The Michigan BballBlog

As the season winds down, the prep basketball season in Michigan is heating up. Keep track of key games and top performers as Michigan Insider takes you around the state, tracking all the action.

We were in Forest Hills Friday night to watch the East Grand Rapids Pioneers try to continue their winning ways against a tough Forest Hills Central bunch. Michigan bound PG Kelvin Grady had a relatively quiet game, but his talented teammates stepped up. C/F Justin Anyijong, headed to Toledo, scored 18 points and blocked 4 shots. He showed good touch on his mid-range jumper and is much improved on the offensive end from the last time we saw him. DeMarcus Grady, Kelvin's cousin and a Northern Illinois football signee was the star on the night as he dropped 23 points on the Rangers as EGR won 54-38. Leading FHC was sophomore sharp shooter Derek Dennis with 11 points, 9 of those from behind the arc. Video highlights of the Gradys and Anyijong are forthcoming.

When talking to our basketball moles around the state, the name that continues to be mentioned is Austin Thornton. The Cedar Springs senior continues to impress and did so again this Friday, scoring 31 points and snatching 9 rebounds in a win over Coopersville. The victory sealed the OK-Blue title for Cedar Springs.

Grand Valley State is looking to raise its basketball program to the level of its storied football team and the Lakers are well on their way as they are enjoying their best season in recent memory. The success is paying off in recruiting as well as the Lakers have already signed an outstanding class for 2007. One of their big commits, Alvin Storrs of Northville dropped 31 points on Livonia Stevenson this past week.

And always with an eye towards the future, one youngster who has impressed this season is Birmingham Brother Rice's freshman PG Kevonte Martin. He has had valuable experience this year and has shown good quickness and a feel for the game beyond his age. He is also a wide receiver prospect to monitor on the gridiron over the next few seasons.