TOP TEAMS CLASH IN THE MONEYBALL TIP-OFF CLASSIC: FULL DAY PREVIEW

Moneyball Tip Official Timeslot Graphic provided by Moneyballsportswear.com

The Michigan high school basketball season gets its first true showcase this Saturday as the Moneyball Tip-Off Classic, presented by LAFCU, takes over Don Johnson Fieldhouse in Lansing. With five marquee matchups featuring some of Michigan’s premier programs, this year’s event is loaded with talent, storylines, and early-season tests that could shape the landscape heading into 2026. EVERTT VIKINGS (1–3) VS LANSING CATHOLIC COUGARS (1–0) 12:30 PM – Moneyball Tip-Off Classic

The day opens with a capital-area showdown as Everett and Lansing Catholic square off in a matchup that traditionally brings energy, pace, and plenty of physical play. Although these teams enter with very different early-season trajectories, both arrive with something to prove.

Everett (1–3) comes into the Tip-Off Classic looking to bounce back after a tough stretch of close losses. The Vikings have played one of the more challenging early schedules in the area, and despite the record, they’ve been competitive in every matchup. A few late-game breaks going the other way and Everett could easily be sitting above .500. This group isn’t lacking talent junior guard Marrion May continues to emerge as the engine of the offense, a dynamic lead guard who can score from all three levels and set the tone defensively. Surrounding him is a roster loaded with athleticism, length, and young pieces still learning how to close out games. Everett may be 1–3, but they are dangerous, and they’re hungry. On the other sideline, Lansing Catholic (1–0) enters with fresh legs and early momentum after taking down Olivet on Thursday night, 63–53, handing the Eagles their first loss of the season. Lansing Catholic is one of the later-starting programs in the region while Everett already has four games under its belt, the Cougars have played just once. That creates an interesting dynamic: Everett has the advantage in game reps and chemistry, while Lansing Catholic arrives with fewer miles on their bodies and no film of bad habits. The Cougars are built on experience. Senior leaders Adam Molnar, Gary Tackett, and Joseph Gulock anchor a lineup with size, discipline, and scoring versatility. Surrounding them is a deep rotation with enough shooting and athleticism to stretch defenses and control tempo. With Everett fighting to snap a three-game skid and Lansing Catholic looking to start 2–0, this opener could set the tone for both teams’ seasons. Expect a competitive, high-energy matchup the kind of game where momentum swings quickly and a single run could decide it. Both squads have plenty to play for. Both have the talent to win. And both are ready to set the stage for a full day of hoops at the Moneyball Tip-Off Classic. LANSING EASTER QUAKERS (1–1) VS PONTIAC PHONEIX (1–1) 2:15 PM – Moneyball Tip-Off Classic The midday slate continues with an intriguing matchup as the Eastern Quakers take on the Pontiac Phoenix in what should be a competitive, fast-paced battle. Both teams enter at 1–1, each looking to use this neutral-site test as a springboard as they settle into the rhythm of the season. The Eastern Quakers have shown promising flashes early on, relying on gritty defense and opportunistic scoring to stay competitive. Key contributors Ian Curtis and Isaiah Canty bring the type of athleticism and defensive energy that fuels Eastern’s transition-heavy style. When the Quakers are forcing turnovers and running the floor, they’re at their best. The next step for this group is tightening their offensive chemistry valuing the ball, executing cleaner possessions, and building consistency. Eastern gets another measuring-stick game tonight against Fowlerville (2–2) before heading into Saturday’s showcase.

On the other side, the Pontiac Phoenix arrive with momentum and a well-balanced roster that combines size, skill, and youthful talent. Despite having a young core, the Phoenix are led by a trio of senior anchors: De’Sean Johnson, Jaiden Price, and Fa’Heem Jeffery. Together, they provide scoring punch, physicality, leadership, and the all-around playmaking that gives Pontiac its identity. This group thrives in transition, pushes the tempo at every opportunity, and can put points on the board in a hurry making them one of the more explosive teams in the event. The keys to this matchup will come down to tempo control and execution in the half court. Eastern will need to dictate pace, win the rebounding battle, and maximize each possession to keep Pontiac from turning the game into a track meet. Pontiac, meanwhile, will look to create early offense, pressure ball-handlers, and force the Quakers into uncomfortable looks. With both teams still learning who they are early in the season, this matchup has all the ingredients of a tightly contested showdown one where a handful of late-game plays could ultimately swing the outcome. HOLT RAMS (1–1) VS U OF DETROIT-JESUIT CUBS (0-4) 4:00 PM – Moneyball Tip-Off Classic The Moneyball Tip-Off Classic continues with an intriguing matchup as the evening slate rolls in, with the Holt Rams (1–1) taking on the U of Detroit-Jesuit Cubs (0–4). Both teams enter this contest with contrasting starts. Holt played a tough game against #3 Waverly on Monday night to bring their record to 1–1 after defeating Utica Ford in their opener. Tonight, they face Grand Ledge to get some additional playing time before tomorrow’s matchup.Detroit-Jesuit, meanwhile, is still chasing its first win of the season. The Cubs have faced a particularly tough schedule, going up against two of the state’s top programs, #2 Brother Rice and #20 Summit Academy North. Detroit-Jesuit showed resilience against Summit, keeping the game close and falling by just 11 points. The Rams will lean on a balanced attack and their home-court confidence to secure a win. Key returners Kaevion Wilson, Michael Aimery, and Braylon Defoe are expected to carry much of the offensive and defensive load. Other contributors to watch include Brandon Mercer II, Mikah Williams, Laterion Perkins, Manollo Williams, and Ethan Melville, providing a mix of veteran leadership and athleticism to give Holt an edge in this early-season test. Detroit-Jesuit brings size and length to the floor. Guards Ben Smith, Solomon Spann IV, and Vince Perkins handle much of the backcourt duties, while forwards Colin Langdon and Clark Langdon offer matchup versatility. Noel Frazier and Jaden Garwood are additional pieces looking to make an impact as the Cubs search for their first victory. This matchup offers a great early opportunity for both teams’ young players to make statements — Holt aims to stay above .500 and build momentum, while Detroit-Jesuit looks to balance its attack and surprise a hungry Rams squad. SEXTON J-DUBBS (1–1) VS #12 DETROIT CASS TECH (1-0) 5:45 PM – Moneyball Tip-Off Classic

The Moneyball Tip‑Off Classic continues with a marquee Top 20 matchup as the Sexton J‑Dubbs (1–1) take on #12 Detroit Cass Tech (1–0) at 5:45 PM. This early-season clash pits a hungry, battle-tested Sexton squad against a talented, highly-ranked Cass Tech team, promising a fast-paced and competitive showdown. Sexton comes into the contest motivated after splitting its first two games. The J‑Dubbs are looking to prove that they can compete with one of the region’s elite programs. Their offense is led by senior guard Keyshawn Summerville, a dynamic playmaker known for his scoring ability and clutch performances. Summerville can create his own shot, break down defenses, and find teammates in transition, making him the cornerstone of Sexton’s game plan. Supporting him are Markese Murray and Kivon Brown, two versatile contributors who provide scoring, athleticism, and energy. Together, this trio gives Sexton a balanced offensive attack that can challenge any defense, whether in half-court sets or in transition. Cass Tech enters the matchup undefeated and carrying the weight of their #12 ranking. (TBM Top 20) Despite being a young team, the Technicians boast a deep and versatile roster capable of scoring, rebounding, and defending at a high level. Key players include Stevie Hall, Sebastian Thrower, and Ramson Thomas, each bringing a mix of skill, athleticism, and court awareness that allows Cass Tech to dictate tempo and execute in critical moments. Their youth is balanced by talent and confidence, making them a formidable opponent even against experienced squads. Beyond individual talent, this game will test each team’s depth, adaptability, and resilience. Sexton will aim to leverage its guard play and balanced scoring to create matchup problems for Cass Tech, while the Technicians will rely on their versatility and athleticism to push the pace and impose their style of play. With both teams looking to make an early-season statement, fans can expect a high-energy contest full of highlight plays, tight competition, and momentum swings. Sexton hopes to secure a signature win that can propel them through the early season, while Cass Tech looks to validate its Top 20 ranking and remain undefeated. This clash promises to be a must-watch for any high school basketball fan looking for competitive action, emerging talent, and the intensity of the Moneyball Tip‑Off Classic. #1 EAST LANSING TROJANS (3–0) VS #8 DETROIT MLK CRUSADERS (0-1) 7:30 PM – Moneyball Tip-Off Classic The Moneyball Tip‑Off Classic caps off the evening with a Top 10 showdown as the #1 East Lansing Trojans (3–0) take on the #8 Detroit MLK Crusaders (0–1). This matchup features two of the region’s premier programs, with East Lansing looking to maintain its unbeaten streak and MLK seeking its first win after a tough opening loss. Fans can expect a fast-paced, competitive contest loaded with talent and high-level basketball. East Lansing enters the game undefeated and riding strong early-season momentum. The Trojans are a balanced, experienced squad with stifling defense, elite athleticism, and versatile scoring. Key players include senior guard and Bowling Green commit KJ Torbert Jr., a dynamic scorer and floor general capable of creating offense in transition or half-court sets, and junior wing Kingston Thomas, an athletic player who can impact both ends of the floor. These contributors, along with others on the roster, give East Lansing scoring balance, defensive versatility, and the experience to control tempo against any opponent. The Detroit MLK Crusaders are loaded with senior talent, including guards Steve Jones, Drew Floyd, and Gabe Hawkins, who provide leadership, scoring, and playmaking. While MLK has faced early challenges, their blend of veteran ball handlers and size up front gives the Crusaders the tools to compete if they execute efficiently and hit shots when it matters most. This game will test both teams’ resilience, depth, and adaptability. East Lansing will aim to leverage its experience, balanced attack, and defensive prowess to remain unbeaten, while MLK will rely on athleticism and guard play to try to pull off a signature early-season win. With standout players on both sides, fans can expect highlight-reel plays, momentum swings, and an intense, edge-of-your-seat contest from start to finish. This matchup promises to be a must-watch to close out the Moneyball Tip-Off Classic, as the Trojans look to reinforce their #1 ranking and the Crusaders seek to establish themselves as a force in the Top 10. With the Moneyball Tip‑Off Classic showcasing multiple top teams and rising talent across the evening slate, fans are in for a day full of high-level competition, standout performances, and early-season statement games. we will be there for all the action!