MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Those looking to get out of the house after last weekend’s snowstorm should head to East Kentwood Saturday, January 20 for the GottaGetIt Hoop Classic.

Perhaps the best annual showcase in the western part of the state, East Kentwood head coach Mike Thomas knows how to put on a show.

Here is the seven-game schedule:

Benton Harbor (11-0) vs. Wyoming Lee (3-3) 10:15 a.m.
Kalamazoo Central (6-1) vs. Detroit Renaissance (8-4) 12:00 p.m.
Zeeland West (7-2) vs. Cass Tech (9-0) 1:45 p.m.
South Christian (7-3) vs. Grand Blanc (0-5) 3:30 p.m.
GR Northview (6-0) vs. Detroit MLK (9-3) 5:15 p.m.
GR Christian (7-0) vs. Warren Lincoln (7-1) 7:00 p.m.
East Kentwood (5-2) vs. East Lansing (9-0) 8:45 p.m.

With those great matchups, here are 25 players to watch:

Mustapha Muhammad, 6-5, Benton Harbor – A senior riser who provides athleticism on both ends of the court. A walking highlight reel.

Josiah King, 6-5, Benton Harbor – A big part of the Tigers’ undefeated start midway through the season. Has produced some high scoring games.

Antwan Callahan, 6-2, Benton Harbor – Another athletic scorer who can play above the rim. Also an excellent shot blocker and rebounder.

Isaiah Theodile, 6-7, Kalamazoo Central – Sophomore forward who already has an offer from Western Michigan. Rare young forward with great offensive skills.

Lance Stone, 5-7, Detroit Renaissance – One of the best overall players in the state. He is a threat to score 30 or drop 15 assists any given night.

Jordan Sigmon, 6-2, Detroit Renaissance – Could be the next superstar to come out of Michigan. He’s an elite scorer with no real weakness.

Merritt Alderink, 6-6, Zeeland West – Signed with Indiana State, Alderink is basically a big guard as he can attack the basket and shoot from outside.

Derrick Miller, 5-11, Cass Tech – A shifty guard who has put up impressive scoring numbers this season. Can run point or shoot on the wings.

Carson Vis, 6-4, South Christian – Has an offer from basically every mid-major in the area. Great at getting to the hoop and hitting jumpers.

Jake Vermaas, 6-1, South Christian – Grand Valley State football signee is also a fierce competitor on the court. Terrific shooter and floor general.

Bryce O’Mara, 6-7, Grand Blanc – A solid stretch 4 who has been a familiar face at the Breslin Center. Has an offer from Northwood.

Cam Ryans, 6-4, GR Northview – Has developed into an elite player. He can shoot, drive and bully defenders in the paint. Power-5 conference prospect.

Brady Swartz, 6-5, GR Northview – Swartz is an elite scorer who is aggressive getting to the basket and possesses a great shooting touch.

E.J. Ryans, 6-3, GR Northview – Signed with Western Michigan, Ryans is an elite point guard with great size. A 13-point, 8-assist type high school player per game.

Steven Jones, 6-2, Detroit MLK – A super sophomore who has eased the sting of losing Chas Lewless (again) to a transfer out of state. Jones is quick with a solid outside shot.

Jaylen Ouwinga, 6-9, GR Christian – Toledo signee who can play in the paint or stretch out and shoot 3-pointers. Amazing shot blocker who can change games with his defensive prowess.

Nathan Johnson, 6-6, GR Christian – Another D1 recruit on GR Christian’s deep lineup. Johnson is a long guard who can shoot and handle the ball.

Markus Blackwell, 6-2, Warren Lincoln – Back from injury and ready to earn some more D1 offers. Good shooter who can take over games.

Moses Blackwell, 5-7, Warren Lincoln – A lightening bug with the ball. Can weave through traffic and blow by defenders before they even know he moved.

Da’Marion Bozeman, 6-5, Warren Lincoln – An aggressive scorer who is one of the more underrated players in the state. A junior, this is his third team in as many years.

Jah Hatchett, 5-11, East Kentwood – The most underrated player in the state. Tough going to the basket and he almost always hits clutch outside shots. A leader who competes with everything he has.

Christian Humphrey-Rembert, 6-9, East Kentwood – A long, lanky small forward who has a nice 3-point stroke and is an electric dunker off alley-oops.

Cameron Hutson, 6-6, East Lansing – Son of former MSU star Andre Hutson, Cam is a great 3-point shooter who has also shown the ability to get to the hoop.

KJ Torbert, 6-3, East Lansing – Son of former MSU star Kelvin Torbert, KJ is a tremendous talent who will likely be nationally ranked. Still just a sophomore, he’s a threat to score 20-plus every game.

Jace Branson, 6-4, East Lansing – Watching the Trojans is like having deja vu because they have three guard/forwards who can beat opposing teams in similar ways.