Michigan Storm Focused On Chicagoland TOC



The Michigan Storm program is on a roll. The club already has six players from the Class of 2016 who have committed to Division I schools, and every member of that class has at least one offer. When you look farther down the Michigan Storm roster, you see even more young bright stars.

“We have multiple kids in our 2018 class that already have Division I offers, and that’s pretty special,” said Coach Jeff Taylor. “We have four kids in that class who already have Division I offers, and they have all been contacted by Division I schools. I really believe that they are all going to end up with Division I offers.

“Our program is in its sixth year, and we have grown by leaps and bounds every year. I’ll always remember that we went 0-25 before we won our first game in our first year, but that seems like a long, long time ago.”

Those heralded 2018 prospects will be making their next appearance at the Chicagoland Tournament of Champions. The All Star Girls Report event, which will be played on Sept. 26 at Bolingbrook High School, will feature an outstanding field.

The Michigan Storm roster at the event will be deep and talented. The long list of prospects includes Jayla Richardson (2018, 6-0, F), Maxine Moore (2018, 5-11, F) and Jessica Bickell (2018, 5-9, 2G).

“Jayla is the daughter of NBA player Jason Richardson, and she is a very athletic player with a tremendous upside and a high motor,” Taylor said. “Maxine is a powerfully built, left-handed forward. She can bang down low, and she can step out and shoot the three.

“Jessica is another left-handed player. She shoots the ball very well, and she is athletic. Jessica is also a gym rat who has very good fundamentals.”

Taylor is also expecting big things from Jaida Hampton (2018, 5-11, W), Janara Flowers (2018, 5-8, CG) and Graysen Cockerham (2018, 5-10, 2-3).

“Jaida is a jumping jack. She is an extremely versatile player who can defend multiple positions. And, Jaida is something to see in transition,” the coach said. “Janara is strong and tough. She plays very good defense, and she is a very good leader. Graysen is an excellent shooter, and she is a relentless competitor who is always working hard.”

Looking even further down the road, the next Storm star should be Daija Tyson (2020, 5-4, PG).

“I think Daija is the best eighth grader in Detroit,” Taylor said. “We are moving her up, and she will start at the point for our 2018’s. She is extremely quick with a great handle, and she just creates havoc with the defense.”