Mitten Prep Hoops Scouting & Analysis

HOLLAND – The Hope College Summer Camp kicked off Wednesday with a tremendous slate of games.

It’s fantastic to see how this well-run event at an amazing venue has grown to feature some of the state’s most intriguing teams.

THere were some impressive performers from Day 1, who already looked to be in mid-season form:

Amari Lewis, 6-5 Sr, Portage Northern – Electric performance in all three games I saw him compete. Played consistently above the rim and was a terror in transition. Displayed a great ability at getting to the rim and finishing over or through defenders. His stock is on the rise as a D2 college prospect who is likely a more consistent jump shot away from D1 consideration.

Kellen Paul, 5-11 Fr., Forest Hills Central – Here’s a name to watch the next four years. Scored over 20 points in the game I saw, which had me searching rosters for a name to the game. Turns out he’s an incoming freshman who was compared by at least one person to possibly be the next Ethan Erickson. Although lofty, that comparison seems on point from what I just saw.

Quinton Swanson, 6-5 Sr., Portage Northern – Smooth wing who also had some nice finishes above the rim. Has nice lift on his jumper, and he can score in a variety of ways. Good defender and rebounder who can also score in bunches. Seems like a lock to play at least D2 basketball, especially if he can show a little more consistency from beyond the arc.

Kyle Graber, 5-10 Sr., Greenville – Outshone everyone else on Greenville’s star-studded lineup. Graber was fearless, confident and determined to help the Hornets beat Portage Northern (more on that later). Graber is a great lead guard who sets the pace and can put up 20-plus points any given game.

Titus Spencer, 5-11 Sr., Holland Christian – Oozes swag and confidence leading a very deep and talented offense. Spencer is electric off the dribble and has a solid outside shot. Few can stay in front of him when he gets a full head of steam. He’s great at finishing in the paint or making a key pass to a teammate for an easy bucket.

Kayden Dickerson, 6-2 Sr., Portland – A gritty, blue-collar type player who muscles his way through defenders. Undersized as a power forward, he makes up for it with strength and touch. He’s a bulldozer who out-rebounds taller opponents and can score on the block like a 6-8 player. He can also handle the ball and make the occasional outside shot.

Truman Brennan, 5-11 Sr., Paw Paw – One of my favorite players in the state, Brennan leads “Guard U” with tenacity and all-around skill. He’s a bucket getter who can shoot from outside, hit pull-up jumpers and get to the rim. He’s a very underrated player as a true gamer who would actually be a good fit at Hope.

Andrew Caldwell, 6-4 Sr., Powers Catholic – One of the best shooters in the state will have to be much more than just that to keep Powers in games this season, after the Chargers graduated most of its rotation from last season. Players with his shooting touch always have a spot on a college roster at some level.

Kardion Colbert, 5-11 So., Portage Central – Has the look of a future special player. He has poise, quickness and a nice shooting touch. He has great initial burst and elevates off his dribble. He has nice vision and excels playing off screens. Explosive athlete who can probably already dunk – even at his height. Very intriguing potential over the next three years.

Will McClain, 6-3 Sr., Forest Hills Central – Good all-around game, who will be a nice piece alongside Matthew Sexton and Paul. Made some 3-pointers, drove through the lane and showed solid rebounding instincts. Also showed some solid athleticism and poise.

Michael Lindquist, 5-10 Sr., Greenville – I like him better as the lead guard than off the ball. He seemed to disappear at times playing on the wing. He’s a fantastic floor general and scorer, so it doesn’t really make sense taking the ball out of his hands. He was my breakout player at least year’s Hope Camp, and he shined again, hitting the game-winner against Portage Northern.