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 of the top junior performers at Grand Valley last weekend:

Nate Sidney, 6-3, Ann Arbor Huron – Big, strong point-forward who can handle the ball, shoot from deep and set up his teammates. He’s the tallest player in the starting linup, which might force him to play in the post at times, but his guard skills are impressive as well. Plays with poise and leadership, while also taking pride in the defensive side of the game. A sleeper colleges should keep their eyes on.

Kesean Hobbs, 6-4, Benton Harbor – Underrated prospect from a storied program known for pushing out great college players. Hobbs is a smooth athlete who can run the point or play on the wing. He has a nice jump shot and is springy enough to consistently play above the rim. He has the game to play D2 college basketball, and might have the athleticism to reach even higher levels. A star since his freshman year, he could play his way into Mr. Basketball candidate consideration over the next two seasons.

Stevie Hall, 6-2, Cass Tech – Smooth guard who glides through defenders to get to the basket. His shot has improved. It’s not yet a strength, but it’s a solid part of his game. Tall and tough, Hall looks like a future D1 point guard. How much muscle he can comfortably add might dictate whether he winds up at a mid-major or Power-4 program. Coach’s son who has great awareness and intangibles on the court.

Isaiah McCree, 5-11, Detroit CC – Love his game – he smoothly runs an offense and has a quick and accurate release on his jump shot. His move from Grand Blanc gives the Shamrocks one of the most elite junior classes in the state. McCree is a bit underrated as a prospect, but the more exposure he gets the more that will change. He’s a baller and just keeps getting better.

Alfonzo Harris Jr., 6-4, Detroit Renaissance – He looked like the best player on the court at times as an athletic wing with an improving 3-point shot. He looked more confident on both ends of the court, taking more shots and playing like a true star. Part of a 3-headed backcourt attack that rivals any other team in the state. He should have plenty of eyes on his development this season.

Kingston Thomas, 6-4, East Lansing – Elite athlete who might be winning a few dunk contests in college. Gifted leaper who can rise quickly and well above the rim. While his upside is through the roof, his game is currently lacking an identity. He’s racking up D1 college offers, and if he hones in his skills, he could rise into a Power-4 prospect.

Eden Vinyard, 6-7, Ferndale – Fantastic all-around player who might already be the best in the state. He checks all the boxes Power-4 programs want, and he’s a great teammate. Vinyard is capable of creating his own shot as a tall guard, but he can also get strong in the post, usually finishing with an emphatic dunk. The sky is the limit, and hopefully we’ll be seeing him play on the world’s biggest stages.

Braylon Taylor, 5-8, GR Christian – Tremendous shooter with a great feel for where defenders are going to be. A leader on the court with tremendous quickness and vision. He’s very small and slender, but one good growth spurt would make him a very intriguing college prospect.

Kooper Richards, 5-11, Grosse Pointe South – Fierce competitor with a nice jump shot and toughness getting to the basket. A true gamer, who shows up ready to compete. Might still have another growth spurt in him to become an elite poing guard prospect. GPS has a few intriguing young players, and Richards looks poised to lead that group.

Makai Campos, 6-1, West Ottawa – Composed floor general with unrivaled feel for the game. Plays within himself and sets the pace in a positive way. Elite basketball I.Q. who always seems to make the right decisions. Speed and 3-point shooting are two aspects to work on, but overall Campos stands out as one of the best junior point guard prospects in the state.

CJ Gomez, 5-11, Lansing Waverly – Quick guard with a nice outside shot. He sometimes plays a little too fast, but his skillset stands out amongst a group of high-quality Waverly guards. He sees the floor well and puts in great effort on defense. It’s understandable that he wants to use his athleticism and quickness to his advantage, but slowing down a bit could make him a top-level point guard prospect.

Quenten Graham, 6-2, Warren Fitzgerald – I came away really impressed with his skills as a point guard. A big, strong lead guard who looks like a linebacker charging at the defense. Graham should have little issue consistently getting to the basket this season. The one-two punch of Graham and Keandre Burtin (6-6) will be an intriguing combo, with a few other solid guards sprinkled in the mix.