All-State Camp: 2019 First Team

MVP Drew Lowder  5-11  Jr  Ann Arbor Pioneer: He already has three D1 offers, a number that should continue to multiply. Strong enough, and a competitor, he held his own with taller players in drills. Can be a very good scorer off the drive or jumper, and can also be a pass-first point guard. As he continues to mature Lowder will be able to more ably mix the two and be that much more dangerous.

“Quickest player at camp,” a coach said. “He got into the lane whenever he wanted and finished over bigger defenders. He’s my camp MVP.”

“Smart and tough guard who can flat out score it,” another coach said. “He’s one of the best in the entire state at getting his own shot. He can score on all three levels and finishes at whatever angle necessary to get the job done. He also showed he could pass the ball pretty well too. He’s a pest on the ball when he wants to be, but sometimes gets lost on the ball. Improved body language will also help him, as he’ll need to be a leader of his team in the coming years.”

Isaiah Bridges  6-4  Jr  Midland: No one will confuse him with Dathan Ritzenhein, but a fall of cross country has Bridges getting up and down, and off, the floor easier than in AAU. Aggressive and hungry rebounder who high-pointed and two-handed the ball against taller opponents both in drills and in games. Scores in the paint with a well-practiced jump  hook. Despite those assets it’s a mistake to think of Bridges as an undersized floor, because when out on the floor and making decisions with the ball just looks like a basketball player. Passing ability allows you to invert the offense through him. Has worked on the perimeter shot but it’s still not easy and natural, which would bump him up a level as a recruit. 3.8 gpa.

Clayton Dykhouse  5-11  Jr  Zeeland East: It may not just be football success for the Chix.

“Very versatile combo guard,” a coach said. “Knocked down open jumpers and finished around the hoop a variety of ways. Did a nice job using deception to keep defenders guessing. Always seemed to make the right play in transition. Showed the ability to change direction with fluidity and change speeds effortlessly. Offensive game is complete, but needs to take advantage of his athleticism to play harder defensively.”

Jeremy Luciani  6-7  Jr  Marshall: Really liked him in July with the Prospectors, and backed that up here. Strong, tough 4 man similar to a Marshall forward from a generation ago, Patrick McClockey, who played at Oakland. Good feel and balance on the blocks. Not afraid to put a body on someone boxing out or setting a screen. Throw in a nearly 4.0 gpa, and Luciani will certainly have some options in a year.

“Very good footwork in the post when he caught with his back to the basket and had a really nice looking hook shot over his left shoulder,” a coach said. “Very efficient at putting it on the deck as well. Needs to be more physical before the catch and create a bigger target. He does a nice job in help defense and rebounds on both ends like a man. He runs well in transition and has no problem catching and finishing on the move. Needs to continue to work on quickness and athleticism as it’s good for the high school level but will need to get better for college.”

Xander Okerlund  6-4  Jr  Maple City Glen Lake: After a breakout AAU July, came in a bit rusty to five-on-five after being cloistered on the Leelanau Peninsula, and didn’t shoot it as well as we’ve become accustomed to seeing. But Okerlund has to much talent and skill not to produce, and made plays with his length and hoops IQ.

“I’ve seen him play a ton and like his game too much not to have him on here,” a coach said. “Seemed like his shot was off and he knew it, so he became more of a facilitator this go around. Uses his length to create angles and made passing look easy. Can pass equally well with his let and right hands. Not looking to score as much may have been a blessing in disguise, because in my mind it allowed him to display his ability to play the point. Played hard defensively and seems like a really good kid.”

Sage Walker  6-9  Jr  Corunna: Making the transition from project to prospect to player. Much more productive than he was at last year’s Underclassman Camp. Walker caught the ball well, kept it high and finished efficiently often with dunks. Good straight-line speed for his size and caught and dunked on the move. 3.9 gpa.

“Lack of ability to finish may have been a knock in the past, but Sage finished with both hands around the hoop,” a coach said. “Also attacked the rim with numerous big dunks and consistently knocked down 15 footers. Active on the glass and does a good job protecting the rim. Played well in the pick-and-roll game. Needs to continue to work on having a lower pass and develop offensively with his back to the hoop. Awesome personality and very coachable.”