MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

The Storm put on another great event at Calvin University this season to kick off a new Michigan high school basketball season.

Eight teams took the court, looking to get an early big win, while players hoped to improve their recruiting outlook.

Here are some highlight performers from the four exciting games:

Grandville vs. Holland Christian

Carter Wade, 6-1, Grandville – Strong with the ball with a great outside shot. Looks like a natural leader who won’t get rattled by pressure or venue. May need to be careful not to lift himself out of a good jumper, but he has the look of a D2 college point guard with scoring and creating upside.

Hayden Jeremie, 6-4, Grandville – He was strong and aggressive around the basket, continuously looking to grab rebounds and score on the block. Already about 6-4, could be a Power-4 sleeper if he gets to 6-8. Big, athletic frame makes him look much older.

Brendan VanderHart, 6-3, Grandville – Great size on the wing, another long, rangy player with an almost perfect outside shot. Can handle the ball and create his own shot. Definitely worthy of a D3 roster spot. Very controlled on offense and poised on defense. Impressive performance.

Titus Spencer, 5-11, Holland Christian – Electric guard who is within range the minute he steps across the volleyball line. One of the more entertaining players in the state who can score from all levels. Would be D1 if he kept the same explosiveness but was three inches taller and 25 pounds heavier.

Moses Vanderbilt, 6-0, Holland Christian – High-motored player with good athleticism and basketball I.Q. Kind of skilled glue guy who can drop 15 on a team. Like his versatility and leadership. Not sure if he is a next-level player, but a very useful high school player.

Grand Rapids Christian vs. Holland West Ottawa

Carl Thompson, 6-4, GR Christian – Elite scorer with a smooth overall game. Great 3-point shooter, although he took some ill-advised ones in this game. Strong getting to the basket and can rebound over taller players. Certainly, looked the part of a D1 recruit; not far behind Kobe Bufkin in overall skill at this age.

Braylon Taylor, 5-11, GR Christian – Another explosive guard with Steph Curry-like accuracy from beyond the arc. Quick and smart as a true point guard who can also score. Very slender frame, but tough and confident. Could be a breakout player this year and see his recruiting skyrocket.

Connor Johnson, 6-7, GR Christian – Another long-athletic wing who might need to play in the paint more in high school. Kind of a tweener who is a solid, but not consistent, outside shooter. At his best when he plays with confidence and is aggressive getting his own shot.

J.T. Gill, 5-11, West Ottawa – Great PG who plays poised but can also be explosive when needed. Good in transition and growing in the half-court offense. Can shoot a little, but not a major strength. Still seems a little small (maybe because West Ottawa is just small as a group), but he will definitely be playing at the next level.

Rockford vs. Unity Christian

Eli Wolfe, 6-1, Rockford – Sets the tone with quickness and patience. Deliberate in his movements, allowing him to get good looks from beyond the arc. Great shooter and passer who looked more comfortable getting to the basketball. Definitely a D1 point guard.

Jake Bascom, 6-6, Rockford – Will likely be a Mr. Basketball candidate. Fantastic player who plays with a high motor and great skill. Had about four dunks, a 3-pointer and displayed lethal post moves. Not a great ball-handler or shooter, so still uncertain what position he will play next season at Central Michigan.

Owen VanderWaal, 6-7, Unity Christian – Looked miles better and more confident offensively than I’d ever seen him before. He was the obvious focal point and still dominated at times. Calvin is a great school, but he should be playing D2 college basketball. He has all the skills necessary to succeed against any defensive look.

GR Northview vs. GRCC

Cam Ryans, 6-4, GR Northview – Looked really athletic; seemed to have worked hard on his body to look like a true co0llege guard. He could have a massive scoring season as the undisputed go-to guy for the first time in his career. He could honestly play PG in college, and he will likely end up playing Power-4 before all is said and done.

Jordan McCoy, 6-2, GRCC – If not for him, this game would have been ugly. McCoy was the only GRCC player who looked to score, aggressively and showed a lot of skill getting to the basket. Fearless point guard who will have to score more this season with Izzy Larthridge out for the season. He showed in this game that he can be the floor general and leading scorer.