Summer Superlatives

<div>As the the first high school football scrimmages wrap up its time to close the door on the summer grassroots season. Following is a list of superlative categories and skill sets to try and encapsulate the season. I’m not myopic enough the say this is a definitive list. I wasn’t able to get out of state as much as I hoped so there some omissions as I chose to only evaluate players I had personally seen.</div> <div> </div> <p><strong>Best Overall Prospect/SPEED Wendell Green Jr 6-0 2020</strong> <strong>La Lumiere (IN</strong>)  Still a Michigan prospect in my book. Perhaps I am showing my Mitten bias here but I felt Green was the best overall prospect in Fort Wayne (July), which was no slouch as the field included high level prospects such as Nigel Pack (Kansas St) and Mike Saunders (Cincinnati) Elite speed is no secret, but showed deep, deep range on the perimeter throughout the weekend. Simply put at the grassroots level when Green decides he wants to get the hole there is no stopping him. Makes up for lack of height with a clever creativity around the rim. A traditional point guard who involves his teammates well but will score when he needs to. Not exactly underexposed so I am stumped with his placement in national rankings. Has repeatedly proven himself against the best in nation both in the regular season and summer. One lucky college coach is going to get a major steal.</p> <p><strong>Best Handle Curtis Jackson 6-0 2020 Harper Woods</strong>  There are good ball handlers, and then there players who earn the phrase “ball on a string”. Jackson is one of those players. Displayed that frequently throughout two championship weekends with the Michigan Mustangs in Grand Rapids and Fort Wayne respectively. As the trophies prove the ball handling wizardry is more than just flair. Shades of Pontiac Northern great <strong>Ricky Morgan (Iowa St/UNLV) </strong>Capped his summer by playing well at the Ferris St Exposure Camp. Showed off impressive lateral agility in cone drills and continually set up teammates with which he had little familiarity. Has a very good academic profile and plays like it. Efficient and flashy skill set make this a fun point guard prospect to watch.</p> <p><strong>Best Athlete/Leaper Steve Pearson 6-3 2020 Detroit Northwestern</strong>  Good athletes are usually come one of two forms; wiry long as day leapers, or powerfully built bowling balls who overpower opponents. Pearson combines those traits into one impressive package. Explodes to rim and is extremely impressive in the open court. Quite a summer duo with <strong>Wendell Green</strong> and the Michigan Playmakers. Built like the late <strong>Brent Darby (Ohio St)</strong> and gets up like <strong>Nucleus Smith (TCU)</strong> if we want to go into the time machine. If he can round his game out with a more refined outside shot and handle, could be dangerous at the next level.</p> <p><strong>Best Shooter Ty Wyman 6-5 2021 Blissfield</strong>  If you have been following me at all this summer you know that <strong>Drew Hess</strong> (Mio) can really shoot. However I am going to go with his travel team teammate Wyman as the best shooter of the summer. Often skills like ball handling and athleticism are easily and readily apparent. Shooting is a little different animal. Wyman’s smooth textbook shot breaks this mold. With just one glance you can tell his guy is an elite shooter. Squares his shoulder well, has excellent footwork, and a good release point. If one wanted to nit pick he could maybe get it off a little quicker, but as a 2021 he has plenty of time to improve in this area. When you add in good size reminds me of <strong>Eric Kangas</strong> <strong>(DeWitt/Oakland).</strong> As he fills out his game this is definitely a small school prospect to keep an eye on.</p> <p><strong>Best Post Colin Golson</strong> <strong>6-6 2020 </strong><strong>Ferndale  </strong>The class of 2020 is not particularly strong for bigs, but don’t misinterpret this as participation ribbon. Not a traditional 5 both in size and game, Golson is an impressive athlete who might defy traditional positional categorization. Everything you see about Steve Pearson above, paste here but in a bigger package. Finishes with ferocious power high above the rim. With his mix of aggressiveness and agility is a little bit of bull in a china shop right now, but there are worse things to be labeled. Have provided comps for players above, but I really struggle to think of another prospect with his athletic profile. Stood out on a loaded Reach Legends team, and will have opportunities to shine with <strong>Jayshawn Moore</strong> and Ferndale this year. Committed to Siena which could be an excellent environment for Golson to continue to expand his game.</p>