GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — On Saturday, February 1, the Red Hawk showcase returns to Grand Rapids bringing some of the best high school basketball teams in the state together under one roof. Showcase creator and Grand Rapids Union boys basketball coach Brandoen Guyton gets more and more excited every single year.
"What I'm most excited about is how it continues to grow," he added, "last year, I said it would be the best of them all, but I really believe in six days we will make history here in Grand Rapids, I'm not sure there has ever been an event of this magnitude."
And he's right. Twelve star loaded teams from across the state of Michigan will bring in thousands of basketball fans from all over the region. In fact, last year's event sold-out at Union high school, a gym with a capacity of 2,200 which left hundreds at the doors waiting to get in.
"Get there early," Guyton suggests, "I've received so many messages and they're growing by the day, I know people don't want to get there too early but my suggestion is to do that."
This year, the event is moved from Union to City high school, formerly known as Creston. The gym can hold close to 3,500 people and should create a better and more comfortable atmosphere for those in attendance.
"Last year, it sold out so early we had to turn hundreds of fans around, Creston always had one of the best gyms and it has history. I thought about it and thought we need to use Creston's gym, it's a great setup, it's open and it's beautiful when it's lit up."
The lineup of games begins Saturday at Noon with Grand Rapids Union taking on Flint Carman Ainsworth. The matchup is followed by five more games that are destined to be some of the best of the season.
The night cap will feature Benton Harbor and Ypsilanti Lincoln for the second consecutive year. It's a matchup that drew thousands last season and promises to do so once again on Saturday. Lincoln won the state championship last year led by the nation's No. 1 player, Emoni Bates who is only a sophomore. Meanwhile, the Tigers are led by Butler basketball commit Scooby Johnson.
Tickets will be available at the door for $10 and the ticket grants access to all six games.
