Labor Day Special: Putting In Work
Every first Monday in September, the nation celebrates Labor Day. This holiday celebrates the achievements, and contributions that workers have made to the betterment of the country. It’s a perfect day to look at prep basketball players that have ‘put in work’ to improve individually and make their team better.
Trevor Arico (2020, G, Saline/AABA)
Arico was constantly in the gym this summer. He was hard at work fine tuning his shot, and was a dominant scorer during grassroots season. Arico is a sharpshooter who can blow up a scoreboard at any time. He’s a solid ball handler who can help beat pressure. Arico is a smart player that really understands the game.
Luke Maranka (2019, F/C, Grand Rapids Angels/Michigan Mustangs)
Maranka is a leaper and an athlete. He has been in the gym all spring and summer, having worked his way into a definite Division 1 recruit. He’s a ferocious finisher and dunker. Maranka is a solid shooter with nice ball skills for a big man.
Keyon Menifield Jr. (2021, PG, Flint Beecher/Greenwood Elite)
Menifield Jr. is always in the gym and that has helped him to be considered one of the next generation of superstars in Michigan. He’s fast and explosive with great feet. Menifield Jr. can score and dish by creating space on the dribble drive. He has a nice crossover and is a super aggressive player.
Ryan Wade (2019, SG, Ann Arbor Skyline/1Nation)
Wade turned in big performance after big performance this summer. He’s known as a gym rat who’s constantly working on his game. Wade is a pure shooter with no limits on his range. He’s underrated as an athlete as well. Wade is a solid defender who uses his long arms to be disruptive.
Rocket Watts (2019, CG, Old Redford/The Family)
Watts was in the gym all spring and summer, dominating pretty much every event that he played in. He had one of the top grassroots seasons, on a national scale. Watts was one of the best players in the EYBL, where he proved to be one of the top scorers in the country. Watts can get buckets from anywhere on the floor, and is also and exceptional ball handler and leader.