Flint’s I-75 Hardwood Classic Returns, Showcasing Top Senior Talent

FLINT, Michigan — The 2nd annual Mid-Michigan I-75 Hardwood Classic is scheduled to deliver a fast-paced, high-energy basketball game on Saturday, April 18, at Mt. Morris High School (8041 Neff Rd).

Like last year’s showcase, the event will feature 20 top senior basketball players from Genesee and Saginaw counties, representing more than 11 different high schools. The North vs. South All-Star game will highlight some of the region’s best high school basketball talent.

“One of the reasons I started this showcase was for the kids that don’t have [basketball college] offers right now, so I could bring in college coaches to actually take a look at the kids that could potentially get offers to sign with a school,” says organizer Roy Jackson Jr.

“Last year, MVP Mt. Morris standout Brent Wofford III erupted for a game-high 30 points and landed an offer from Kirkland Community College. Last year, over 11 college coaches were in attendance. This year, we are expecting about 20 plus.”

This year, the North Team, coached by Mt. Morris’ Antonioe McMillion, will feature standouts Jody Jackson (Flint Hamady), Cortez Porter (Davison/Ferris State commit, football), and Cooper Wagner (Freeland/Northwood commit).

The South Team will once again be coached by Lake Fenton’s Jalen Miller and will feature Kendreyas White (Carman-Ainsworth/Mott Community College commit), Jeffrey Turner (Flint Elite), and Georyeon Cannon (Grand Blanc).

The I-75 Hardwood Classic’s second-year mission is to shine a light on basketball while allowing both teams to celebrate their hard work and dedication as they close out their high school careers.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neely will award certificates of eminence to each participating athlete. College coaches from across Michigan will also be in attendance, giving players the opportunity to be seen on the court by both recruiters and fans.

“All the participating student athletes will receive a customized uniform with their name on the back, along with medals courtesy of the Dreams Two Reality Basketball organization. The MVP will receive the Most Outstanding Player of the Game trophy,” says Jackson.

DJ Chef Nate and the game’s emcee, Silly Boy, will keep the crowd entertained with music and commentary while the athletes compete on the hardwood. There will also be a 50/50 raffle during the game, with a 55-inch smart TV as a prize.

This year’s I-75 Hardwood Classic sponsors include The Smooth Steppers, the City of Flint, Vibes Southfield, MAE Cares, and R.O.Y. Reaching Our Youth, all of whom have helped make the second year of this event possible.

Also, Jackson says, “There will be media outlets in attendance to catch all he highlights along with major news media,” with coverage from TRG.VISUALS, D1TV Media, Flicks By Ace, Wes Paterson 810 Photography, Shots By Cailee, and many more.

The event is set for Saturday, April 18, at Mt. Morris High School. 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 ages 6 and up and free admission for children 5 and under.