A Hardwood Classic Is Born: Mid Michigan’s top basketball talent faces off in Flint

FLINT, Michigan — The first ever Mid Michigan I-75 Hardwood Classic kicks off on Saturday, April 26, at Flint Hamady High School (3223 West Carpenter Rd) and plans to give Mid-Michigan basketball fans a night to remember.

The showcase will bring together 20 top high school basketball players from Genesee and Saginaw Counties, representing 10 different schools, in a North vs. South all-star showdown that celebrates regional talent and unity through sport.

"The I-75 Classic will be an annual event in the City of Flint and will be marked as one of the biggest spring events for seniors for years to come," says organizer Roy Jackson Jr. "This year's event consists of 20 of the top student-athletes that are from 10 different high schools across the county, [including] Hamady, Bentley, Goodrich, International Academy, Carman Ainsworth, Lake Fenton, Powers Catholic, Grand Blanc, Mt Morris and Saginaw United."

The players are split into two teams, featuring a dynamic mix of rising stars, senior leaders, and collegiate-bound talent. These players were selected for their outstanding performance and will now have the opportunity to compete alongside and against some of the region’s finest.

The North Team, coached by Antonieo McMillion of Montrose, includes athletes like Deuce Weston (Carman Ainsworth), Brent Wofford III (Mt. Morris), and Torrion Burt (Saginaw United).

On the South Team, led by Jalen Miller of Lake Fenton, fans can expect standout performers like TJ Stevenson (Saginaw United/Central State University commit), Parker LePla (Goodrich/University of Indianapolis commit), and Delonta Boone (Flint Hamady).

The I-75 Hardwood Classic isn’t only about friendly rivalry — it’s about showcasing the deep talent pool and bridging communities through the shared love of basketball.

This shared love extends to Flint's Mayor Sheldon Neeley, who will award certificates to each athlete, honoring their excellence and contributions to the sport. College coaches from across Michigan and beyond will attend, offering players a valuable opportunity to be seen and potentially recruited at the next level.
Promotional flier for the Mid Michigan I-75 Hardwood Classic.
"Every student-athlete will receive customized uniforms with their name on the back along with medals from Dreamz Two Reality Basketball Organization and special certificates from Mayor Sheldon Neeley for their participation in this year's event, while the MVP will receive a trophy for a most outstanding player at the event," says Jackson.

While the athletes will take center stage on the hardwood, the event is designed to be a full community experience. Renowned entertainer Sillyboy will emcee the evening, and DJ Chef Nate will energize the crowd with music.

"We will have a special performance at halftime from Delois Jackson and The Smooth Steppers Line Dancing group. They are from Flint, Michigan, but travel all over the world to show off their famous line dances. The official DJ for the event is “Chef Nate,” who always keeps the crowd aroused on the 1s and 2s. Also, the official Host for the game is “Sillyboy,” who always keeps the crowd entertained. There will also be a raffle to win a 55-inch smart TV."

The I-75 Hardwood Classic wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community and local businesses. Ten sponsors, including Dreamz Two Reality Basketball LLC, Dort Financial Credit Union, Financial Plus Credit Union, DestiniiBeautii, and more, have stepped up to make this basketball game a Flint staple.

In addition, Jackson says, "There will also be 10 different media outlets in attendance to capture all the highlights along with major news outlets in attendance," with coverage from D1 TV Media, KamCityTV, WYS View, and DigiSharp Photography, to name a few.

"The future is bright for the Mid Michigan I-75 Classic because this event will be annual. This event will have college coaches in attendance for unsigned seniors to get [the] opportunities to get signed on the spot. This year, I have over 12 colleges attending and looking for student-athletes this upcoming season. I know this event will be one of the biggest events Flint, Michigan, has seen in a long time, and Dreamz Two Reality Basketball plans to be in the city of Flint for many years to come to help recognize talented seniors on their accomplishments all season."

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 26, at Hamady High School for a night where community pride meets athletic excellence. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and the game starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $10.00 on Eventbrite and $15.00 at the door. Special rates for children are $5.00 for kids six and up and free admission for children five and under.

Read more articles by Xzavier Simon.

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