MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

The GottaGetIt Hoop Classic proved again why it is one of the best boys high school basketball events of the year, attracting over 3,000 spectators over the course of four games.

Every potential Mr. Basketball nominee took the court Saturday at East Kentwood, including a masterclass performance from frontrunner K.J. Torbert.

Here are some standout players from the GottaGetIt Hoop Classic:

Cam Ryans, 6-4 Sr., GR Northview – A great player made even better by improving his body and overall quickness. Explosive getting to the basket, exemplified by perhaps the dunk of the year directly over a 6-8 player. Ryans has the look of a power-4 player, and might end up there with more consistency from mid-range and beyond the arc. Flirted with 30 points against Brother Rice and seems to be in a battle with K.J. Torbert fro Mr. Basketball.

Greg Grays Jr., 6-2 Sr., Brother Rice – For those on the west side of the state that had never seen him play, he more than lived up to his Detroit Mercy commitment by raining in 3-pointers en route to a game MVP performance. Grays might be the best jump-shooter in the state, and he’s also growing other parts of his game. Another potential Mr. Basketball candidate, especially if he keeps producing like this on the big stage.

A.J. Lambers Jr., 6-1 Fr., Muskegon – A classic breakout performance for one of the best freshmen in the state. Lambers drained six 3-pointers, some of them in clutch situations. His game is mostly outside shooting at the moment, but he certainly excels in that role. Muskegon has a gem here, and Lambers could reach nationally-ranked status with a couple more inches and a more versatile game as he evolves over the next few years.

Mareon Knott, 6-4 Sr., Detroit King – “Baby Draymond” resembles the former Michigan State and current Warriors forward in many ways – mostly because of their shared versatility on both ends of the court. Knott was a beast in this game, punishing defenders en route to the basket, while also knocking down some jump shots. Detroit King doesn’t really run plays on offense, so Knott usually ends up bailing them out by driving to the hoop.

R.J. Chapman, 6-2 Sr., East Kentwood – Chapman is a versatile guard who can score 20 points or be the team’s main facilitator. He can sometimes get lost in the shuffle of all East Kentwood’s exciting players, but his senior leadership is much-appreciated on a younger squad. A tremendous shooter who should be a fun player to watch at Saginaw Valley.

Jake Bascom, 6-6 Sr., Rockford – He probably could have scored 35 points if used a little more frequently in Rockford’s upset bid against East Lansing. He had to “settle” for 20 points while dominating on the block. As mentioned, he should have been given more post touches because no one really proved they could stop him in the paint. A gritty, throwback type of player, Bascom has committed to Central Michigan.

Eli Wolfe, 6-1 So., Rockford – Wolfe didn’t shy away from his matchup against the best player in the state – K.J. Torbert – instead taking the challenge head on and pushing East lansing to earn the win in overtime. Wolfe was electric getting to the basket and drilled some 3-pointers. He has Mr. Basketball contender written all over him once he’s eligible in a couple years. Easily one of the best sophomores in the state.

K.J. Torbert, 6-2 Sr., East Lansing – Put on a show in front of over 2,000 people, likely locking up this year’s Mr. Basketball award. Torbert was on fire from beyond the arc, displayed explosiveness above the rim and toughness getting to the basket. It was a memorable performance right up there with Keith Appling’s 49 points at the Breslin Center in 2009. Torbert finished the game with 39 points, while completely taking over in overtime.