The senior class at the 18th-annual Bank Hoops All-State Camp was deep, with the second group of honorees littered with players who already have NAIA and D3 offers.
Evan Booker 5-11 Sr Saginaw Arthur Hill: Arthur Hill may not be a team you want to run into in March with its senior backcourt. Elvis Machul is piling up D2 offers and was one of the camp’s top guards. “He has a nice handle,” a coach said. “Good shooter who defended.”
Caleb Caul 6-3 Sr Grayling: His improved shot has opened up the floor, his mind and his confidence. A true college prospect given his rate of physical and skill growth, work ethic, grades and athleticism.
Jalen Charity 6-5 Sr Grand Rapids Northview: While he didn’t shoot it like he did in some big summer games, Charity has the tools to still produce as he’s quick covering space both vertically and horizontally. Those attributes helped make him all-conference in three sports. Defensive length on closeouts or blocked shots. Has to be accounted for as if given some baseline on the defense or coming off the weakside to the offensive glass, a dunk may ensue. When the jumper is dropping, then opens up things for Charity’s big first step.
Nate Childers 6-1 Sr Benzie Central: He has a near professional approach with his consistency of effort on both ends and “next one” shooter’s mentality. He is one of the physically strongest guards in the state, which he uses to his advantage as a scorer or defender.
Joel Ewald 5-11 Sr Roscommon: It’s a marathon not a sprint and Ewald gets better and better as his body catches up to his skills. Battle-hardened from facing a murderer’s row of future college guards in AAU, played here with pace and confidence. Keeps coming back at you. Competes, passes, shoots like you’d expect of a coach’s son. “A good point guard and passer who sees the floor well and hits the open shot,” a coach said.
Grant George 6-1 Sr Grand Rapids Northview: As expected the shot looked good. Knows where his spots are, and gets to them within the flow. “You can never have enough shooters in small college basketball,” a small college coach once said — and that was before the three-point revolution. So George has a chance, particularly with a 4.0 gpa and playing for one of the state’s best teams.
Kobe Kambestead 5-11 Sr Grand Rapids West Catholic: If West Catholic is as good as the buzz he and teammate and fellow camper Michael Morris will be on all-state lists. Looks like one of the best shooters in Grand Rapids, which is saying something. Was good at last year’s camp as well with the raindrop jumper, now he’s stronger and craftier. Uses change of speed dribbles and patience to create. Has deep range and can create space to get shot off from 22 feet or in the lane. That vertical and coach’s son savvy may be the saving grace that separates him from the pack of the most common prospect type — 6-foot guards who can score it in high school.
Sam Leppien 6-10 Sr Alma: If he’s not playing he’s visiting colleges, which tends to happen when you’re one of the state’s tallest players and more and more, a player. Good extension on his shot. Needs to get stronger and resilient against stouter post defenders pushing him from position. “Two years ago he was an inconsistent finisher who couldn’t dunk twice in a row, and his lack of confidence showed in his play,” a coach said. “This time, he was confidently taking and making 3s. He loves basketball and has been accepting of any and all coaching over the years. It’s been a pleasure to see his growth. Sam’s a player you can’t help but root for.”
Nick Lurz 6-7 Sr Birmingham Groves: A really good passer from various spots and scenarios. Finished above the rim consistently in drills. Effective scorer when he can get a shoulder into you on the blocks or facing up to drive. Has a resume to raise his recruiting status. Strong and not just tall; strong grades not just strong frame; a summer of EYBL with the Family; playing for one of state’s best coaches in a good high school league.
Michael Morris 6-4 Sr Grand Rapids West Catholic: One of the favorites among college coaches because of his versatility and motor. Hits the 3, hits the boards, runs the floor and can slash from the halfcourt. Good energy with a knack for being around the ball. High-end grades.
Maurice Sain 6-6 Sr Muskegon: He’s been a strong prospect since his underclassman days, then a knee injury caused him to miss summer AAU which paused the recruiting momentum. Sain is back at it, a good shooter with length, and big ups on the glass. On a team loaded with college prospects, Sain looks poised for breakout 20-10 games against a tough schedule.
Devin Watts 6-3 Sr Flushing: Reminds one of another big, all-around guard, camp alumnus David Wilkerson who is off to a strong start in his prep school career via East Lansing. “Silky smooth,” a coach said. “Plays like a savvy veteran, kind of like the guy a t the Y who schools younger players with fundamentals over flashy play.”
Recent Comments