Nelson Cagle 6-1 Jr Novi
Anyone still parroting the cliche that you can't get better playing AAU, I give you Cagle. He was more consistent, mature and aggressive here than he was in the spring camp -- and he played a bunch of high-level travel ball between now and then. Perhaps his biggest improvement is how he's able to mentally get on to the next play. Operated well and traffic and typically made the right play.
"A solid guard who does a lot of things well, and plays with a little grit!," a coach said. "Not the greatest athlete in the world, but makes up for it with a high IQ and ability to knock down the open jumper off the catch or dribble. He does a much better job of finishing around the hoop and creating his own shot than he did a year ago. Clearly a kid who stays in the gym and puts in a lot of work."
Javon Cooney 5-8 Jr Lansing Sexton
He's in the midst of a strong football season, but by now Cooney has become skilled enough that he's able to step into an off-day like this and the basketball not feel foreign.
"Lightning quick guard who can get into the lane at will," a coach said. "He keeps teammates running the break because he makes great decisions in transition. A true pass-first point guard."
Donqual Jackson 5-8 Jr Holt
Just like he did on the AAU circuit, this local guard proved his one of the best true point guards in the state's 2014 class.
"Height will be an issue, obviously, in where he ends up at his high school career is over," a coach said. "He can do it all though, passes it, shoots it, handles and finishes well around the basket. Nicest floater I've seen since David Holston (Avondale/Chicago State."
TJ Johnson 6-4 Jr Mt. Pleasant
Long, active, the physical tools are there. Good in and up-and-down game, as he can handle it or run the wing to finish. At times looks like a point guard, skill-wise, but not always in his decision-making. While I like his defensive potential overall, depending on the matchup struggled staying in front of smaller guards.
Aaron Leasher 6-1 Jr Mt. Pleasant
Another of a strong Mt. P contingent at camp. Their best player, Buena Vista transfer Jaleel Hogan, was ill and couldn't play. As for Leasher, he doesn't have that one knockout skill, but is a tough all-around guard who will help you in different ways. Can shoot it, but also has good athleticism and body control to finish around the hoop.
Cameron Morse
6-1 Jr Flint Carman-Ainsworth
"Very athletic guard, with amazing bounce," a coach said. "Quick hands on defense. Needs to improve his jumper to improve his options at the next level."
Said another: "Underrated kid. Plays a big upright, but is tough attacking the rim. In one game, scored 15 straight in a blowout win."
Grant Smith 6-4 Jr Goodrich
Heads up, versatile player with terrific size for age/position. Reminds you of four-time camper Dustin Dibble (Petoskey/UMKC), but with a more effortless shot.
"A true 'glue guy'," a coach said. "Does all the little things that don't show up on paper. Scrappy and tough kid who will mix it up with anyone. Jumper looks like it's improving. Doesn't wow you with flash, but is very efficient."
Kyle Solloway 6-2 Jr Dowagiac
"Gave it all on offense and defense," a coach said. "He was one of the most complete guards I saw there period. Dontel will have a legitimate Robin to his Batman this year."
Nick Spitzley 6-2 Jr Pewamo-Westphalia
Not saying he's that good, but Spitzley has that David Kool thing going where he seems to take the ball wherever he wants, at his own speed, thanks to poise, vision, sense of space, timing. He's got to be atop most GLIAC recruiting lists for 2014.
"True point guard," said one coach. "Not overly vocal, but definitely leads by example. He displayed a solid all-around game. Made very good decisions in transition, both finishing and finding the open man. Might have been the best passer at the camp, but also had no problem scoring from 5-25 feet."
Drew Zuidema 6-2 Jr Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian
He's played so much AAU, been to so many Bank Hoops camps already, he steps onto a court unfazed, confident in what he's going to do. Doesn't miss from outside when left open, and uses the shot to set up drives. Nice first step and a knack for finding daylight, though would like to see Zuidema finish stronger and with both hands.
"A crafty guard who finds ways to finish in traffic," said one coach. "Plays with a lot of confidence and swagger. Knocked down the jumper off the catch. Seems to look to hit to hit the open man once he puts it on the deck."
"Drew is a kid I think we have all watched shoot and make NBA range 3s since he was about 10 years old," another coach said. "Now he's matured and proving that he's gonna mess around a make a college team much better in the future, might even be at the Division 1 level. Great attitude. Very strong with the left hand; should study Drew Neitzel."
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