MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Boys high school basketball is a tale of two worlds.

Some thrive in the cold, winter months of high school competition, while others make their mark during the summer.

These ten players listed may not have played a big role on their respective high school teams last season, but after a breakout summer should see a significant increase in minutes this winter.

Here are 10 summer risers:

Montrel Oliver, 6-4 Sr., Muskegon – Oliver might have blown up more than any other prospect this summer. He went from barely a part of the rotation last year to earning Division 2 college offers. Oliver should be a starter and potentially leading scorer for Muskegon this winter. He’s great at getting to the basket, a great area rebounder, and he has shown an improved shot. Oliver has certainly seized his opportunity this AAU season.

Bradley Eziuka, 6-4 Sr., Canton – Eziuka has always looked the part of a next-level athlete, but his role fluctuated with a deep Canton squad last season. The two times I saw Canton play, he came off the bench and didn’t look overly comfortable. But he now looks like a capable lead scorer. Canton will need his offense this season, so Eziuka’s breakout could still be in its early stages.

Youssef Elghawy, 6-4 Sr., Portage Northern – A lot has been written about this prospect recently after some impressive performances. Perhaps the most exciting development in his game is the ability to create his own shot at a higher level. Portage Northern is a sleeper team this season, and Elghawy’s improved play will be a big reason why they might shock some people.

Nicholas Speiser, 6-5 Sr., Warren De La Salle – Not really in the Pilots’ rotation at all last season, Speiser has emerged as an elite wing this summer. Speiser uses his athleticism and poise to dominate teams offensively. He also moves well defensively and offers some versatility. Speiser should start for De La Salle this season and could cement his status as a next-level player.

Amari Johnson, 6-6 Sr., Cass Tech – Johnson played a bit part on last season’s D1 state champion roster, but he’s poised to start this season. Johnson is athletic and a good rebounder. He has shown the ability to finish around the basket with both hands, and he is a tough, physical presence. College coaches may come calling this winter after he put his name on the map this summer.

Cam Gunsell, 6-3 So., Ludington – Gunsell was on JV last season, waiting in the wings behind Ludington’s deep varsity squad. This year, he could very well start on varsity after a great summer. Gunsell provides Ludington with some much-needed length and height. The Orioles have a kind road in the tournament, and Gunsell’s development could be crucial to a long run.

Caleb Pleume, 6-4 Jr., South Christian – I was thinking Davis Kemper (6-7) might be the Sailors’ breakout star this summer, but Pleume seems to have risen to the opportunity. An incredible shooter with a near flawless setup, Pleume is intimidating with the ball beyond the arc. He came off the bench for South Christian last season, but he should be a solid starter on the wing opposite D1 prospect Carson Vis.

Charles Kage, 6-8 Jr., Riverview Gabriel Richard – Kage has grown a couple inches and gained some athleticism this summer. He looks like a future college stretch 4. Kage has gone from potential to player this summer, which should help Riverview GR as they seek a Division 3 state title with a stacked junior class.

Joey Miller, 6-4 Jr., Hudsonville – Miller was not part of the Eagles’ rotation last season, but he proved this summer he can slide right into the starting lineup this winter as a capable, yet slightly undersized, stretch 4. Miller is a great area rebounder and plays with a high I.Q. He will likely make enough 3-pointers to be a threat on both ends of the court this season.

Corbin Heckman, 6-4 Sr., & Colin Heyboer Jr., 6-5, Grandville – With Grand Valley State commit Cameron Regnerus (6-8) already on the roster, the frontcourt is pretty set. But Grandville could have one of the deepest and most versatile frontcourt in the state with the emergence of Heckman and Heyboer. Both players are smooth athletically and can hit shots from 20-feet out. Playing in a ridiculously difficult conference and district this season, Grandville will need Heckman and Heyboer to continue their summer form into the prep season.