MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

This past weekend marked another great BCAM Team Camp event, and Michigan proved once again that it’s ripe with basketball talent.

Here are some of the less heralded players who proved they could be major breakout candidates this upcoming season:

Jeremiah Davis, 6-3, Renaissance – Looked to be in total control of the offense as a tall, athletic guard who can play on or off the ball. Quick first step who moves with a purpose and doesn’t back down in the paint. Good passer and shooter. Just a sophomore, so his upside remains immense.

Brayden Williams, 6-2, GR Northview – A classic bucket getter. He’s likely going to average over 20 points a game this season as a smooth guard with amazing handles and a knock-down jump shot from mid-range and beyond the arc. He’s strong at the point of attack, which helps him get to the basket with physicality.

Noah Foster, 5-6, Warren DLS – Amazing ball-handler who plays with confidence and a great feel for the game. Terrific shooter who can create his own looks from almost everywhere with a quick release. Just a sophomore, he needs to grow and get stronger, but he looks like a potentially elite point guard similar to former Hudsonville point guard Jovaan Daniels.

Brody Champagne, 6-5, Clarkston – The 2029 class is elite, and Champagne is very much a part of that. Super tall and lanky guard with quickness and a solid 3-point shot. Uses his length to get around defenders and finish at the rim. Oozes potential and plays with swagger. He will form a nice 1-2 punch with Ace Walters this season.

Ousmane Coulibaly, 6-6, Dearborn – Strong, athletic post with a college physique and growing skills to match. One of the best rebounders at the BCAM throughout the weekend. His offensive skills have developed, making him a potential three-level scorer. It’s going to be interesting to see how tall and skilled he gets over the next two years.

Demetrius Bennett, 6-1, Loy Norrix – Another confident guard with a great feel for the game. Runs the offense, but he can also score from all three levels. His 3-point shooting was on the games I saw him, which made him look like one of the better all-around guards in the gym. He could be a late bloomer that starts out at JUCO and ends up playing at much higher levels.

Zameir Clayton, 6-2, Benton Harbor – Underrated on a team with a couple definite college players, Clayton sets the tone with smooth ball-handling and quickness. His all-around game has developed quickly, and he might be the best player on a stacked starting lineup. If his shooting improves during his junior season, his recruitment could skyrocket.

Andrew Kenyi, 6-10, East Kentwood – He looked every part of a D1 college forward. He can handle the ball, shoot from outside and he’s developed some strength and post moves on the block. Very impressed with his development. He no longer looks like a project. He’s now just a great player ready to average 15 points and 10 rebounds this season.

Ransom Thomas, 6-3, Cass Tech – Looked very lively and athletic. No longer just a spot-up 3-point shooter, Thomas should be the perfect second scoring option for Stevie Hall. Thomas was also very active on defense, using his size, strength and speed to disrupt passing lanes. Definitely a rising college prospect.

Edgar Hubbard, 6-3, DEPSA – Hubbard commanded the court with his poise and composure leading the offense. He has a nice outside shot, plus the length and strength to get to the basket. He saw the court well, and could definitely be a tall point guard at the next level. One of the most impressive pla

Max Zichterman, 6-3, South Christian – He’s always been a great shooter, but he looked like an all-around great guard this weekend. He handled the ball, created his own shots, and proved he could run the offense. With his athletic upside, he could sneak into the D2 college discussion. This is also going to be a team destined for a very long postseason run.

Nate Tandy, 6-3, Rochester – I watched Rochester play a quarter or two in three different games, and I don’t remember seeing Tandy miss. The lefty was near automatic off the dribble, getting to the hoop, hitting mid-range jumpers and draining some 3-pointers.

Darien Stewart, 6-6, West Ottawa – When locked in, Stewart is a freak athlete who can’t be stopped. He had a couple dunks that could have been in a Space Jam movie. Tremendous rebounder and shot blocker. For Stewart, he just needs to improve his ball-handling and play with consistent effort, and he will be at least a D2 college player.

KJ Fast, 6-6, Lansing Waverly – Fast has some big shoes to fill in the Waverly frontcourt, but he is tall, long and athletic. He’s a skilled player willing to do the dirty work, which is a breath of fresh air in this day and age. Fast is strong on the block with great leaping skills and a nice baseline jumper.

Jay McPherson, 6-1, OLSM – Explosive guard who has added a few inches of height since last year. Quick off the dribble, tight handles and fearless getting to the basket. Played with a swagger and confidence, but may have to reign that in just a bit. Worked really well with fellow intriguing guard Elijah Hines (6-1) on a team that could surprise.

Ashton Callan, 6-3, Lumen Christi – Didn’t realize how physical he was. Backed down smaller players and showed nice touch around the basket. Callan is a solid all-around player who should have some dominant performances this season. If he can add a bit more foot speed, he will be a D3 college must have.

Elijah Brooks, 6-3, Kalamazoo Central – Made the jump from Hackett to K-Central and paired up excellently with major D1 college prospect Davier White (6-6). Brooks is a strong guard who can shoot, dish and drive. Also a great rebounder, Brooks just needs to work on his quickness. Immediately makes K-Central a contender again, but they might be one more player away from emerging as true state-title hopefuls (more on that later).