MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Hope Camp remained a success Thursday – it even drew me away from the first round of the U.S. Open.

Teams and players fought hard to impress coaches and scouts in some of the first team action of the upcoming season.

Here are a few players who really impressed Thursday at Hope:

Nolan Portenga, 6-5 Sr., Grand Haven – I was very impressed with his determination and athleticism. He wanted the ball and was aggressive getting to the basket for an easy score. Portenga is a sleeper prospect who would be on every coach’s radar if he was a couple inches taller. As is, he would be a great D3 prospect at the next level with plenty of untapped upside.

Emmitt Willhite, 6-4 So., Greenville – Solid, dependable post presence who has long arms which allows him to play taller than his height. He’s really good on the block, scoring and rebounding. He also stepped out and shot a couple 3-pointers. At his height, he’d have to play on the wing at the next level. But right now, he’s a very good high school power forward.

Anthony Bailey, 6-3 Sr., Farmington – Bailey was super springy, easily out-jumping opponents for rebounds and put-backs around the rim. He also displayed some guard skills and a high basketball I.Q. This Farmington squad has a few really nice players, and Bailey shined brightest on Thursday.

Jake Holcomb, 6-5 Sr., Holland Christian – Super talented small forward who can shoot from deep and drive through the lane. Plays above the rim and is more physical than he initially looks. He’s starting to get some offers, and if he keeps improving his ball-handling, those will start pouring in. He’s definitely a player to watch this winter.

Braden Latimer, 6-3 Sr., Greenville – Reminds me of the type of player who owns the court all day at the Y. He’s not going to wow you with speed or athleticism, but he just knows how to play basketball. He can hit 3-pointers, put the ball on the floor and finish on the block. He can play the 1-4 and score 15 points a game. High I.Q. player who plays with tenacity.

Harper Huntington, 6-1 Jr., Grand Haven – Star potential; tremendous 3-point shooter who can also play lead guard. Fluid athlete with a great feel for the game. Now an upperclassman, Huntington could become a household name in the next two years. He has big time upside to become a D2 college prospect.

Chib Amaezechi, 6-6 Sr., Plainwell – Perhaps the most athletic player in the entire state. It would be quite the dunk contest between him and Muskegon’s James Martin. Amaezechi seems like the type of player who will find his way onto a D1 college roster at some point. He’s a good shooter and can create his own shot. A diamond in the rough, playing for a school that moved up a division for next season.

Max Versaput, 6-7 Sr., South Haven – An all-around great athlete who might play college baseball at a pretty high level. Versaput played with a better motor Thursday, snagging rebounds and being sturdy going up for layups. He even ran the break a few times and looked natural doing it. He could be a senior breakout in a number of sports.