MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

There’s no rest for the weary, and high school basketball players might be just that after a tough AAU season.

Jumping right back into action, high school teams reassemble in June for a plethora of team camps with some great game action.

Here are out 10 best frontcourts as high school teams reunite in the coming weeks:

10. Romulus Summit – There are a lot of unproven pieces here, but this group’s upside could be special. Forward Chance Houser (6-6) is a long, athletic player who knocks down outside shots and skies above other players for rebounds. Demetri Campbell (6-3) is another returning post player as a solid, but undersized center. A mixture of sophomore King Pierce-Black (6-7) and senior Tylon Pitts Jr. (6-5) could also gain major minutes.

9. Hamtramck – The Cosmos have one of the best coaching staffs in the state, and are usually led by elite guards. But Hamtramck might have one of the tallest frontcourts next season. Curtis Flagg Jr. (6-7) emerged as a trusted scorer and defender last winter. Junior Warren DLS transfer Kenny Towns (6-11) is the state’s tallest player with a near 7 1/2-foot wing span, who continues to develop offensively. Jaiden Smith (6-5) might also see valuable minutes as a senior.

8. Pewamo-Westphalia – You don’t often see D3 teams with notable frontcourts, but Pewamo has several talented forwards back for the upcoming season. College prospect Grady Eklund (6-4) can play all over the court, but he has a size and skill advantage over most of his opponents in the paint. Trent Piggott (6-6) is a dominant center at this level. He has great feet and hands with a soft touch around the basket. Tyler Spitzley (6-4) should enter the starting lineup next season after showing flashes off the bench this season.

7. Detroit Catholic Central – Having already featured on the backcourt list, it’s pretty clear I like what the Shamrocks have on their roster from top to bottom. Detroit CC has three junior forwards who look like next-level players. Super athlete and elite dunker, Andrew Walker (6-4), already has an offer from Detroit Mercy after a huge AAU season. Gideon Gash (6-4) has a nice baseline jumper and athletic profile. Lindon Bojaj (6-5) is a throwback post player with solid awareness and playing strength.

6. Lansing Waverly – It seems like under-sized senior center Derek Thomas (6-3) has been wearing Waverly’s black and yellow for near a decade, but that’s because he’s consistently made a profound impact. When on his game, he never misses from around the basket and is a fearless rebounder. Xavier Pendergrass (6-7) has gone from sleeper prospect to definite college recruit with a blend of toughness, athleticism and versatility. Now a senior, he could thrive on a team with scrappy guards and another post presence next to him.

5. Rockford – The Rams almost made my list for backcourts as well. Their frontcourt group could move up on this list if a couple of the younger guys develop. Jake Bascom (6-6) is an incredible scorer with amazing footwork in the post. He and his brother Josh Bascom (6-4), still just a sophomore, already have high-level college offers. Junior Drew Ferwerda (6-6) has shown some skills in limited action, and Charlie Thornton (6-4) has had some nice moments as well. Ferwerda, especially could enjoy a breakout season.

4. Detroit MLK – Tyler Hunter (6-9) looks like a power-4 post player. He’s mobile, strong and has great positioning. King can sometimes be impatient with him, but he’s a very skilled big man. Mareon Knott (6-4) has been compared to an undersized Draymond Green because of his versatility and passion. David Bailey (6-5) and Justice Jones (6-5) provide length and height off the bench.

3. U of D Jesuit – Since Cassius Winston graced high school courts, the Cubs have been known for producing elite point guards. This upcoming season, Jesuit will feature one of the tallest lineups in the state. Colin Langdon (6-8) was just a shooter when he first arrived in Michigan, but he’s added strength and skill in the post. Clark Langdon (6-5) can also shoot and score in the post, adding another athletic forward to the mix. Jaden Garwood (6-4) will also start. He will see plenty of time on the wing, but can also play the post in smaller lineups. Amare Cannon (6-4) showcased a solid blend of talent and strength last season.

2. East Kentwood – The Falcons’ elite junior class extends to the frontcourt, too. Center Andrew Kenyi (6-9) has power-4 interest as a mobile big with a serviceable outside shot. Samuel Makuag (6-5) is freakishly athletic. He reminds me a bit of former Arthur Hill star Dar Tucker. Off the bench, Dau Dau (6-6) brings length and skill as one of the better defenders on the team. This group could become special, as EK looks to make a run to the Breslin under legendary coach Mike Thomas.

1. Ferndale – It’s rare for a Michigan high school team to have multiple D1 college prospects in their frontcourt, but that’s exactly what Ferndale possesses in their junior class. Eden Vinyard (6-7) is a top-100 national recruit as a versatile forward who can take over games with athleticism and a great feel for the game. Kari Ouwinga (6-5) has an offer Oakland among strong interest from others as he returns from injury. Darelle Cochran (6-4) is a tremendous leaper who often plays above the rim.