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Tevin Alexander 6-5 Sr Battle Creek Central
Wide-body forward who gave longer, taller skinnier opponents fits in the position game. Soft hands, can face up as a true triple-threat.
"Strong looking kid that has a nice touch and is athletic for his size," a coach said. "Uses his body very well in establishing rebounding position. Motor could be better, because he seemed to run out of gas as the game wore on. Definitely a competitor though, because he always found found some extra in the tank late in the game. Actually hit a game-tying three at the buzzer at the end of the first game. He is also a very good passer out of the post."
Doug Bradfield 6-6 Jr Mason
Hadn't heard of this kid coming in, but will certainly remember him now, and when decision time comes for coaches in a year, his nearly 4.0 gpa won't hurt the cause. He has a great basketball body, long and rangy but not too skinny for his age. Handled the ball well away from the basket.
Keith Brushwyler 6-6 Sr Stevensville-Lakeshore
Brushwyler has a 4.0 gpa and ACT north of 30, and he's one of those players whose book smarts apply to the court, as he always popped up in the right place. Vastly improved prospect from this camp a year ago, as he came in this time with the pedigree of having played in the state finals, and had the confidence of a bigger, stronger athlete. One of the refs said Brushwyler was the best player he saw all day, and he called five games on his court. Attacked and scored time and again with a big first step and then the strength and explosion to finish at and over the rim. Did a good job of protecting the ball to get the shot off. Second and third effort on the glass, he still went hard in his last game of the afternoon. All-league guy in the MIAA or WHAC, with the physicality to play in the GLIAC if he continues to work on his shot and defense in space, as he'll have to be a full-time face-up forward.
"He was strong and productive all day," a coach said. "I was impressed by his athleticism when he crammed a two-handed dunk on a post player in an early drill. He's not the smoothest handling the ball, but understands how to play under control and within himself. He has a great body and I could see him as high as a D2 player. Being that he's somewhat of a tweener for that level though, I wouldn't be surprised to see him having an extremely successful career playing at the D3/NAIA level. Would compare him to a Trent Messer (Gull Lake//Ferris State)."
"Strong-bodied big who runs the floor like a deer," another coach said. "Physically imposing and athletic, even with the ball in his hands. Excellent offensive game from the high post. Finishes above the rim, especially in transition. Opponents must box him out, because he hit the glass hard on both sides of the court."
Reynaldo Cheney 6-8 Jr Grand Rapids Creston
There are so many 6-8 prospects in the 2014 class, and when it comes to athleticism and potential, Cheney is right near the top. "He looked to be in a different class, athletically, than the rest of the post players at the camp," one coach said. "I also like the fact that he can handle the ball a little bit. There were a number of times that he took a rebound and led the break himself. His mid-range shooting could improve, and that would help his game a lot. The No. 1 thing that I'd like to see from the kid though is playing hard all the time. He seemed to take a lot of plays off, and that holds him back from completely dominating a game at both ends. If he were more focused and willing to sell out, I would say, 'Scary good prospect!'"
Said another: "He's a kid getting Division 1 attention because of his potential and athleticism. He has tremendous upside, but again seems to be another Grand Rapids big with a "soft" label. Not much of a back-to-the-basket game, more of a pure dunker and 12-foot shot kind of big."
And another: "Very athletic kid with great hands and ball skills. Can finish with both hands around the hoop is is a tough check for other bigs away form the hoop due to his ability to put it on the deck. Finishes with dunks in the open court. Plays with a better motor than in the past, especially on the other end. A very good defender, but seemed to lack a little competitive toughness when it came to defending."
Luke Cordes 6-8 Sr Alpena
Smooth, finesse combo forward from the Northeast Corner. Cordes is very comfortable out on the court with the ball, and has an easy lefty shot to three-point range. Coaches would like to see him get nastier and play up to his height inside, and work on his right hand.
"He told me he wants to be an engineer, and has grades, so obviously would be a great fit for a Michigan Tech type of school," a coach said. "He's tall, long and a decent athlete who also has some guard skills and three-point range."
"Nice mid-range game for a big fella," another coach said. "Needs to be more of a factor around the basket."
Chris Dierker 6-6 Sr Salem
"Great finisher in transition," coach said. "He's sneaky athletic and plays the game at a different level of intensity than most others do. I love seeing guys dive for loose balls going out of bounds in what most would consider an 'all-star game.' Jumper needs to improve when going off the dribble, however he showed an improved jumper off the catch. Would be a great player in the GLIAC."
"I absolutely love this kid!," said another. "Unassuming to a fault, but mid-range is top notch. When he gets mad, better get out of his way!"
Jeffrey Koch 6-8 Sr Troy Athens
A long-time camper is a finesse 4 man who has post moves and really runs the floor, just waiting for the upper body so he can bang. Koch was assertive all day long.
"His speed and quickness have improved noticeably since the last Bank Hoops Showcase," a coach said. "Playing with confidence and running the floor. Great sign that he is still improving."
"Athletic big who is very skilled offensively," said another coach. "He can hit the open jumper as well as play with his back to the basket. Needs to continue to get stronger so that he can battle better on the defensive end. He's a very good offensive rebounder, but very average defensive rebounder."
Max Recknagel 6-7 Jr Saline
He plays rugged and with some attitude, the kind of kid who seems to enjoy what being a post or 4 entails. Not afraid to deliver, or take, a hit. Max had good feel, timing, footwork on the blocks, working patiently but efficiently to find shots, while also showing a competent jumper to 17 feet. If he gets more explosive, with Recknagel's grades and game demeanor he'll have some nice options a year from now.
"Physical player, a true banger," a coach said. "Boxes out without thinking about it which puts him in position to dominate the defensive glass. Makes up for his lack of elevation with great use of his body. Doesn't seem to get his shot blocked. A Bill Laimbeer clone since he can rebound and knock down the open jumper."
Mitchell Rubio 6-7 Sr Goodrich
A smooth open court player who covered space easily and was in attack mode when he got near the rim.
"Handles and shot improving all the time," a coach said. "Very athletic, runs the floor and showing he can play a traditionally smaller position on the floor. He stood out in his games."
Donnie Stoddard 6-6 Sr Woodhaven
One of the camp's pleasant surprises. He is a hard-nosed physical 3/4 combo who rebounded, defended and blocked shots, while showing the ability to step out and hit the three-pointer. Coaches liked his college-ready body.
Cody Stuive 6-6 Sr Hudsonville
He's not as well known as he should be, as his junior year Stuive played his role behind two future college players, Blake Hibbitts and BJ Van Loo, and then didn't play with a "name" program in AAU, but when he went up against them was as good as any forward from ACB, Camp Darryl, Lakers or Storm. Like Brushwyler, another admission department's dream with a 4.0 gpa and 30 ACT. What will be crucial for Stuive is to mature from his xc runner's physique, into that of a college basketball player.
"A very good shooter off the catch with a nice size," one coach said. "Needs to be more of a factor on the defensive glass."
"The sky is the limit with this player," another coach said. "Long, smart, athletic, skilled and can play multiple positions. Not afraid of anyone or anything. Plays both ends with a passion. If he can consistently knocked down the 3, and he has a nice shot already, then what a player he is going to be."
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