TEAM PREVIEW: Hoop Heaven Homeschool 2017-18
The homeschool season is now underway, and it’s beginning has revealed a newly emerged team in West Michigan. The Hoop Heaven Angels formed over the summer, building their roster from some transfers and programs that struggled to field teams. Now they enter their first year of competition with the attention of the homeschool sports world and beyond. The question everyone is asking is this: what degree of success will the team find this year?
The Cast
The player who has gained the most attention to this point by far is forward Luke Maranka (class of ’19). Standing at about 6’9, Maranka is hard to miss. Couple his height with a very nice shot from outside and midrange and you have versatile weapon and a defensive conundrum on your hands. He currently holds no offers, but has interest from several D1s and D2s. He looks to lead the Angels this year in many areas and, in the three early season homeschool matchups the team has played, is doing so with points, rebounds, and blocks.
Shawn CoadAnother player to watch is sophomore SG Shawn Coad. Coad has not been an outstanding shooter in the past, though he recently has shown some improvement in this area, hitting some outside shots in games and scrimmages. What is indisputable about Coad, however, is his athleticism. He is fast, strong, and bouncy, dunking easily and powerfully despite being only 6’0. He will contribute to Hoop Heaven greatly this season with his defensive stats and rim attacking.
Accompanying these two are three seniors, a junior, and three underclassman to round out their roster of nine. Their play will greatly revolve around Maranka, but the remaining players are mainly guards and small forwards who have proven in the past that they can shoot and will be threats on the perimeter. They have also shown, at times, the ability to attack and finish at the rim.
Assessment
This team may struggle versus faster, stronger squads who could pester the guards defensively, bully in the post, and play a high tempo game. However, they will be very successful on nights where their shots are falling and Maranka holds a size advantage. Other Michigan homeschool programs will be hard pressed to find a good matchup for Maranka, most posts being between 6’3 and 6’6. Overall, the team has strengths that could lend themselves to a very good season. Only the coming months can truly tell, but, as of now, they look to be fairly competitive team and a top contender in their league.