Brawl for the Ball: Under the Radar

<div> <div>Brawl for the Ball: 5 Under the Radar Players</div> <div> </div> <div>What goes into the term “under the radar”? Instead of trying to formulate some set criteria to bore a reader with, I just settled on players who might not be getting the attention their games deserve. There are varying skill levels represented in this list, but across the board I think they all have great potential to increase their visibility in the 19-20 season.</div> <div> </div> <ol> <li><strong>RJ Taylor</strong> 5-9 2023 Grand Blanc  This prospect is technically under the radar due to the fact he yet to play in a high school game. However with his family history in coaching, people who hang around camps have known about him for a while. When he suits up for a loaded Grand Blanc team in need of a floor general he will quickly become a known commodity. In the present, when you drop 39 points against the Michigan Mustangs while playing up two levels with 2021’s, you are something special. Beyond the stat line, the efficient manner it was accomplished was in a word scintillating. Already sporting a super tight handle and lethal floater it will be exciting to watch this prospect develop over the next four years. Led Parallel 45 to a championship within the Gold bracket on the weekend.</li> <li><strong>Keyon Menifield</strong> 5-8 2021 Flint Beecher  Similar to Taylor, among hoop heads this young man’s name is well known. Partly due to playing with a high profile program and high profile teammates. However sharing a backcourt and position with Michigan State commit <strong>Jalen Terry</strong> makes it slightly difficult to generate individual accolades. Playing with Epic Force, Menifield turned in a dominant performance against Reach Legends-Nichols on Saturday night. Wiry frame is reminiscent of former Grand Valley guard <strong>Jerry Wallace, </strong>but a much higher ceiling due to deep range on the perimeter. Not a pump as he did an excellent job involving teammates as well.</li> <li><strong>Jacob Ervin</strong> 6-7 2021 Forest Hills Central  I'm hesitant to base too much of an evaluation on a player’s teammates. However in this case I believe this big man is in an excellent situation to succeed. In regards to the prospect, Ervin is a young, long, projectable big. Shows aggressiveness in the post, and coordination running the floor. Did not clog up the middle playing with fellow Impact Elite big <strong>Connor Dykema</strong> (South Christian) I am excited to see how he looks when the regular season tips and he gets to play with <strong>Jimmy Scholler</strong> and <strong>Mitch Wilkinson</strong>. Scholler excels in setting up teammates and should draw a lot of defensive attention. A big statistical season and further vertical growth could turn this young player into an intriguing prospect.</li> <li><strong>Justin Davis</strong> 6-7 2020 Kalamazoo Central  Only senior on this list. Similar to Mennefield this prospect shares the spotlight with teammate <strong>Trevon Gunter</strong>. When I saw him in the regular season at the Redhawk Showcase he appeared struggle with the quickness of the game and battled foul trouble. Those issues were not present this past weekend, as Davis appears to be devolving quite nicely. Turned in a dominant performance for MBA National against Great Northern Elite. Continued his strong play throughout the weekend. Runs the court well carrying a large muscular frame. Poised for a big senior year.</li> <li><strong>Trip Riemersma</strong> 6-3 Zeeland East  When the Chix matchup with Ottawa County neighbor Holland Christian this year I wonder if Maroons Head Coach David Kool could be seeing visions of himself? Is Riemersma a forwad, a guard? He is just a basketball player, and a good one at that. Highly competitive and hard nosed. Teamed with <strong>Ethan Erickson</strong> (Forest Hills Northern) to pull out a tight victory against All Ohio Gold Saturday night. Standout game was in a victory against Wisconsin Playmakers on Friday. Two full years to settle into position and grow will make this an interesting prospect to keep an eye on.</li> </ol> </div>