2024 MVP Jake Vermaas 6-2 So Grand Rapids South Christian: Can attack as a scorer or passer with equal skill and relish, and has the athleticism and energy to be an impact defender. One of four 2024 point guards to come through the camp who already have mid-major size/skill/athleticism components, with GR Catholic Central’s Phat Phat Brooks, Summit Academy North’s Dontez Scott and GR Northview’s EJ Ryans. “He’s a sneaky good passer as well as a very good offensive player,” a college coach said. In one game blocked shots on successive defensive possessions sandwiching an and-one finish on the other end; in another game had a five-minute stretch where Vermaas knocked down four shots all from different distances while mixing in assists and rebounds.
Merritt Alderink 6-7 So Zeeland West: GVSU prioritized another Alderink, Holland Christian’s Ethan, and this is again the kind of local player they might circle the wagons around and hope the secret doesn’t get out. But when you’re a regularly dunking underclassman this big, that will be hard to do. He was productive here against older players as he mixed up a physical back-to-basket game with a left-handed shot to behind the arc, while both making and capitalizing on chances by staying active with good hands. Can post up or invert and feed guys himself. Played hard through the last whistle of the last round of games. Naturally strong frame but moves very well and gets off the floor easily.
Travis Ambrose 6-8 So Muskegon Reeths-Puffer: A combination of age, frame and athleticism that will be piquing college coaches curiosity for years. Fundamentally sound, keeps the ball high and does the dirty work to stay involved. Rim ran consistently. Didn’t shy from contact. Wide shoulders and uses it to separate for the jumphook.
Gage Coonan 5-8 So Bay City Western: “This little guy was one of the toughest players in camp,” a coach said. “Consistently scored over bigger players in the lane. He used pullups, floaters and just finished withlayups, all in traffic while being defended tough. He also defended well off the ball.”
William Dee 5-8 So Rochester Adams: Few had heard of another Adams guard, Pistons summer league breakout performer Spencer Littleson, the first time he came to camp either … Dee might not be the first guy you pick out of warmups. Then the ball goes up. “In every station where there were shots to be taken, he shot it very, very well,” a coach said. “He played like Jason ‘White Chocolate’ Williams, he put on a show in the games. When I watched him I had a mixtape of Naughty by Nature tunes in my head.” “Nice player!,” another coach said. “A very head guard with a nice handle, good vision and can shoot it.”
Warrick Elder 5-10 So Gull Lake: His father Jason Elder, an explosive Gen X guard from Jonesville, was a two-time All-American for Spring Arbor, and the chip off the block has some game too. Mature beyond his years both in decision making on the floor, and interacting with coaches off it. “A very head point guard,” a coach said. “He was playing on a team with mostly seniors and juniors and held his own. Shoots it well but doesn’t force anything, probably could’ve shot it more.”
Deunte Phifer 6-4 So Lansing Waverly: He was Waverly’s second-leading scorer as a freshman. He would be an impact varsity player on length and athleticism alone, but is skilled and can shoot it. Covers ground easily, to get buy his man or catch up on D. Also boding well for his recruiting future — Doesn’t look done growing at still just 15; comes from hoop family; plays at Waverly for Rod Watts who has coached boatloads of future Division 1 standouts. “Good shot and nice guard skills,” a coach said.
Anthony Ribel 6-2 So Traverse City Central: He was good at the Underclassman Camp, and in just the six weeks between events looked more mature, athletic and bouncy. Ribel was dunking in drills, and finishing through contact in games. Those are promising developments as he’s already a skilled fundamental shooter. Has the demeanor to play some point as well. Has pace, feel and flow to his game who will really flourish for coaches who don’t have a preconceived role for him.
Nathan Washburn 6-7 So Macomb Dakota: Dialed in during drills, wants to get better. Does some nice things that you like to see out of a young frontcourt prospect — kept the ball high, ran the floor hard, talked on defense. Has a chance to make a varsity impact as a cleanup guy with defenses trying to box out Dakota’s explosive senior forward Tymias Williams.
Jaxson Whitaker 6-3 So Muskegon Reeths-Puffer: An absolute knock-down shooter, one of the best in the 2024 class in Michigan. But it’s not just drills and rote. In live action Whitaker moves well off the ball, is clever with the faces and finding himself open. Stays shot-ready. Did it often and well enough that his teammates were looking to get him the ball, which doesn’t always happen in camp settings., and not bad vision himself as a passer.
Donny Yeager 5-9 So Saginaw Nouvel: Pick your poison, as he and brother MJ Yeager both lived up to their reps as elite perimeter shooters. Broke loose during games. Arc and touch, and falls through pretty. Not tall, but strong and has a quick release. Nice one-dribble rhythm shot to be closeouts. Has a college skill for sure to build around.
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