layups and drives to the basket, his and-one three point play sealed Holly’s fate with 6 seconds left putting Southwestern up four with six seconds left. Quavon was able to balance the opportunities when he need to score and assist, he limited his mistakes against a solid Holly backcourt, and assisted on six Southwestern buckets and rebounded four balls.
Dylan Alderson 6’4″ sophomore guard Davison
Alderson had the highlight of the Classic, a one handed throw down on the break over a helpless defender. Dylan can play all three guard positions for the Cardinals, he can facilitate and handle like a point guard, shoot off the perimeter, and use his athleticism and quick first step to attack the basket. Alderson finished with a game high 26 points, seven rebounds, and used his length to cause three steals.
Jake Daniels 6’2″ senior guard Holly
Daniels, a Saginaw Valley State signee, played on the very same court he will spend the next four years on. Daniels came straight at Southwestern, scoring 17 of his game high 24 points in the first half. He was more quiet in the second half however, but should be primed for a breakout senior campaign.
Neshua Wise 6’4″ senior guard Flint Southwestern
Aiding Trawick in the Knight comeback was classmate Neshua Wise. Wise can and will be the Knights primary scorer this season. He has the ability to hurt teams from both on the perimeter and inside. He’s long and can get defenders on his hip when driving to the basket, however, he’s also a quality three point marksman when he plays off the ball. He hit four spot up threes on the day, with two coming in the final 3:30 seconds of action to place Southwestern in position to seize victory. Wise finished with a team high 22 points and nine rebounds.
Second Team Members:
Malik Ellison 5’7″ sophomore point guard Flint Beecher
Ellison is diminutive on the court, but makes up for the lack of size with ball handling and dazzling speed. He scored 21 points in the team’s victory over Class A Saginaw.
Josh Simms 5’10” senior guard Holly
Lost in the conversation for Holly’s backcourt is Josh Simms, Simms added 19 points in the loss to Flint Southwestern. Likes to attack the rim with athleticism, and hit two threes.
Cedric Moten 6’2″ senior guard Flint Beecher
Beecher’s rotation calls on Moten to play more of a forward role, and Moten still excelled against the length and athleticism of Saginaw’s front line. Moten scored 17 points, and hauled in seven rebounds.
Aquavius Burks 6’4″ junior forward Flint Beecher
Burks looks more mobile and agile now as an upperclassmen, he’s quicker to rebounds and even quicker to challenge for loose balls. He also has a reliable mid-range game to his arsenal. Finished with 14 points.
Gary Perry 6’8″ senior forward Bishop Foley
Perry found himself in a battle against Davision 6’8″ senior Frank Vukaj. Vukaj team’s won on the scoreboard, but Perry still had 13 points, including a complicated reverse layup and hauled in nine rebounds.
Other Standouts
Javon Pratt 5’10” senior guard Saginaw
Ronquavious Southward 6’0″ sophomore guard Saginaw
Frank Vukaj 6’8″ senior forward Davison
Josh Moore 6’4″ senior guard Flint Southwestern
Isaac Casillas 6’0″ senior guard Holly
Kyle Woodruff 6’2″ junior guard Holly
David St. Aubin 5’9″ senior guard Goodrich
Austin Gentner 6’6″ senior forward Yale
Colin Casterlow 6’5″ senior forward Ypsilanti Arbor Prep
Cole Maten 6’3″ senior forward Bishop Foley
The Prep Ball Report 
Excellent coverage Steve! I’ll be looking for your comments on the PSL Xmas classic.