The D Zone Week 6 Player of the Year Candidates

This will be an ongoing list updated every week to showcase our top candidates for The D Zone Player of the Year award.

(Winner can be from any class)

Top 11 candidates in alphabetical order:

Markus Blackwell, 6-2 Sr., Warren Lincoln

Supreme scorer who committed to Eastern Illinois after helping the Abes win a state title last season. He’s a key cog on a lineup with multiple high-major college recruits. Hits mid-range and long-range shots and is good at creating turnovers on the other end. He should continue being a bulk scorer at the next level as well.

Leroy Blyden Jr., 6-1 Sr., UD Jesuit

A tremendous athlete and all around player who can shoot from deep, run the offense and plays above the rim. Quick on both ends of the court and strong going to the basket despite his slender frame. Committed to Toledo.

Jake Champagne, 6-3 Sr., Oxford

Fantastic guard still looking for a home at the next level. He became Oxford’s all-time leading scorer early this season. He’s a tremendous shooter from long range, can create his own shot, and is strong getting to the basket. He could be a late steal for a D1 coach in need of a heady player with elite shooting upside.

Stevie Elam, 6-2 Sr., Adrian

A scoring machine with a versatile game. Committed to Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he has the muscle and height to be a great point guard at the next level. Elam is a bulk scorer on a team lacking scoring options, but he’s still efficient and unselfish. He’s a true star who somehow still seems to fly under the radar.

J.J. Frakes, 6-4 Sr., Berrien Springs

Frakes gained state-wide recognition in December when he committed to Oregon on a full-ride scholarship. Frakes is a tremendous shooter with deep range and a fearless mentality. He’s one of the best dunkers in the state both in quality and quantity. Fans across the state will be hoping his small, southwest Michigan high school can make a deep tournament run so they can see the mysterious future Duck.

Keane Hinkle, 5-11 Sr., Byron Center

Has risen as one of the state’s premier shooters who has had several 20-plus scoring games so far this season. Hinkle has a pure lefty shooting stroke, and a really quick trigger. He’s also scrappy fighting for loose balls and rebounding over taller defenders. Uncommitted.

Trey McKenney, 6-4 Sr., OLSM

Mr. Basketball favorite by a wide margin. The University of Michigan commit is one of the best and most accomplished high school basketball players in the state’s history. He’s the all-time Eaglets career scorer and has a state title. He should get extra credit for staying in Michigan all four years. Loyalty will likely pay off.

Carlos Medlock Jr., 5-11 Jr., Wayne Memorial

He has the talent to be a one-man wrecking crew at this level. Bulk scorer who thrills with his fancy finishes around the rim. He’s improved as an outside shooter and is very difficult to stop off the dribble. Tremendous player who might even outshine his dad, of the same name, who played at Eastern Michigan. Uncommitted.

Macari Moore, 6-3 Sr., AA Huron

Strong, aggressive guard who can score 25-plus any night. Signed with Iowa State, where he will look to continue the positive pipeline has seen many Michigan high school players don a Cyclones jersey over the years. Moore has not only been asked to be the team’s leading scorer this season, but he’s also the muscle on the glass. Should be a lock for a Mr. Basketball nomination.

John Simpson, 6-5 Sr., Birmingham Groves

A Northwood University commit who could ultimately join a D1 roster at some point. He’s basically a tall guard who can’t be guarded by other backcourt players. He’s a great 3-point shooter. He’s long and athletic around the basket and blocks a lot of shots on defense. Very entertaining to watch.

Camden Thompson, 6-6 Sr., Whitehall

Dual-sport college athlete who has signed with Western Michigan to play both basketball and football. Could be a steal on the hardwood if he sticks with basketball. He’s a long, strong wing with an improving outside shot. He fiercely crashes the boards to the point it’s almost an upset if he doesn’t have a 20-point, 20-rebound game.