Mason Grivna
Midwest Mania continues to be a premier early season stop of the grassroots basketball calendar. Featuring over 10 programs from EYBL, 3SSB, UAA, and Pro16- as well as the top MHC programs from the midwest and beyond, this weekend will be one of the best of the grassroots season. With that in mind, MADE takes a closer look at five things to keep an eye on at Midwest Mania
Friday Night Fireworks Set Between STARS UAA and Midwest Elite Cincy MHC
A new-look Midwest Elite Cincy team has reloaded following making the 16U championship game at Summer Finale last July. Returnees Eyobel Abraham and Riley McQueen set the tone, as wings Aiden Monroe & Keon Bonner and guard Brayden Bilton each showcased why the MEC staff went out and added them this winter. A 2-2 overall start at Indy Clash was a bit misleading, and a shot at the new Under Armor program, STARS, kicks off their weekend. Ty Cobb (Liberty) and Hayden Shouse headline the Nashville based team, who’s not built totally dissimarily to this Midwest Elite group. Cobb is a talented scorer capable of changing a game, and Shouse will be a good test for the Midwest Elite front court. In a weekend dotted with primetime matchups up and down the schedule, this could prove to be one of the best games regardless of age group.
Will Ohio Bruins 2028 Build On Strong Start?
Indy Clash was the Ohio Bruins first run on the MHC, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. The Bruins would walk away 3-0, including two all-important MHC wins vs Midwest Elite Cincy and Kentucky Ambition. Forward Holden Smith and Dustin Hess were productive from the perimeter and down low. They’ll open up with STARS UAA on Friday night before closing things out with Wildcat Select. In between, another important MHC matchup with West Michigan Premier- a win there would signal the Bruins as one of the early frontrunners of the 16U division.
Guard Play will Be On Display
Whether it’s the Family’s Stevie Hall, Phenom United’s Josh Tyson, or Kentucky Ambition’s Braxton Keathley, some of the best guards in the Midwest will go heads up at Midwest Mania. While they are far from the only future division one guards likely to play a big role for a team in attendance this weekend, it will be interesting to see which make the most of the Mania stage.
The “Breakout” Continues For Grivna
Plenty has been made of 2029 7-footer in early scouting circles, and it appears to just be the start. Ballard (KY) forward Mason Grivna has the skill and shooting touch of a wing, making him one of the elite prospects in the country regardless of class. Midwest Mania will give fans and coaches alike a glimpse into the Louisville area big man’s game over the weekend. With games against WV Gold Pro 16 and Mississauga Monarchs MHC on tap, Grivna will have every opportunity to back up his top 20 ranking.
Hawks Elite Make MHC Debut with Gauntlet of Schedule
The Alabama based program has quickly built a strong history of placing kids at the college level and this year should be no exception. Guards Riley Bryant and Vytautas Persinevicius have drawn early praise and should be popular names amongst college programs in the region. Mississippi big man Marcus Benford will anchor things in the middle for a group that has championship aspirations in year one. They’ll be tested with a trio of 3SSB games vs Midwest Basketball Club, Phenom United, and Indiana Elite, before finishing things out with an Ohio Buckets team that has been one of the best programs on the EYCL in its short history. Translation: even without playing a game against MHC competition, we’re about to see the Hawks be really tested out of the gate.
