New names, Bright futures at Underclassman Camp

Detroit Voyageur sophomore Dimaunye Smith-Powe sizes it up against Macomb Dakota sophomore Bryaden Swanson at the Bank Hoops Underclassman All-State Camp in Mt. Pleasant.

For over a decade, the Bank Hoops Underclassman All-State Camp has served first notice for players who years later would become some of the most heralded and highly recruited prospects in Michigan. These are some of the athletes that entered the most recent event as perhaps veritable unknowns, but won’t be for long.

Tavion Fleming  5-10  So  Detroit Douglass: It wouldn’t be a Bank Hoops camp without some Detroit Douglass representation, and Fleming held it down for the Hurricanes. Good one-on-one scorer who was able to finesse it in the lane over bigger players. Shot it really well in drills, and streaky in games.

Sam Gadde  6-3  So  Alma: Used his size from the backcourt to get inside and get his shot going, and the confidence started to flow. Point guard vision and feel and a mismatch waiting to happen with the turnaround shot. A few too many parts going on with the jumper.

James Martin  6-3  Fr  Muskegon: Mr. Basketball and NBA Draft pick Deyonta Davis played in the first Underclassman Camp out of Muskegon, and at this most recent version no school had more athletes in the mix than the Big Reds. Martin is an elite high-flying athlete who seemed to get stronger as the day wore on, and was soaring and attacking the rim deep into the third round of games. When he learns to play with a varsity motor and if he continues to work on his skills, would be another scholarship player out of Muskegon.

Brogan Sherd  5-9  Fr  Hudsonville Unity Christian: Quick, confident and fundamental guard who will fit right in at Unity Christian. Big first step and a soft touch. “I love how smoothly he played,” a coach said. “Athletic and utilized good footwork to get shots off on the perimeter.”

Dimaunye Smith-Powe  5-11  So  Detroit Voyageur: There are very many talented guards in Michigan’s 2025 class. That said, buy in on this guy, who has the physicality, attitude and skill to chip away and surpass more heralded prospects over the next three years. Made smart and timely decisions in transition, and could break down and score it himself out of the half-court. Good vision for corner shooters when driving the paint. Contolled tempo, changed speeds, and got in the lane again and again. Had a younger brother at camp, eighth-grader Dimauvion Smith-Powe, who played well too. “Reminded me of a 1980s Big East guard,” a coach said. “A bulldog on both ends of the floor. Played like he was on a personal mission go gain the eyes of the coaches and scouts.”

Simon Sondreal  5-11  So  Northville: He was on a Process 15U team that won a lot of AAU games this summer without necessarily a D1 guy flashing and dominating, and it’s easy to see why with guys like this composing the roster. Knocked down shots in drills, finished athletically in games. Didn’t dominate the ball, yet seemed always around it. Cut hard; talked on D; got extra possessions with effort.

Brayon Taylor  5-4  8th  Grand Rapids Christian: Had a baptism by fire at last fall’s Underclassman Camp II as a seventh-grader, and came in here battle-hardened and ready. “Good facilitator,” a coach said. “Got to the basket with ease against older players.”

Darryl Thompkins  5-10  So  East Kentwood: He’s not a new name, either as already a camp alumnus or to the state after playing last season a freshman varsity season for Warren Collegiate. Thompkins is new, however, to East Kentwood, and gives Falcons first-year coach Mike Thomas the kind of guards he rode to success en masse at Grand Blanc — physical and aggressive both ways. Didn’t see any guard here get to more 50/50 balls. Rebounded beyond his height. Good-looking shot off the catch. “Made good decisions all day, even in the stations,” a coach said.

Julius Wilson  6-2  Fr  L’anse Creuse: One of the more impressive players here athletically, looking the part to position, regardless of age. Physical driver, and was quick to get tips on defense. Shot it out to 20, and could create, spin, finish against closeouts. Sprinted more in transition D than a typical incoming freshman.

Hayota Yoshida  6-0  So  Grand Ledge: Looks ready to play in one of the state’s top 5 leagues, the CAAC Blue. “Good player,” a coach said. “Allows the game to come to him. Complemented ball-hog guard by playing solid D and making great decisions when he did have the ball. Shot it well off the dribble.”