MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Michigan boys high school basketball returned this weekend with camps and scrimmages taking place throughout the state.

Hudsonville High School put on an eight-team event Saturday that featured six slates of scrimmages. There were plenty of big names in street clothes or not even in the gym, but talent was still abundant throughout the day.

Here’s a closer look at the teams featured in Saturday’s shootout:

Division 1 Teams:

Hudsonville

Always athletic with plenty of multi-sport athletes on the court, Hudsonville looked quick, athletic and skilled Saturday. Jovaan Daniels might end up as one of the top-10 players in the state by the end of the season. He’s a bucket getter with tremendous feel for the game. Armstrong didn’t play while sporting a bit of a limp, but Vanderveen looked active with an improved outside shot. With little experience in the rotation, Hudsonville could have some growing pains, but will be a force come March.

Possible starting lineup:
PG Jovaan Daniels, 5-11, Sr.
SG Treyson Snip, 6-1, So.
SF Levi Vanderveen, 6-5, Jr.
SF Alex Armstrong, 6-5, Jr.
C Luke Brodnicki, 6-4, Sr.

West Ottawa

What an incredible showing Saturday. This team gave it to Muskegon and Sexton while I was watching with a suffocating half-court trap. Defense was a major issue for them last season, but everyone seemed locked in on both ends of the court. Campos is a smooth scorer and lead guard. Gill has lightening quickness and a nice outside shot. The Watsons are pesky and good shooters. But Stewart is the potential star and D1 talent. He was almost unguardable on the day.

Possible starting lineup:
PG Makai Campos, 6-0, Jr.
PG J.T. Gill, 5-11, So.
SG Jay Watson, 5-10, Jr.
SG Sam Watson, 5-10, Jr.
PF Darien Stewart, 6-6, So.

Kalamazoo Central

The four senior guards ran the show with Theodile out of action and running the scoreboard. About 75 percent of the offense went through him last year, so it was nice to see what the guards could do. This team has Breslin upside with five quality senior starters. Terrentine and Edwards have to be on many college coaches’ radars.

Possible starting lineup:
CG Cameron Bean, 5-11, Sr.
CG Taveon Vaughn, 6-2, Sr.
SG Timothy Terrentine, 6-3, Sr.
CG Jonathan Edwards, 6-3, Sr.
PF Isaiah Theodile, 6-7, Sr.

Muskegon

This team is a mystery with many J.V. players being asked to make an immediate impact. Chemistry seemed like a major work in progress Saturday, but Martin and sharpshooter Ty Worthington looked dangerous in the backcourt. I did not see Petty in the gym, so he would also add a solid boost. Noble has upside as an undersized forward. This team just doesn’t have the height and physicality as past Muskegon teams.

Possible starting lineup:
PG Arquez Petty, 5-9, Sr.
CG James Martin, 6-4, Sr.
SG Ty Worthington, 6-3, Jr.
PF Kyren Noble, 6-4, Sr.
PF J.J. Burmeister, 6-3, Jr.

Byron Center

With Bont sitting out Saturday, Byron Center had an entirely new lineup on the court. There are some interesting pieces here, but everyone seemed a little raw – which was to be expected. However, both bigs run the court well and are very versatile. The Bulldogs also seemingly had several solid outside shooters, which could keep them in the game against anyone.

Possible starting lineup:
PG Connor Jenks, 6-0, Sr.
SG Easton Wychers, 6-2, Sr.
CG Cassius Bont, 6-3, Sr.
PF Carson Piering, 6-6, Sr.
PF Ethan Seyffert, 6-7, Sr.

Division 2 Teams:

Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Coming off a Breslin run, and with four starters returning, GRCC was one of the teams I was most interested in seeing. Unfortunately, stars Jordan McCoy and Zay Larthridge were not in the building. That allowed Watkins to step up and showcase a very hungry mentality and versatile scoring ability. Moody, Hinkle and Collin Lott will have to step up in the post – which remains this team’s only question mark.

Possible starting lineup:
PG Jordan McCoy, 6-2, Sr.
SG Zay Larthridge, 6-5, Sr.
CG Brieland Watkins, 6-2, Sr.
SF Emani Hinkle, 6-3, So.
PF Ty Moody, 6-4, Sr.

Unity Christian

I was not able to see them play Saturday, but they have Breslin upside with four returning starters. The big question, who is the go-to guy with the game on the line?

Possible starting lineup:
PG Brogan Sherd, 6-0, Sr.
SG Jack Kamminga, 6-3, Sr.
SF Kyler Berghuis, 6-2, Sr.
SF Andrew Engelsma, 6-3, So.
PF Owen Vanderwaal, 6-7, Sr.

Lansing Sexton

Summerville and the Murray twins weren’t there, which allowed me a chance to really see Skipworth, Jackson and sophomore Zion Mathis (5-11) shine. Mathis, especially, looked like a future star draining countless 3-pointers against Kalamazoo Central and West Ottawa. This team could be very tough to beat in Division 2, assuming everyone is eventually back in uniform.

Possible starting lineup:
PG Keyshawn Summerville, 5-11, Sr.
CG Mario Murray, 5-10, Sr.
SG Markese Murray, 5-10, Sr.
PF Terrion Skipworth, 6-4, Sr.
PF Korey Jackson Jr., 6-6, Jr.