MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

BCAM once again put on a tremendous event over the weekend, showcasing some of the state’s premier boys high school basketball teams and players. It has become a staple event for anyone looking to get an early look at how teams are shaping up for the winter.

I attended all day Saturday, and was able to watch almost every team there for at least part of a game.

Here are some upcoming seniors who really stood out:

Kaidon Morning, 6-1, Ann Arbor Huron – Lively and explosive with the ball in his hands, taking on defenders with ease while playing above the rim. He’s a solid outside shooter and hard to stop once he gets forward momentum. He was also lively in the passing lanes, defensively, creating steals and making life difficult for opposing guards. He almost certainly raised some eyebrows from the litany of college coaches in attendance.

Hassan Makki, 6-5, Dearborn – Strong upper body allowed him to dominate in the post. He was like a vacuum getting constant post feeds and offensive rebounds. He has a nice mid-range jumper and plays with intensity on both ends of the court. A but short to be a true post in college, but he might end up a D3 college legend as a strong forward who could still improve as a shooter.

Cam Ryans, 6-4, GR Northview – Everyone already knows he’s a great player, but Ryans was very aggressive playing point guard on Saturday, leading to a clutch shot and victory over Brother Rice. If he continues to develop his explosive first step, he could definitely be a Power-4 point guard at the next level. He can shoot, dribble and bang in the paint. He is going to be among the top vote getters for Mr. Basketball.

Jovaan Daniels, 5-11, Hudsonville – A Mr. Basketball nominee sleeper who inexplicably still flies under the radar. Amazing feel for the game with an elite pull-up jumper. Despite looking like a freshman, he plays tough and doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s very intelligent and capable of 25-plus points any night. People across the state better familiarize themselves with his name and game.

Derek Thomas II, 6-3, Lansing Waverly – Very similar to Makki listed above. He’s an undersized post with incredible feel for the game. He’s the best finisher around the basket in the state. If he was 6-7 with the same skillset, he;d be a D1 college prospect. As such, he’s either going to have to switch to guard or play a lower level and probably score 20 a game as an undersized post. Just a tremendous player at this level.

Arquez Petty, 5-9, Muskegon – Super quick first step; repeatedly beat his man for a deuce. He has really improved as a ball-handler over the years and now looks like a true, dangerous point guard. Quick hands and feet on defense. He plays with a quiet confidence and looks up for any task. He could be poised for a breakout season on a team that might surprise people despite a lot of inexperience in the rotation.

Jake Bascom, 6-6, Rockford – He’s just a gritty, tough player with skill and poise in the paint. He will not be out-worked and he’s developed the ability to create his own shot. He plays slightly hunched over, but he’s a true 6-6 with a versatile game. He’s started to receive well-deserved D1 college interest. It’s entirely possible he one day develops into a point-forward type of player. A monster on the boards at both ends of the court. He’d probably be an automatic Tom Izzo favorite if he was 6-9 or taller.

Damari Stephens, 6-6, Waterford Mott – One of the best teams of the weekend, Stephens was active and poised in the paint. He was aggressive getting rebounds and great at finishing strong through traffic. He’s kind of the new-age post in Michigan high school basketball. Mid-height but a strong body with good hands and feet. He could reach D2 college consideration this season.

Cyrus Goins, 6-6, Wayne Memorial – Tall, lanky shooter who looks like a carbon copy of Austin Tory from last season’s team. Goins is very active and has a quick release on his jumper. I immediately said to someone: “one year of JUCO to get stronger and more consistent and he has D1 potential.” Hopefully college coaches agree because he can really ball.

Christopher Childs, 6-3, Fraser – He just looks like a next-level player. Smooth athlete with a versatile game. He could play point guard in college. Had some very impressive and efficient scoring games Saturday. His stock has to be rising even though his team might struggle at times this season. I really like his jump shot and his ability to create his own looks. He has all the tools to succeed at the next level.

Sebastian Thrower, 6-1, Cass Tech – When playing in front of college coaches, it’s important to show improvement. Thrower certainly did that, looking much more comfortable as the lead guard in Cass Tech’s offense than he did off the ball last year at Brother Rice. He’s a long, lean guard with a nice outside shot and easy speed running the floor. He’s a very intriguing player in the perfect system.