The future is bright: Taking a look at Cheboygan area basketball's rising young stars

CHEBOYGAN – Back in November, I looked at the players to watch, both boys and girls, heading into the 2023-24 basketball season.

Many of those Cheboygan area standouts have truly lived up to the hype, whether it be the Onaway senior duo of Austin Veal and Jadin Mix, the Beauchamp twins from Mackinaw City, or a high-scoring threat like Josiah Brabson from Burt Lake Northern Michigan Christian Academy.

I previewed those players in the preseason, but I wasn’t so sure what young stars would emerge onto the scene this winter. So far, we’ve seen a plethora of freshmen and sophomores announce themselves in a big way.

So, here’s a look at some of the rising young basketball stars in this area.

GAVIN SMITH: Only a freshman, Gavin Smith’s skill, energy already on display for Cheboygan basketball

CHLOE ROBINSON: "I think she's the best player in the conference': Robinson thriving with Inland Lakes hoops

Gavin Smith, Cheboygan Boys, Freshman

Perhaps no young player has made a bigger impact than Smith, who’s brought in a ridiculous amount of energy and then some to a Cheboygan team that’s vastly improved. Smith’s best stretch came recently, when he scored a career-high 32 points at Gaylord, then followed it up with a 27-point display in a win over Onaway. If there’s one thing Smith’s really shown so far, it’s that he’s not afraid of the spotlight and will do what it takes to help lift the Chiefs to success.

Cloee Rupp, Cheboygan Girls, Freshman

For any young player, it can be a little intimidating joining the varsity as a freshman. But for most of this campaign, Rupp has been arguably Cheboygan’s best player on the court. Whether it be scoring, rebounding, defense or anything else, Rupp’s been a spark plug for a Chiefs team that’s made strides in coach Walter Hanson’s second season. One of her most clutch displays was a 21-point night in a comeback win over Brimley.

CLOEE RUPP: Only a freshman, Cloee Rupp already a major contributor for Cheboygan girls basketball

Chloe Robinson, Inland Lakes Girls, Sophomore

The Inland Lakes girls are still in the thick of the Ski Valley Conference title race, and the play of Robinson has been a huge reason why. In the opening game of the season, Robinson lit it up with a 24-point, 13-rebound performance at Boyne City. Robinson has shown consistency with her scoring and defense, which could bode well for the Bulldogs in the postseason.

Kenzlie Currie, Mackinaw City Girls, Freshman

The Comets had to replace so much from last year’s team that won the program’s first-ever regional title, but there’s been those who have stepped in and helped push Mackinaw City to an undefeated campaign so far. One of those players is Currie, a guard who’s impressed with both her shooting and defense. In key games, she’s played a huge role in the Comets coming out on top.

Myran Thompson, Mackinaw City Boys, Sophomore

One of those players with huge upside, Thompson has provided consistent scoring and rebounding for a Mackinaw City team that features solid frontcourt players. Thompson has done his part in helping the Comets to a winning record. Once seniors Lucas Bergstrom and Trystan Swanson graduate, he could be the next Mackinaw City star in line.

Josh Ferraiuolo, Burt Lake NMCA Boys, Sophomore

Despite a rough patch at one point this campaign, Ferraiuolo has really started to take off in recent games, delivering big scoring performances and helping the Eagles to some victories. During his quality stretch, Ferraiuolo has scored over 25 points in most of those games. With Josiah Brabson graduating after this season, look for Ferraiuolo to be the main leader at NMCA next winter.

MARLEY SZYMONIAK: Szymoniak’s career-high 21 points spark Onaway girls basketball to 11th victory

Marley Szymoniak, Onaway Girls, Sophomore

There’s been many players who have taken a big step this season, and Szymoniak is right at the top of the list. Even with junior stars like Kailyn George and Charlotte Box leading the squad, Szymoniak has made a huge impression with her scoring and defense in several games, one of which included a career-high 21 points in a win at Central Lake last week. If Szymoniak’s play keeps improving, the Cardinals have a very real chance to hoist a district title in the coming weeks.

Joshua Grondin, Pellston Boys, Sophomore

It’s been a rough season for the Hornets, but Grondin is one of those young players who appears to have a bright future. One of Pellston’s top scorers already, he’s been a consistent offensive threat as a sophomore. If the Hornets do turn it around next season, I expect Grondin will be a huge reason why. He’s someone who has all the tools to become a star.

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Taking a look at Cheboygan area basketball's rising stars this season