Morey Courts Summer League: Players to Watch (Part 1)
Cover photo credit to Ken Kadwell for MIPREPZONE.com
Most high schools around the state of Michigan participate in some sort of summer basketball league throughout the month of June. This includes many teams from around the mid-Michigan area, who compete in a summer league at a recreational facility called Morey Courts. This summer league isn’t loaded with college talent by any means; however, there are a few solid players who have the potential to not only have very successful prep careers but also make an impact at the next level. Most of the players who will be included in this article will be JuCo or D3 players, however, there are 1 or 2 who have potential to play NAIA or even D2. Here are some of the top players to watch in this league:
Mason Wojtusik (2020, Mount Pleasant) – He is by far the best player in the league. He’s coming off a successful spring campaign with AAU team Greenwood Elite – one of the best AAU squads in Michigan. Wojtusik will be the go-to guy on a young team this year, so it will be a good opportunity for him to develop his leadership skills. As far as actual production is concerned, he is a reliable, natural scorer at all three levels (three point, midrange, around the rim). In addition to carrying the bulk of the scoring load, Wojtusik will have to do some distributing, something which he still has to prove he can do consistently.
Colton Nelson (2019, Sacred Heart Academy) – Nelson is one of the best, if not thee best, shooters in the the mid-Michigan area. He had a successful year being the go-to guy last year, despite only being a sophomore. One area of his game that needed some work over the course of the spring was his strength and ability to take it to the rack and finish. Through the the first week of action in this league, he has looked more aggressive and stronger taking it to the rack. Combine this with his lights out shooting, and you get a player who can put up points in a hurry. In fact, he’s capable of getting hot and knocking down multiple threes in a quarter. Look for him to put up big numbers this summer and carry that into this upcoming prep season.
Joe Methner (2018, Sacred Heart Academy) – Methner found success last year as Nelson’s sidekick, and in some games even taking the role as the number one option. He’s got good size and athleticism for a small school, something of which he uses to rebound and defend at a high level. A good motor and a grittiness help Methner compete at a high level as well. Look for Methner and Nelson to build on their success as a duo last year and have big seasons this year.
(PHOTO BY KEN KADWELL — FOR MIPREPZONE.COM).Evan Barton (2018, Fulton ) – Barton is similar to Methner in the sense that he possesses above average height, length and athleticism for a small school. He uses this in combination with his good motor and scrappiness to be a pest defensively. On the offensive side of the ball, he shoots the three fairly well and finishes well in transition. He plays with a fire that allows him to play bigger than what he is. Also, he has a confidence about him that helps him to never shy away from a big moment, which will be important as he will be one of the top two options for his squad next year. Look for him to be that guy in big moments next year.
Tyler Huenemann (2020, Mount Pleasant) – Huenemann is a football player first – he’s already receiving legitimate interest heading into his sophomore year of high school. As with most football players who play basketball as well, he is much stronger and more physically dominant than the majority of his opponents, something which he uses to find success out-muscling and bullying opponents. Huenemann does a fair share of this, however, he has a decent amount of basketball skill as well. He’s capable of putting the ball on the floor and making a move to get inside and finish. He has good touch around the rim, which allows him to finish at a high rate. Last year, Huenemann and Wojtusik made solid contributions to Mount Pleasant’s varsity squad as freshmen. Together, they look to lead their squad as a solid guard-big duo – as sophomores.