Ferndale on Cusp of 3 Straight

Ferndale senior guard Cameron Reed.

Ferndale is on the cusp of a third-straight state semifinal berth. The Eagles were second-place in the OAA-Red to North Farmington, as the only Division 2 team in the league. Ferndale has won 13 of its last 15 games — the only losses both to North Farmington. This is a battle-tested senior class of winning role players who have become established features. The Eagles defend hard, and on the other end can’t be beaten by stopping just one guy. In their D2 regional semifinal Ferndale punched in the mouth Warren Michigan Collegiate and never let up advancing 69-50.

18-4 Goodrich stands in the way of 18-8 Ferndale’s third-consecutive semifinal appearance. Their Division 2 quarterfinal is at Lake Orion.

Noah Blocker  6-2  Sr  Ferndale: He was one of three returning starters from the 22 team that lost to GR Catholic Central in the semifinals. Seen through the lens of what is essentially his high school position, a stretch 4, and it becomes clear he’s one of the best in the state. He’ll battle on the glass then pull up for a 3 on the break. He’s Ferndale’s best three-point shooter, and has a high game of 29.

Jayden Hardiman  6-8  Sr  Ferndale: His transfer from Warren Mott wasn’t high profile, but it’s proven invaluable. He gives the Eagles a back wall on defense that allows them to be even more bold with pressure. Hardiman is in the best shape of his life to keep up with all these athletes, and that has made him a quicker help-side defender. His left-handed jumphook is a nice go-to move but it can’t always be the first one. Good clean up guy on the glass. He’s going to Mid-Michigan College next season.

Cameron Reed  6-0  Sr  Ferndale: You’re in for a long night if you let him go to his left. Can beat you creative off one foot or fundamental off two in the paint. A much matured point guard and team leader. The floor spacing and ball control ideal for the position. Has a good rapport with Hardiman, for ball screens or drive-and-dish chances. Aggressive on-ball defender.

Caleb Renfroe  6-4  Sr  Ferndale: Making up for lost time after missing most of last season with a knee injury, Renfroe is Ferndale’s most complete player and one of the best available seniors in Michigan. I’d expect to see him on at least a Division 2 roster at some point, by whatever route. Great footwork and body control, whether pulling up mid-range or side-stepping for three-pointers. He hit back-to-back death blow 3s, one from each wing, in the third quarter against Michigan Collegiate. Good in the half-court too as a cutter or passer, and has to be accounted for on the offensive glass.

Trenton Ruth  6-1  Jr  Ferndale: The Eagles’ sixth man. He gives them a strong off-ball shooter and they don’t lose defensive energy when he’s on the court.

Chris Williams  6-5  Sr  Ferndale: Has all you want in a defender with not just wingspan but active and clean hands; quick-twitch spring covering space; and a motor to recover. Had a great series against WMC battling 6-8 D1 junior Dylan Grant in the paint and on the glass, then hitting a left-handed 3 on the other end. His speed dribbles are valuable against pressure, but could be a more efficient ball-handler in the half-court just needs one with a first step like his.