The Initial Senior Future Games Is A Big Hit
August 1, 2024
Bruce Hefflinger
Ohio Senior Writer
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The Inaugural Invitation-Only event featured the best identified 2025 prospects from across the Prep Baseball Coverage Area in a four-day event at LakePoint Sports in Emerson, GA. Participants were given the unique opportunity of competing against other top-level players while representing their respective state in a high-level atmosphere.
This event ran in conjunction with the Prep Baseball Future Games. The Future Games featured the top uncommitted players in the Class of 2026 and 2027 from across the Prep Baseball Report’s 40+ state coverage area. It is one of the most highly recruited events of the summer and attracts more than 300 college coaches from across the country each year.
CLICK HERE to view the Senior Future Games Statistics.
The Initial Senior Future Games Is A Big Hit
EMERSON, Ga. - The first ever Prep Baseball Senior Future Games gave the top uncommitted players in the country an opportunity that had never taken place before. It was a chance to be seen at LakePoint in front of more than 400 college coaches.
“Each of our staff members and scouting directors was adamant about having that event added,” explained Shooter Hunt, vice president of scouting for Prep Baseball. “In this age of Transfer Portal, college coaches are being pulled in many directions, so being able to give those uncommitted rising seniors the opportunity to get four days in front of coaches was something that we felt was inherent to providing the most comprehensive scouting event in the country.”
A dozen teams featuring players from 39 different states along with three Canadian provinces were in attendance in the event, including the Great Lakes squad consisting of 25 players from Ohio and Michigan. The team did not disappoint, winning all three games while showing off talent that already has two players committed since the start of the Senior Future Games and others receiving new offers.
“Team Great Lakes had a great showing going undefeated,” explained Prep Baseball Michigan Scouting Director Adam Goodwin. “I think the balance of a split roster of Michigan and Ohio was very healthy and benefited many programs that came to watch the kids compete. Specifically, Steven Fountain (Michigan State) and Chance Sobbry (Georgia Southern) garnered commitments from Division I programs as they participated in the event.”
Hunt was thrilled with how it all turned out.
“A record-setting 425 college coaches were in attendance for this event, and that number alone speaks volumes to the importance of the event in the recruiting world,” Hunt said about the 12th annual Future Games for incoming sophomores and juniors along with the Junior Future Games for soon-to-be ninth graders and select eighth graders and, this year, the first Senior Future Games. “There is simply nothing else like it. Many schools were there with three and four coaches because there was so much talent.
“It was fascinating hearing how each school split up the event,” Hunt added in reference to the challenge at hand to see players at each of the three levels of play. “They all appeared to have full on meetings prior to coming to LakePoint to figure out how to dissect the coverage to get the most out of it.”
Kyle Weldon, Prep Baseball Ohio Director of Scouting, sees a bright future in the Senior Future Games after witnessing year one.
“That event will be even bigger next year with the roster/scholarship changes,” Weldon said. “I’m excited to see its growth.”
With such rave reviews, it appears just the start of things to come.
“By the end of the event, many coaches were asking for more teams to be added to the Senior Futures Games,” Hunt concluded. “It will only grow from here.”
As for what lies ahead with the Senior Future Games, as well as the Future Games and Juniors, that is still to be determined.
“Nothing has been set for 2025, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some changes and advancements,” Hunt concluded. “We are never satisfied, and always want to provide the best experience for both the player and college coach so that it is easier for the two to unite.”
A Prep Baseball thank you to all that participated and a special thanks to the players on Team Great Lakes that gave their thoughts about the event:
***** If you were on Team Great Lakes and did not share your thoughts, feel free to email/text us and we will get them included within this article.
The Two-Ways
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Will update when a response is received.
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Brendon Rowe OF / RHP / Carlisle, OH / 2025
Will update when a response is received.
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Cody Shaw RHP / C / Defiance, OH / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
I was very honored to attend the Future Games. When I saw the facilities, I was amazed at how incredible the setting and environment were. I enjoyed the level of competition. Our team went 3-0. My highlight was winning the first game by one run. I got good at-bats, three stolen bases and scored two runs for the team. I was able to pitch one inning as a two-way in a close game and didn’t give up any runs. I threw only 11 pitches.
PBR: Assess your performance.
The first day was really good. I had quality at-bats and did well catching. As a catcher, it isn’t easy to know your pitchers, and I feel that I handled them well. On the second day, I pitched the last inning. Because I only had to throw 11 pitches, I feel like my full potential wasn’t seen. My velocity usually increases as the game goes on which is something to work on. I have always been a starter and not a closer, so that was a change for me. On the third day, we were rushed warming up and I didn’t get any batting practice so I felt like my BP was not my potential, but it was what we needed to do because of the rain. My catching went well that day and I had two good at-bats. My vertical was 33.8 which I thought was good. I didn’t realize I could jump that high!
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
This team was so much fun. We all got along well and we were all competitors. We all fought to win and we did! Going 3-0 took chemistry and we had a team bond. It meant so much to me to represent this team. I got to know all the players well. I loved the competition and the level of play. It was a true dream come true!
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
I have been recruited by schools in my area and I am trying to figure out the right path to pursue. I think that with my hard work, dedication to my game of baseball and passion for it, I will continue to improve daily. I desire to play at the next level and I have opportunities right now, but I will see what the near future has in store for me.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I have not received any offers from the Senior Future Games, but several coaches have contacted me to keep in contact and come to their camps to see more of me.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
Honestly, the environment was so unique! Looking around and seeing college scouts from elite schools was surreal. I couldn’t believe the number of scouts present. It was so much fun! Baseball is such an amazing sport, and being given this opportunity to compete in this environment was a blessing. I am forever grateful to PBR for having me and I hope to continue to improve my game and keep getting better for my senior year in high school and college.
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The Arms
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Joey Buchanan LHP / 1B / Milford, OH / 2025
Will update when a response is received.
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Sawyer Cooney RHP / SS / Bloomfield Hills, MI / 2025
Will update when a response is received.
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Steven Fountain RHP / 1B / West Bloomfield, MI / 2025
Will update when a response is received.
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Connor Fuhrer RHP / 2B / Archbishop Moeller, OH / 2025
Will update when a response is received.
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Michael Giroux RHP / SS / Flat Rock Community , MI / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
Prep Baseball Ohio tweet saying: “Efficient outing from the 6-0/170 righty. Retired 6 of 7 in 2 scoreless w/3 Ks. FB 87-89 T90, CH 82-84, SL 78-80.
PBR: Assess your performance.
No hits, no earned runs, one walk and three Ks in two innings pitched.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
Being a part of the Great Lakes region was super fun. All the friendships made over the short days is what stood out to me.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
Before the Senior Future Games I received one D1 offer in the winter and talked to a couple other schools since.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I was contacted by Michigan State and Gonzaga just a day after the Future Games.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My top memories were meeting the team and getting to know all the players.
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Owen Graf RHP / RHP / Anthony Wayne, OH / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
Highlights would be meeting guys that I knew but hadn’t met yet and getting out there and competing in front of a lot of schools.
PBR: Assess your performance.
The beginning of my outing was just unfortunate. The rain started coming down as soon as I stepped on the game mound which was uncontrollable, but after the delay was over I went out there and threw some good fastballs and spun some good sliders for swing and misses. I think the slider played well off the fastball because of how my fastball plays up and I was able to get a lot of pop ups or whiffs. In the end, I only gave up one hit and had one strikeout over the one inning pitched so I was happy with how I battled through the weather conditions.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
I thought it was interesting how it was guys from Michigan and Ohio, so that it could be as talented as possible. What stood out is the early offensive production our hitters displayed leading to pitchers being able to pitch with a lead, which is a huge confidence booster especially in front of a lot of coaches.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
Before the Senior Future Games recruiting was steady with two D1 mid-major offers and a little talk with a couple Power 5’s.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
After my outing at the Senior Future Games, the phone calls started to come in constantly that night and the next night. I picked up a P5 offer in the Big 10 and lots of other schools and big Jucos jumped in the conversation as well as some agents wanting to connect. Some of the schools I’ve been in contact during or after have been Ohio State, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Purdue, Princeton, TCU, USC, Cincinnati, Youngstown State, Columbia, and a few big Jucos.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My top memories from the Senior Future Games have to be walking in on the first day of games and seeing every field flooded with any P5 school you can think of and so many more. Another top memory would be just connecting with guys on the team and learning about stuff you have in common and just being around good baseball the whole week. I really enjoyed the opportunity to go out there with the eight other guys that I knew had my back when I threw every pitch.
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Tanner Graf RHP / OF / Anthony Wayne, OH / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
My main highlight was just being able to be a part of such a big event. It was very cool to see us northern boys were able to go throw around any competition we faced and end up coming out 3-0 on the weekend.
PBR: Assess your performance.
On paper my performance was statistically good, but mentally I hold myself to very high standards and I think I was far from those. I was 2-6 on first-pitch strikes and I just couldn’t seem to get a feel, and land my off-speed in for a strike whenever I wanted. At the end of the day there were no hits and no runs were scored which is most important for the matter of the team.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
Being a part of the Great Lakes team was very fun. Everyone just seemed to be friends from the start, and surprisingly at no time was the Ohio State/Michigan rivalry ever brought up (Go Bucks!). It was just cool to play with kids from back home, outside of school, one more time since we have been on a team from Georgia the past two years.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
Prior to the Future Games the recruiting process had been pretty slow. I hold an offer from Toledo and Lake Erie right now, but I have been in touch with many other mid-majors and Jucos.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
The only college that I was in contact with was Northwest Florida, a junior college 10 minutes north of Destin that I visited on Monday. Besides that, no other coaches have reached out which is very humbling, and really lets you know that college baseball isn’t for the weak.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My top memory from the Future Games was the start of our first game. The first kid on our team got into an 0-2 count and then ripped a triple down the line, and then two batters later Braxton Prosser hit a bomb. I just remember thinking these kids are legit.
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John Harabedian RHP / 2B / Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, OH / 2025
Will update when a response is received.
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Cameron Niehaus RHP / OF / Divine Child, MI / 2025
Will update when a response is received.
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The Infielders
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PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
The highlights for me were the fact that I got to compete against some top-level talent and hitting a game-tying home run in the second game.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I felt like I played pretty well. I would’ve liked to get more hits, but overall I think I did pretty good.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
I had a great time being a part of Team Great Lakes. All of my teammates were good guys and made it really fun to be there.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
Prior to the Senior Future Games the recruiting process was going pretty well. I was in contact with a few schools consisting of a few D2’s and a couple D1’s.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I was in contact with coaches from Dayton University, Bucknell University, Youngstown State University, University of Findlay, Lake Erie University, Gannon University, and Denison University after the Senior Future Games.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My top memories from the Senior Future Games are the fact that I got to play with my high school teammate, Braxton Prosser, and also make new friends while competing amongst the best.
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Landon Holt 1B / 3B / Lakota West, OH / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
My Senior Future Games highlights were winning and being able to contribute to the team’s success. We were such a strong team and mashed our way to a 3-0 record. To me, the record is even more special because I can say that I contributed and got to help the team go undefeated on the weekend.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I feel I did well down in Atlanta. I got to go up against some of the best arms in the country and battled them very well. I did my job at the plate and was able to play a solid first base for an infield full of talent. I am very confident in my abilities and I feel this weekend showed that I can compete against great competition.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Great Lakes was an honor. I am humbled to be considered a top player in the states of Ohio and Michigan. What stood out to me was the team chemistry and ability to win games. We bonded well and had no problem doing our job and trusting the guy next to us. Because we bonded so well and trusted each other, it allowed us to play loose, and just focus on getting the win.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
It has been a fun process. I have been receiving numerous texts and phone calls and going on great visits.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I have been in contact with multiple coaches from all different levels. Through the Senior Future Games, I received some followers on Twitter from some coaches and plan to stay in contact with them.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My top memory from the Senior Future Games was being able to play loose and put on a show. I trusted my teammates and knew that if I did my job, at the plate or in the field, the next guy would match me and contribute like I did. I loved watching my teammates crush the ball, and then following suit when I was in the box. It was a great experience playing in front of a lot of scouts and getting to meet new players with the same goals that I have. It was a lot of fun and I am very thankful for the opportunity to have played in the Senior Future Games.
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Kaden Howard SS / 2B / Hudsonville, MI / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
A highlight of mine was starting game one off with a double, and coming in to score for Team Great Lakes.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I performed well at the Future Games going 5-8, and making some plays.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
One thing that stood out to me with Team Great Lakes was the team aspect. Most teams we played were there for themselves, while Team Great Lakes was out there to win!
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
Prior to the games multiple coaches have followed me, and a couple reached out.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I have been in contact with GVSU, Northwood, Oakland and Youngstown St.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My favorite memory was meeting all the guys and building new relationships. I’m honored with the opportunity to play for Team Great Lakes, and to play the game I love!
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Adam Levy SS / 2B / Graham, OH / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
My highlights from the Senior Future Games included great at-bats. I ended up going 3-5 with at least three RBIs and I had one double.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I feel like I had a great performance at the Senior Future Games.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
I am very thankful I got to represent Team Great Lakes. I got the opportunity to meet very talented players from all over the two states and play against some very good competition on the other side. What stood out to me was how much talent we have and that they are still uncommitted.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
Prior to the Senior Future Games I had interest from a few Division II schools.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
So far after the Senior Future Games I have been in contact with the Youngstown State University coaching staff and got a lot of new followers on my social media.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My top memories from the Future Games is that our team ended up going 3-0 winning all of our games and I really enjoyed meeting and playing with the other players. I look forward to watching them and to continue to support them in their baseball careers.
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Daniel Seymour SS / RHP / Rochester Adams, MI / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
Going 3-0 is something that I will always remember. The team was able to compete and find a way to win three games in a row against the best competition across the country. On top of that, I was happy that I was able to contribute with some hits of my own. The atmosphere at LakePoint is something that is very unique for players and families, and I am very happy I was able to play and compete there with so much talent all around.
PBR: Assess your performance.
Unfortunately, there were not many opportunities in the infield, but I was pleased with my performance at the plate. I was able to go 4-6 with 2 BB’s in 8 plate appearances. It was pretty neat to be able to hit against high-level pitchers, and having success on top of that was truly special as well.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
There is no other team I would rather play with. I loved the group of guys that was put together, and the coaches were phenomenal as well. Everybody was able to contribute on offense and defense, and we were able to string together three wins on the week. I am happy to say I have made lots of new connections in both Michigan and Ohio, and I will cherish the memories I have made with the players and coaches representing Team Great Lakes.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
Before heading down to Georgia for the Senior Future Games I was in contact with various schools from different levels in and around Michigan.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I was able to connect with a couple coaches at Senior Future Games, and look forward to the recruiting journey that will follow the event.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in the Senior Future Games. Lots of memories were made on and off the field. The whole experience from start to finish was amazing, and it is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
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Chance Sobbry 1B / OF / Dexter, MI / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
Hitting a home run off a really good arm and a couple other barrels were my favorite moments.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought it went pretty well. I was lucky to get my pitch a few times, but mostly I was proud of my mentality during the event.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
Playing for Great Lakes was really special. I don’t know how close the other teams were but everybody was super cool and friendly. There were even talks of meeting up again for a tourney in the offseason. Honestly, my favorite part was meeting so many new guys from across the country.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
I’m thankful I was already down at LakePoint the week before Futures, so my recruiting really picked up there.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I was in contact with a lot of coaches from the Midwest. However, down at LakePoint is when Georgia Southern saw me in person. Southern was a dream school of mine so it was a no-brainer when I got offered.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
Outside of my commitment, my favorite memory from the week was just all the time I got to spend with my dad. He has sacrificed so much money and time for me and I’m super blessed to have the chance to come down here and play baseball and make memories with him.
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Luke Stevens 3B / RHP / South Lyon, MI / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
Definitely having a two-hit game, then competing again the next day as the lead off hitter and hitting a double to start the game.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I had a solid performance with the bat and also on the mound.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
What stood out to me was competing with great competition and being part of a great team.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
I’ve had some visits and offers with a number of schools in Michigan.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I had a few calls along with emails from D1 coaches out of state.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My favorite memories were meeting new great athletes and being able to compete alongside them.
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Cole Van Ameyde SS / RHP / Brother Rice, MI / 2025
Will update when a response is received.
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The Outfielders
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Jordan Kievman OF / LHP / IMG Baseball, OH / 2025
Will update when a response is received.
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Jovan Love OF / Archbishop Moeller, OH / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
My Senior Future Games highlight included getting drilled in the back by a 90 mph fastball with the bases loaded.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I definitely could’ve done better but as an outfielder there weren’t many chances to make a highlight but I did well cutting extra base hits and getting the ball in.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
I loved being a part of Team Great Lakes. Everyone seemed familiar with each other and the team was filled with great people.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
Prior to the Future Games my recruiting started picking up a little more, including a couple two-sport offers and having texts and phone calls with multiple different coaches.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I haven’t been reached out to during or after the Future Games but hopefully I can receive a phone call or two.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My top memories during the Future Games were my teammates hitting three home runs in one inning. It wasn’t something you see everyday and it just showed how much talent was in our group.
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Cash Van Ameyde OF / LHP / Brother Rice, MI / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
I thought the Senior Future Games was a great event to get exposure in front of a lot of college coaches.
PBR: Assess your performance.
It was a good week. I had some good at-bats and I feel like I was able to show off my abilities.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
The Great Lakes team was a fun team to be a part of being surrounded by guys with a lot of talent.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
Prior to the Future Games I had a couple offers and have been talking to some other colleges.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I’ve been offered by Michigan State and Oakland and I’ve been talking to schools like Baylor and some others.
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The Catchers
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Brayden Crowe C / RHP / Hartland, MI / 2025
PBR: What were your Senior Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights include a good batting practice round and playing solid defensively every game.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I played really well in the field, I framed and blocked well. I had an off weekend offensively but that happens.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Great Lakes and what stood out.
Playing with Team Great Lakes was great. It was a good group of guys that know how to play.
PBR: Touch on your recruiting process prior to the Senior Future Games.
The recruiting process was a little slow in the winter and spring but is now starting to heat up.
PBR: What college coaches were you in contact with during or after the Senior Future Games?
I was in contact with Oakland, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Michigan State and a few other D2, D3, and NAIA schools.
PBR: What are your top memories from the Senior Future Games?
My top memory while playing the Futures Games was winning three games with the Michigan-Ohio boys.
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