Writer/Scout for @prephoopsmi Broadcaster for 93.7 FM The Ticket and @misportsradio. Former educator still trying to help kids achieve their college goals
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Articles by Jonathon Gilbert
Overlooked October: Northern Michigan Fab 40 (1-10)
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the calendar flips to October, I am going to continue a series highlighting overlooked or undercovered regions in the state. I'll begin with my place of dwelling. The vast and rural region of Northern Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This isn't the first year I have attempted this herculean task. If you are a regular reader, you know the drill. Nothing is changing from previous years.
Overlooked October: Northern Michigan Fab 40 (20-11)
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the calendar flips to October, I am going to continue a series highlighting overlooked or undercovered regions in the state. I'll begin with my place of dwelling. The vast and rural region of Northern Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This isn't the first year I have attempted this herculean task. If you are a regular reader, you know the drill. Nothing is changing from previous years.
Overlooked October: Under the Radar Banner Raising Prospects
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm not positing any earth shattering secret in this opening. It goes without saying that the most talented team does not always win a state championship. Unquantifiable items like chemistry and intangibles are major parts of a team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the midst of the overlooked October series. I decided to comb back through the top ranked teams in each division.
Overlooked October: Northern Michigan Fab 40 (30-21)
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the calendar flips to October, I am going to begin a series highlighting overlooked or undercovered regions in the state. I'll begin with my place of dwelling. The vast and rural region of Northern Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This isn't the first year I have attempted this herculean task. If you are a regular reader, you know the drill. Nothing is changing from previous years.
Storm Fall League: New Names Emerge
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week three of the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] Fall League produced plenty of high level matchups. It's a Fall League, so rosters were thin with football absences and just plain rest. Despite that, there were still plenty of outstanding performances from players in the region (and just beyond as well)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the established names showed up and showed out.
Overlooked October: Northern Michigan Fab 40 (40-31)
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the calendar flips to October, I am going to begin a series highlighting overlooked or undercovered regions in the state. I'll begin with my place of dwelling. The vast and rural region of Northern Michigan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This isn't the first year I have attempted this herculean task. If you are a regular reader, you know the drill. Nothing is changing from previous years.
The Expo: Team 9 and 10 Evaluation Briefs
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eighty plus upperclassmen from all over the state of Michigan descended upon Grand Rapids for The Expo presented by Prep Hoops Michigan.
The Expo: Team 7 and 8 Evaluation Briefs
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eighty plus upperclassmen from all over the state of Michigan descended upon Grand Rapids for The Expo presented by Prep Hoops Michigan.
The Expo: Team 5 and 6 Evaluation Briefs
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eighty plus upperclassmen from all over the state of Michigan descended upon Grand Rapids for The Expo presented by Prep Hoops Michigan.
The Expo: Team 3 and 4 Evaluation Briefs
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eighty plus upperclassmen from all over the state of Michigan descended upon Grand Rapids for The Expo presented by Prep Hoops Michigan.
The Expo: Team 1 and 2 Evaluation Briefs
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eighty plus upperclassmen from all over the state of Michigan descended upon Grand Rapids for The Expo presented by Prep Hoops Michigan. Following are brief evaluation from teams 1 and 2.
MHSAA Rankings: The Division IV Not Quite Yet Rankings
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I try to not be a clickbait provocateur. Consequently, I struggled to come up with a name for the tail end of this ranking series. Future rankings didn't feel right as there are plenty of teams in the initial rankings with bright futures. I didn't want to just go with just the best young teams either as juniors are not necessarily young.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm going to go with the "not quite yet" moniker.
MHSAA Rankings: The Division III Not Quite Yet Group
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I try to not be a clickbait provocateur. Consequently, I struggled to come up with a name for the tail end of this ranking series. Future rankings didn't feel right as there are plenty of teams in the initial rankings with bright futures. I didn't want to just go with just the best young teams either as juniors are not necessarily young.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm going to go with the "not quite yet" moniker.
MHSAA Rankings: The Division II Not Quite Yet Group
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I try to not be a clickbait provocateur. Consequently, I struggled to come up with a name for the tail end of this ranking series. Future rankings didn't feel right as there are plenty of teams in the initial rankings with bright futures. I didn't want to just go with just the best young teams either as juniors are not necessarily young.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm going to go with the "not quite yet" moniker.
MHSAA Rankings: The Division I Not Quite Yet Group
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I try to not be a clickbait provocateur. Consequently, I struggled to come up with a name for the tail end of this ranking series. Future rankings didn't feel right as there are plenty of teams in initial rankings with bright futures. I didn't want to just go with just the best young teams either as juniors are not necessarily young.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm going to go with the "not quite yet" moniker.
MHSAA Way-to-Early Rankings: Five More for Division I
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After giving you the preseason Division I top ten a few weeks ago. It's time to add to that initial list. A few quick guidelines. Consider the initial list (which I will provide a link for) as a static group right now. This list is not numbered and is in alphabetical order.
MHSAA Way-to-Early Rankings: Five More for Division II
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After giving you the preseason Division II top ten a few weeks ago. It's time to add to that initial list. A few quick guidelines. Consider the initial list (which I will provide a link for) as a static group right now. This list is not numbered and is in alphabetical order.
MHSAA Way-to-Early Rankings: Five More for Division III
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After giving you the preseason Division III top ten a few weeks ago. It's time to add to that initial list. A few quick guidelines. Consider the initial list (which I will provide a link for) as a static group right now. This list is not numbered and is in alphabetical order.
MHSAA Way-to-Early Rankings: Five More for Division IV
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After giving you the preseason Division IV top ten a few weeks ago. It's time to add to that initial list. A few quick guidelines. Consider the initial list (which I will provide a link for) as a static group right now. This list is not numbered and is in alphabetical order. The initial list does not change (yet) These are just more teams to watch that will probably be ranked at some point in the year.
MHSAA Way-to-Early Ranking: Division I Top Ten
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three down, one to go. I will wrap up this early ranking rollout series with Michigan's largest classification. The big boys in Division I. I'm going to keep it to ten teams and for the sake of brevity limit the capsules to 2-3 players listed per team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That is a challenge with this division. Bigger enrollments mean deeper teams and more talent. Also easily the most difficult cut line at ten.
MHSAA Way-to-Early Rankings: Division II Top Ten
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On to the big boys. After starting with Michigan's smaller classifications in Divisions III and IV. The rankings rollout took a brief pause to cover the Prep Hoops Freshmen Showcase and Sophomore ID Camp. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Break over and we are jumping right into the deep end. Bigger enrollments, means more talent, and deeper teams. It's just simple math. That also means tougher cuts. I'm going to keep the list to ten teams.
Prep Hoops Freshmen Showcase: When Sides Collide
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the process of cleaning out the notebook and wrapping up the coverage from the Prep Hoops Freshmen Showcase. It becomes apparent that some strong performances slip through the cracks. I try my best to keep it from happening, but these are large events loaded with good players. It happens every year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I surveyed some players that were missed.
Prep Hoops Sophomore ID Camp: Up North Standouts
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As August ends, I'll wrap up the coverage of the Sophomore ID camp with for the "home" team. By home, I mean my region of origin in Northern Michigan. The 2029 class in Michigan has a chance to be a special group. While the top of class is outstanding, the reach of excellence seemingly extends throughout the entire state. Including Northern Michigan. Following are five that caught my eye, I left out some players that I already covered from the camp.
Prep Hoops Freshmen Showcase: Lansing Loose Ends
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I surveyed the coverage from the loaded Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. I noticed that some very good performances seemingly slipped through the cracks. Happens every year and I do my best to try and limit its occurrences at such a big event. Oddly enough, the ones that jumped off my notebook seemed to be centered around the Lansing area.
Prep Hoops Sophomore ID Camp: West Michigan Wings
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Sophomore ID camp was a deep field of 110 participants. Trying to categorize and break down the field can be a challenge. You can't just provide a list of players and say they are... good. With that challenge in mind. As I went through my notes, one position and region stood out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were a lot talebted wings from West Michigan. Additinally they had diverse skill sets, sizes, and strenghths.
MHSAA Way-to-Early Rankings: Division III Top Ten
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When I endeavored to begin this series of rankings roll outs. My initial goal was to avoid the "Way to Early" moniker in the headline. After all school is starting or has started in most Michigan school districts. Rosters are usually pretty set by this point. However, a funny thing happened on the way to a deadline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In case you haven't been paying attention.
Prep Hoops Sophomore ID Camp: Detroit Shows Up
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've covered a lot of Prep Hoops Showcases through the years. Due to its usual West Michigan locale, you can count players the west side of the state showing out. This year a strong group of Detroit area players performed well at the Sophomore ID Camp.
Prep Hoops Freshmen Showcase: Point Guard Parade (Part 2)
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I strongly subscribe to the adage that bigs develop later than guards and wings. Towards that measure, Freshman Showcases and Underclassmen camps tend to skew towards smaller point guards. Despite that being commonplace. I was still struck by the outstanding play of the many ball dominant lead guards on Sunday. It is not a definitive or numbered list, as this was a deep field.
Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase: Point Guard Parade (Part 1)
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I strongly subscribe to the adage that bigs develop later than guards and wings. Towards that measure, Freshman Showcases and Underclassmen camps tend to skew towards smaller point guards. Despite that being commonplace. I was still struck by the outstanding play of the many ball dominant lead guards on Sunday. It is not a definitive or numbered list, as this was a deep field. As the title states, just a first installment.
Prep Hoops Sophomore ID Camp: New Post Names
Photo: Scott Hankamp, Prep Hoops In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a field 110 players deep, it might be easy for a player to get lost in the shuffle at times. Consequently, I'll kick off a week of coverage by looking at players who don't get lost in the shuffle i.e... really tall guys.
MHSAA Way-to-Early Rankings: Division IV Top Ten
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When I endeavored to begin this series of rankings roll outs. My initial goal was to avoid the "Way to Early" moniker in the headline. After all school is close to starting in most Michigan school districts. Rosters are usually pretty set by this point. However, a funny thing happened on the way to a deadline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In case you haven't been paying attention.
Bank Hoops Underclassmen Camp: Alive on the Lakeshore
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bank Hoops organization provided a competitive and deep field this past weekend for the annual Underclassmen Camp. A strong contingent of players from the Lakeshore stood out.
Bank Hoops Underclassmen Camp: Fab Five Performers
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bank Hoops Underclassmen Camp was strong day of competitive basketball from some of the top young players in the state (and nation) Perhaps it was the presence of new Michigan head coach Mike Boynton, but I have the Fab Five on the brain.
Elite Camp Weekend: Next Generation Standouts
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An unusually paced summer left me making up for lost time on the Elite camp front. After not catching any during June. I hit two in one weekend. In both locations I was struck by... broken record alert!! The exceeding depth of the 2029 class in Michigan.
Elite Camp Warriors: Double Duty Performers
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of my favorite parts of this job is covering various on campus elite camps. Much different than multi court AAU events or regular season contests. Just close to 100 players on 2-4 courts going at it with college coaches watching. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That being said, you wouldn't know it from this year's schedule. No excuses, just didn't line up with my scheduled as much this year.
Grassroots Wrap Up: All Points in Between Questions
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The end of July marks the official end of the AAU season. I'm going to begin to move on to the scholastic portion by wrapping up a series looking at how what was seen in the spring and summer will inform the regular season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I began by looking at Detroit area questions. Before moving on to the Westside of the state. Hence the unusual catch all regional title. Now lets look at the rest of the state.
Grassroots Wrap Up: Westside Questions
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With July officially marking the end of the AAU season. I am going to turn the page to the scholostic season. It might seem a bit early, but Fall Legues will kick in before you know it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm going to look at how the AAU season informs what we might see in the regular season. After starting with the Detroit area. I'll move on over to the Westside with a series of questions.
Grassroots Wrap Up: Detroit Area Questions
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With July marking the full conclusion of the grassroots season. I think it's best to turn the page to the scholastic season as the Fall Leagues will kick up before you know it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm going to look at how the AAU season informs what we might see in the regular season.
UAA Finals: Michigan Standouts
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I enjoyed being in person to cover two days of the Under Armour National Championship in Louisville this year. I had every intention of providing timely boots on the ground coverage from the loaded event. However, I spent Thursday night under some vehicular stress, and Friday in a fine auto repair establishment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While they were nice and full of Southern Hospitality.
National Open Championship: Southern State Standouts
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the end of the summer, the intro ideas start run thin. Let's workshop this one. In my last article from this AAU season. Let's go back to where it all began... for me. As a Michigan scout I can't neglect the fact that I was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee. Following are seven standouts broken down class from the Voluteer state.
National Open Championship: Michigan Standouts
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Though there was a small volume in terms of participants. The quality of Michigan teams was certainly present at the final stop of the Prep Hoops Circuit.
National Open Championship: Saturday Night Notebook
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second day of the Prep Hoops National Championship saw plenty of high level play in the 15U Division.
National Open Championship: Friday Night Notebook
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final event of the Prep Hoops Circuit tipped off just outside of Indianapolis on Friday night. I've been assigned to the 15U Division at the Pacers Athletic Center for the weekend.
The Platform: Wisconsin Standouts
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the home state of Illinois certainly defended their home court in regards to providing top performers. The northerly neighbors from Wisconsin were a close second.
The Platform: Buckeye and Hoosier Standouts
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I stated in previous coverage. Due its location just off the runway of Midway Airport. The Platform had a distinct Chicago and Southern Wisconsin feel to it. That did stop the rest of the Midwest from getting involved in the high-level action. Particularly from the states of Indiana and Ohio.
The Platform: Michigan Shows Out
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Due to it's Windy City locale, The Platform had a decided Chicago and Southern Wisconsin flavor. Despite that, a small but talented contingent of Michigan teams showed up and showed out in the three day event.
The Platform: Friday Night Notebook
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the second time this grassroots season. I headed back into to the shadows of Midway Airport for a tournament. The Platform's opening night produced some high level play in a brief three game opening night session.
Illinois Tune Up: Next Generation Standouts
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was assigned to cover the 17U at last week's Illinois Tune Up. However, the uniqueness of the two day mid-week warn up tournament left plenty of time to check out the action from other divisions.
Illinois Tune Up: Backcourt Standouts
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rare mid week AAU event coined the Illinois Tune Up took place this past Thursday and Friday just off historic Route 66 in Romeoville. After giving you the frontcourt standouts from 17U division yesterday.
Illinois Tune Up: Bigs on Parade
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first event of July Prep Hoops Circuit commenced earlier than usual due to the weekend placement of Indepwndence Day. Following are the frontcourt standouts I saw in the two day event coined the Tune Up Illinois. All players are from the class of 2027 playing in the 17U division.
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