Mitten Prep Hoops Scouting & Analysis

ALLENDALE – It was a basketball bonanza this weekend at Grand Valley State University, as BCAM hosted a tremendous boys high school basketball summer camp event.

For those wondering, yes, Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo was in attendance both days, and he wasn’t just watching five-star recruit Trey McKenny.

With games being played continuously on seven different courts and in three different sections of the building, it was impossible to see every team and player. So, if you don’t see a player or team mentioned in my stories, it might just be because I unfortunately didn’t get to see them play.

Here are the top stock risers from BCAM Team Camp for the 2025 class; separated by position.

Jalen Kampen, 6-4, Parchment – Scoring 41 points (which he did against St. Clair) is impressive in any setting, especially considering 50-plus college coaches were in attendance. Kampen is a smooth athlete who can fill it up from all over the court. Western Michigan coach Dwayne Stephens was in the building, Kampen plays under 15 miles from campus… just saying, it’s a perfect fit.

JC Branson, 6-4, East Lansing – Branson has always been one of the most athletic players in the state, but at Grand Valley he showcased an increased overall skill level. It’s safe to say he’s poised for an increased scoring role. Branson scored in bunches over the weekend using his speed and aerial proclivity to dominate the opposition – the crazy thing, it hardly ever looks like he’s even trying. It just comes that naturally to him.

Dominic Krzesowiak, 6-5, Romulus Summit – He checks every box for a D1 prospect. Terrific shooter, bouncy athlete, tough around the basket and versatile in position. Absolutely blown away with him and Summit at the BCAM. If he plays like that all season, Summit will be state champs and Krzesowiak will have his choice of some pretty impressive schools.

Tory James, 6-1, Grosse Pointe South – He had the best pure shooting stroke I saw over the weekend. With his mechanics, it doesn’t even look possible that he could miss. James also showed a quick first step getting to the rim and the strength and poise to finish through traffic. I’m very impressed with James’ game. He reminds me of former Henry Ford standout James Towns, who ended up at Niagara University.

Mason Parker, 6-1, Troy – His ability to shoot from beyond-the-arc has been well documented, but what stood out to me this weekend was his quickness and athleticism around the rim. Parker looked taller than his listed height and can definitely play point guard at the next level, which is important. Defense was a problem for Troy, so that might be something Parker can still strengthen.

Jayden Keefer, 6-4, Ann Arbor Huron – I’ve been a fan of his for a couple years. I think he should have been starting over his brother. Keefer is a knockdown shooter with great height. He’s the perfect complement to Macari Moore (Iowa St. commit). Keefer can create his own shot but doesn’t usually get that chance at Huron. He would be a nice addition for a college program looking for a hard worker and consistent outside shooter.

John Simpson, 6-5, Birmingham Groves – Behind James (above) Simpson was the next senior I came away very impressed with. He’s a guard who plays in the post for Groves. He has a confident outside shot, great ball-handling skills and was a force on the defensive end. He might not be getting the recruiting love he deserves. D2 college coaches hopefully took notice and saw over the weekend exactly what Simpson could do for their program.

Kaeson Mayes, 6-2, Old Redford – Mayes, in all honesty, might be the best senior guard in the state at getting to the basket and finishing through contact. He’s strong, agile and fearless. Mayes was the catalyst for last season’s state runners-up squad, and he looked even more confident and comfortable this weekend. He could have a big senior breakout similar to Yante Maten a few years back, although at a different position.

Jah Hatchett, 5-11, East Kentwood – I’m going to hype him up until I see proof that he has a D1 offer. Hatchett is consistent, which isn’t something all top prospects can say. Hatchett is a fearless leader who can shoot from outside, set up his teammates and is nearly unstoppable when driving to the basket. If I was creating a new D1 school and had the second-overall pick (everyone would take McKenney first) of any Michigan senior, I would take Hatchett.

Zander Nash, 6-5, Imlay City – Although he looked a bit shorter than his listed height, Nash is essentially a tall, rangy point guard. He displayed great vision and control when dribbling against tough defenses. I would have liked to have seen him be a little more aggressive at finding his own looks, but Nash’s upside is immense. He’s a good shooter and a major sleeper prospect entering his senior year.

J.J. Frakes, 6-4, Berrien Springs – If you like dunks, check out a Berrien Springs game because Frakes dunks at a propensity not seen since the Dar Tucker and “Dunkin” Doug Anderson days. Frakes is also a potent shooter, but he wants to dunk on you and probably will. He had to have over 15 dunks this weekend, easily.

David Williams, 6-1, Brother Rice – A powerful guard who is kind of a tweener between point guard and wing. He knocked down four 3-pointers in the game I watched. Williams can score at every level. He will get the chance to shine this season, as one of the elder statesmen on an all-the-sudden very young and inexperienced Bother Rice squad. I could definitely see him playing himself onto a D1 or D2 roster someday, whether it’s straight out of high school or through the JUCO ranks.

Joey Miller, 6-4, Hudsonville – I’m going to tell a little story here: when my dad first watched Clarkston’s state title teams play, I asked him who he thought the best player was. He pointed at an awkward-sized guard and said: “definitely not him”. That player was Foster Loyer, and he scored 41 points in that game. Miller, like Loyer, might not be the obvious pick for best player on a very good team, but he is. Miller can make 3-pointers almost effortlessly. He’s highly intelligent and plays with extreme confidence. Nothing frightens Miller. He deserves to be recognized as a sure-fire college player, and one who might surprise once he gets there.

Brady Swartz, 6-7, GR Northview – Everyone should know who Swartz is by now. He had an impeccable breakout season last winter. However, Swartz looked even taller this weekend. He’s one of the best shooters in the state, but he’s so much more. Swartz is a violent dunker. Backboards across the state need to fear his presence. Swartz can create his own shot and guard almost any position. He’s the Michigan high school model for positionless basketball, as he’s a guard with post size. I added him here because Swartz proved he’s a Power-5 conference D1 player – no doubt.

Isaac Schrotenboer, 6-6, South Christian – Last season, South Christian was missing a true post presence – enter Schrotenboer – who was dominant at times in the paint. He uses his broad shoulders and wingspan to power through would-be defenders. He came off the bench and played in the corner trying to shoot 3-pointers when I saw him last season. He needs to be in the post bullying opponents and cementing his status as a solid D3 college prospect. By the way, South Christian was nearly unstoppable this weekend. The Sailors could very well be headed back to the Breslin.

Jake Champagne, 6-2, Oxford – He was consistently the best player on the court in every game Oxford played. Champagne is a determined athlete who shows poise and touch around the basket. He’s a good shooter, and I even think he could play point guard at the next level. Oxford, as a team, has been impressive all summer, and Champagne is the catalyst for their success. Learn the name now and make sure to catch Champagne play sometime this high school season. He’s also a virtual lock to make the all-name team.