Bank Hoops All-State Camp: Upperclassman Top Prospect Team

The Bank Hoops All-State Camp Upperclassman MVP, Grand Rapids Christian junior Jared Lary.

MVP Jared Lary  6-4  Jr  Grand Rapids Christian: His game has really evolved — athletically and skill-wise — from a sweet-shooting mid-range forward 18 months ago, to a smooth wing guard with an expanding offensive repertoire. Can play all five positions in high school, a strong complement to another 2021 standout who made last fall’s all-camp team, Kobe Bufkin. Improved so much so that Lary had the most coaches’ votes for camp most valuable player, joining an impressive club, the past five Bank Hoops All-State Camp Upperclassman MVPs:

• 2019 Jared Lary  6-4  Jr  Grand Rapids Christian
• 2018 Drew Lowder  5-11  Sr  Ann Arbor Pioneer (Holy Cross)
• 2017 Luke Maranka  6-10  Jr  Grand Rapids Angels (Toledo)
• 2016 Gabe Brown  6-7  Jr  Belleville (Michigan State)
• 2015 Dylan Alderson  6-5  Jr  Clarkston (Toledo)

“Great size for the backcourt, and showed the vision and decision-making to validate himself as a potential future point guard,” a coach said. “Very good on both ends of the floor. Scored inside and out, with range to 24 feet. Showed great body control when finishing in transition and never seemed to be out of control in the halfcourt. Blocked shots coming from the weakside and worked hard on both ends of the glass.”

One of 2021’s best scorers Jared Lary getting it done on the defensive end. pic.twitter.com/S2MdjUrlLn

— Steve Bell (@BankHoops) September 29, 2019

Zeeland East junior center Nathan Claerbaut.

Nathan Claerbaut  6-10  Jr  Zeeland East: He was hurt in July, so few knew just how much better — and taller — Claerbaut has become. Which is now, the best center prospect in Michigan’s 2021 class, who has earned an offer from Ferris State. He moves easily, has touch off either shoulder and is youthful enough that it’s not crazy to imagine a couple more inches out of him. Needs to improve his base and get meaner and nastier finding a body and getting the ball.

“Endless possibilities,” said a coach, comparing him to a past camp MVP, Luke Maranka who can play all three frontcourt positions at 6-10. “Got better and better as the day went on. Showed footwork and a left hand that made me look twice.”

Nate Claerbaut of Zeeland East at the Bank Hoops All-State Camp. pic.twitter.com/4ueXxwxgOe

— Steve Bell (@BankHoops) September 29, 2019

“Has athleticism, and is enthusiastic about playing and getting better,” said another.

“Highest ceiling of any player at camp,” another coach said. “A rare combination of soft hands and great feet to go along with his height and length. Was by far the best passing big at camp. Finished over either shoulder when his back was to the basket and showed consistent range between 15-18-feet. Runs the floor well and seems very comfortable attacking off the bounce from the short corners and high post. Nice timing as a shot-blocker. Like most kids his age, he’d benefit from playing lower. If he gets a nasty streak in him, he could be special!”

Linden junior guard Blake Lund.

Blake Lund  6-0  Jr  Linden: One of the state’s better shooters. Where Lund separates himself by still providing value if his shot isn’t falling or if defenses are keyed on him. A facilitator if not creator, onfident with the dribble and will attack aggressive defenders. Tough, competes, will get on floor for 50/50 balls. Needs to get louder, if he’s going to be a point guard.

“He has to be in the conversation for state’s best shooter,” a coach said. “He routinely knocks down shots from 27 feet. Can shoot of the catch or off the bounce. As well as he shoots it, he never seems to force a shot and is a willing passer when looks are taken away. Competes defensively. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for in smarts.”

Detroit Loyola senior point guard Mark Mayberry.

Mark Mayberry  5-11  Detroit Loyola: He had some fine flashes as a junior, stepping up when Loyola lost all-state forward Myron Gardner to prep school, and now as a senior is poised to turn that talent into sustained excellence. Prototypical Detroit guard who is fearless and will go at you to the rim relentlessly. Had one of the highest-scoring games in the camp’s 15-year history going against Max Perez; albeit with no rim protection, but still fun to watch.

“Explosive off the bounce,” a coach said. “Gets in the lane at will and knows how to use his body to finish. Can score on all three levels, but more of a streak shooter than pure shooter from distance. Feisty defender on the ball, but sometimes relaxes of it.”

Hudsonville senior point guard Max Perez.

Max Perez  5-10  Sr  Hudsonville: A long-time camper, and going back to when he was an underclassman the work ethic and production have never changed. Man-to-man as good as any 2020 point guard in Michigan, which is why Hudsonville has a chance in March.

“A heady and dynamic point guard,” a coach said. “Played like he had something to prove and didn’t shy away from matching up with other top guards. Can score when needed and knows how to draw defenders to open up a teammate. Competes on both sides of the floor and can score in bunches. Played the passing lanes well. His obvious concern at the next level is his size, but if he continues to compete the way he does that should be less of a concern.”

Blissfield junior forward Ty Wyman.

Ty Wyman  6-6  Jr  Blissfield: Archetype small town jumpshooter who would be an impact player in 1960 or 2040. Has length, not getting some beef on him which helps defensively, on the glass, finishing, and just with confidence in general. Dropped shots all day, from various spots on the floor. Has a long first step, now needs to make it quicker, more explosive. Still just 15. Has a 4.0 gpa and an offer from Northwood.

“This kid can really fill it up!,” a coach said. “Shoots it well from the perimeter off the catch and off the bounce. Does a nice job of getting open off the ball by using screens properly and finding open areas in transitoin and off teammates’ dribble penetration. Runs the floor very well and uses his length to finish around the basket. Really competes on the defensive end and rebounds well. An area of improvement would be driving to his left.”