Regionals: 2021-22 Forward Prospects

6-8 senior Peter Nwoke holds down the backline for No. 1 OLSM’s defense.

These guys have college potential in the frontcourt and come from winning programs, all worth a look.

Johnny Archer  6-7  Jr  Walled Lake Northern: Was wheeling and dealing from the blocks in a regional semifinal with Howell scoring 21, then found it rougher treading against the state’s No. 1 team but still acquitted himself respectably. Earlier made what would be the game-winning shot in OT against Walled Lake Central. Has a nose for the ball and is comfortable when he gets it, great starting points. Has a quick release but doesn’t play above the rim. Uses footwork then his width to separate and get clean looks and release points. Gets opportunities off the offensive glass. Handles the ball out to 22 feet but not necessarily a triple-threat yet.

Shainen Carter  6-8  Sr  Detroit King: Good long-term value recruit if Carter continues at the trajectory of improvement since first seeing him at a scrimmage before his junior season. Not so different from Yusuf Jihad, now a freshman in the portal from Oakland, in how he’s wiry strong and runs well. Puts some spirit into his screens. Extends well on turnaround shots, hard to defend. Posts up willingly, but more tall than wide.

Ethan Dunn  6-10  Jr  East Lansing: Most valuable with how he triggers transition off the defensive glass getting the ball into the hands of EL’s talented guards and athletes. Strong fundamental rebounder — two hands, high elbows that make a point without too many whistles, pivots and looks long. Already a third-year varsity player, and it shows in how well Dunn knows plays and the Trojans use more sets than a lot of teams; usually screening and moving as a traditional big. In the regional final against Coldwater Dunn had an assist after receiving the initial pass on a blob.  Finishes over either shoulder. Gets to the ball on East Lansing misses but not as natural and aggressively as with defensive rebounds.

Class of 2021 Minicamp April 18

Peter Nwoke  6-8  Jr  Orchard Lake St. Mary: Regardless the scenario, closes off space in lane or up high against other bigs. Holds down the lane and backline for a very strong defensive unit. When OLSM has a mismatch, their guards will look for Nwoke inside. Doesn’t have a natural feel with the ball but has to be accounted for and gets to the line. Good program recruit, given grades — like Dunn above, a 4.0+ at a demanding school — and coming from a high-end program where he knows how to play roles to benefit D1 guards.

Evan Sloan  6-8  Jr  Coldwater: Still coming back from a knee injury, and will be very interesting to see him at full strength, flexibility and confidence. Right now it hinders him some in getting up and down the floor and playing authoritatively and quickly off two feet defensively. Nevertheless, was very solid in a D1 regional final going against one of the state’s top big men in his class, East Lansing’s Ethan Dunn. Sloan isn’t skinny and made Dunn work. Puts some intent into his screens with some real hits. Hit a three-pointer against the Trojans.

Tymias Williams  6-5  Jr  Macomb Dakota: Big torso and long arms, effective screener and as a target flashing to the hoop. Knows how to move and take advantage of defensive eyes drifting towards scoring machine senior guard Joshuah Hines. Gets Hines going as well as an outlet man off the glass. Has a go-to hook off the left shoulder. Extends quickly to stuff dunks. Could play with more urgency as a help defender getting outside the lane and with high hands defending the wings.