2015 Bill Hensley Run-N-Slam weekend news notes

FT.WAYNE, Ind. -Michigan teams had a successful run in the 2015 Bill Hensley Run-N-Slam in Ft.Wayne, Indiana over the weekend, with two programs taking home championship trophies in the end. The Michigan Mustangs 16-Under team, which is one of the best teams in the state regardless of age group, won the 16-Under Gold Division title, while R.E.A.C.H., which was placed in the 17-Under Silver Division because of a tiebreaker, took home that title.

The Mustangs defeated King James' 16-Under team for the third time in about a month, led by a tremendous collection of some of the best class of 2017 players in the state of Michigan, including power forward Xavier Tillman (14 points), point guard Jermaine Jackson (18 points), and shooting guard Matt Beachler, just to name a few. They went 7-1 over the weekend, against some elite competition, solidifying themselves as one of the best teams in their age group, in the country.

It took R.E.A.C.H., double-overtime to capture their trophy at Spiece, 82-74 over the Chicago Demons. R.E.A.C.H., rolled off seven straight wins over the weekend, after dropping their first game of the tourney, in what was a grueling three days for all teams participating. R.E.A.C.H., might not have any high-major players on their roster, but they do have a nice collection of quality players who compete hard, led by combo guard Trishton Jackson, shooting guard Karim Murray, and power forward Alaric Jackson.

Michigan commits/targets in attendance

Both of the University of Michigan's class of 2016 recruits were at the Run-N-Slam over the weekend, in Team Work 17-Under center, Jon Teske, who Rivals.com ranks as the No.96 player n the nation, and another big man in Austin Davis of the Michigan Mustangs 17-Under squad. Both of their teams were knocked out of the tournament early, but were impressive over the weekend.

Both Teske and Davis stand a legit 6-10, and obviously were mismatch nightmares for most of their opponents over the weekend, rebounding and blocking shots. Offensively, they are both projects, but Michigan head coach, John Beilein, and his staff have a knack for making for making big men better.

Several Wolverines targets were also in Ft.Wayne, most notably, King James 17-Under 2016 shooting guard, Jarron Cumberland. Michigan just recently got in on Cumberland's recruitment, and they like what he can do offensively with the rock. He was one of best overall players at the event, including a 24-point outburst on Saturday. He said he plans to visit Michigan sometime in June.

HORSEPOWER

As I mentioned before, the Michigan Mustangs 16-U team won the highest bracket in the event, led by the No.68 player in the class of 2017, as ranked by Rivals.com, Xavier Tillman. Every time I watch Tillman play, I start to like him even more. He is only about 6-6, maybe 6-7, but doesn't let that stop him. He used that 230-pound frame well, bullying skinnier defenders, and has exceptional post moves to match. If Tillman reaches 6-9, 6-10, and he still has a few years to do so, it could get scary.

The Mustangs also have 2017 point guard Jermaine Jackson, who only stands about 5-8, but is a natural leader at the point. He rarely made mistakes running the point, and knew how to use his teammates talents at points in the games. Jackson has very high basketball IQ, and is so crafty going to rim, even against much bigger defenders.

Gridiron Gang

If there were to be a football team assembled at Spiece, the 17U Silver Division champs, R.E.A.C.H.'s 17U team would take the cake. They have three players with Division I football offers on their roster, including junior Alaric Jackson. He is a 6-7, 285-pounder, who plays power forward, but holds a few Big Ten football offers at offensive tackle, including from Michigan State, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. He moves well for someone his size on the court, but even better on the gridiron with pads on.

Every team needs a Jalen Martin on their team. The 6-2 forward probably won't be playing basketball in college, although he left the door open to do so, but his toughness is what every coach wants from their players. At close to 200-pounds, Martin out-muscled taller players for rebounds, and brought an attitude to R.E.A.C.H.'s team. He holds a handful of offers in football at wide receiver.

Last but not least, is Trishton Jackson. The 6-2 point guard is R.E.A.C.H.'s floor general, but is also the quarterback for his high school team. Athletically gifted, Jackson scored almost at-will, whenever he applied himself, with some impressive and smooth moves to the bucket. He has a shot at being a Division I basketball player, but right now, basketball is in his future. His biggest offer to date is from Purdue, but at wide receiver.

Keeping it in The Family

Minus its 17U team that didn't participate in the Run-N-Slam over the weekend, The Family AAU's younger teams didn't fare too well in the event, but both teams had a roster full of promising prospects at all positions on their 16U and 15U teams.

Their 16U team had a trio of guards who will be pretty good down the line, in 6-2 Amauri Hardy, David Dejulius, and Ronquavious "Qua" Southward. Hardy didn't play much when I watched them play, but is an attacking guard, with an impressive build already, holding on to a Buffalo offer so far. Southward is rather small, but hails from Saginaw, Michigan, so he has that "Sag-Nasty" toughness in his game. He can also knock down the three. Dejulius didn't have one of his best weekends on the circuit, but the 2018 point guard certainly has potential, once his skills catch up with his body. Remember the name.

On the 15U side of things, 6-7 center Shayne Scruggs is one to watch for in the class of 2018. Scruggs has great size already, and is a willing rebounder and defender. I was very impressed by his game, and he will be an asset for Lansing Sexton on the court. Another 2018 big man on The Family's 15U team is Deante Johnson of Detroit Edison. Very skinny, and very raw, Johnson has nice length already at about 6-6. Far from a finished project, but still a name to mention.