Mitten Prep Hoops Scouting & Analysis

There is no transfer portal in Michigan high school basketball; wink, wink.

Although open transfers are not technically a thing in the state, many key players seem to move every summer. That number has risen significantly over the last three years, sparking many to wonder what the transfer situation really is.

Here are 12 players other teams might have on their wish lists (grades reflect 2025-26 standing):

James Martin, 6-3 Sr., Muskegon – I heard rumblings that Martin has his eyes on a Grand Rapids Northview switch to join up with Cam Ryans. We’ll see, but Martin leaving Muskegon does make sense with the Big Reds set up for a rebuilding year unless they tap into the transfer market, themselves.

Jordan Sigmon, 6-1 Sr., Detroit Renaissance – He might be the most sought-after player once the summer hits. Sigmon is a high-major D1 recruit who has never won a district because of elite competition. He could stay at Renaissance and be the main guy with Lance Stone graduating, but he could also get tempted by U.D. Jesuit or another Catholic League team in need of a point guard.

Kendreyas White, 6-6 Sr., Flint C-A – I sat by several knowledgeable people at the Breslin Center and we were unanimously convinced White has star potential. Assuming many others came to the same conclusion, White could be headed for a transfer to showcase his skills. Flint C-A graduated most of their rotation, so White might seek a contender. He could be an elite fit at Hamady, which returns four solid starters.

Braden James, 6-9 Sr., Grand Ledge – I love his game. James is a true 6-9 with great post moves and a solid outside shot. Grand Ledge has struggled to live up to potential and their entire backcourt will graduate this spring. James could be a heavily sought after player in the Lansing area. Maybe the defending D1 state champs will get a nice offseason surprise?

Marrion May, 6-0 Jr., Lansing Everett – An electric guard who will only be a junior next season. Everett has had some trouble with forfeits and developing talent around May. The rising prospect might want to get on board with the likes of East Lansing or Lansing Sexton to have a shot at a deep tournament run.

Jacob Pleyer, 6-3 Sr., Watervliet – Might be the most obvious transfer candidate in the state. After recently picking up an offer from Ferris State, Pleyer relies completely on AAU for college attention, playing at a small southwest Michigan school in a weak conference. I can only imagine how good a team like Kalamazoo Central or Portage Northern would be with Pleyer in the fold.

C.J. Hearn, 6-4 Sr., River Rouge – Chemistry seemed off when I saw River Rouge play. Hearn might be one of the most effortless scorers in the state, but he didn’t seem to quite mesh at RR. He could be a game-changer for any of the Detroit-area contenders looking for a natural and versatile scorer.

Kyle Brown, 6-3 Sr., FH Northern – Brown is an elite shooter who has started improving at creating his own shot. With Joey Angok now in college, FH Northern will be mostly rebuilding. His elite shooting can change the course of a game, and he’s still trying to reach his recruiting heights. Teams like Rockford, GR Christian or GR Northview could be attractive options.

Dexter Lilmars, 6-4 So., Fruitport – A player this talented at a school not known for basketball success, and surrounded by many schools who are, seems like an obvious transfer target. Lilmars is an elite athlete with major D1 upside. I would imagine Muskegon, Mona Shores or Grand Haven will be very enticing.

Michael Lindquist, 5-10 Sr., Greenville – An under-the-radar player on a little-known team. Greenville is fresh off a terrific season but failed to win a district game. Lindquist is a wizard with the basketball who also possesses a nice shot. He could be special with a little more exposure. He would be a great lead guard for GR Christian to target after losing Tyler Davis.

Andrew Caldwell, 6-4 Sr., Flint Powers – It kind of felt like Caldwell was a rental player as a junior on a team hoping for a state title. Powers graduates its other four starters and doesn’t appear to have much left. Caldwell could return to Clarkston to give them the athletic piece they need to truly contend.

Jacob Plamondon, 6-7 Sr., MC Glen Lake – Plamondon is one of the best post players in the state, who also can hit corner 3-pointers. He’s had a lot of college attention, but hasn’t yet reached the next level. He probably won’t at a D4 school in Northern Michigan, but a small move over to Traverse City Central could be extremely beneficial to both parties.