Conference Preview: OK Black

<p>Coming into the 2019-20 basketball season, all the hype will be geared towards Muskegon in the OK Black and rightfully so. The Big Reds feature a backcourt consisting of two guards who will play at the next level. However, the Big Reds will have to contend with six talented squads who will be fighting for their claim of the OK Black. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>All-Conference First Team:</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Jaylen Hopson</span></strong></p> <p>Guard</p> <p>Mona Shores, 2020</p> <p>Jaylen is an opposing point guards nightmare, who isn't afraid to get up in a players shorts for a full 32 minutes. He has next level lateral quickness and anticipates opposing players' next moves extremely well. This is also evident in transition, as he routinely scores by getting to the basket in a hurry on fast breaks. Playing in the grind that is the OK Black, Jaylen will have ample opportunities to prove he's one of the premier guards in the area.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Vern Nash</span></strong></p> <p>5'10" Guard</p> <p>Muskegon, 2020</p> <p>Vern is one of the quickest guards in West Michigan who utilizes his speed to get by defenders with ease. His lateral quickness can be seen on defense as well as he can play 84 feet of man-to-man with just about anybody. Coming off a strong junior season averaging 15.6 points per game, 4.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, it's clear that Vern and backcourt teammate Jarvis Walker have the talent to compete for another OK Black title and more.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Jeremiah Pittman</span></strong></p> <p>6'3" Wing</p> <p>Grand Rapids Union, 2020</p> <p>Jeremiah is a lengthy athlete who uses his frame to get to the basket in unconventional ways. He often uses a jab step or crossover to slither into the lane, drawing fouls and converting tough shots. Jeremiah has a high motor and uses this to his advantage to grab rebounds on both ends of the floor. Expect Jeremiah to have a big impact for the Red Hawks this season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Kalil Stimage</span><br /> </strong></p> <p>6'1" Guard</p> <p>Reeths-Puffer, 2021</p> <p>Kailil contributed for the Rockets last season as a sophomore, offering glimpses of how he can help Reeths-Puffer contend for a conference championship after finishing three games behind Muskegon just a season ago. Kalil can shoot it from deep and can manufacture points in the paint in a variety of ways.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Jarvis Walker</span></strong></p> <p>6'1" Guard</p> <p>Muskegon, 2020</p> <p>Jarvis will be looking to lead the Big Reds to new heights this season after averaging 18.7 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals a season ago. With his recent commitment to Purdue Fort Wayne, Jarvis focus will presumably switch to defending Muskegon's Conference Title, and making a deep tournament run in March.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Second Team</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Ethan Clason</span></strong></p> <p>Guard</p> <p>Jenison, 2020</p> <p>Ethan is the lone returning starting from a Jenison squad that is looking to improve off a 8-12 record from a season ago. Ethan is a deadly sharpshooter from deep and doesn't need much space or time to get his shot off. Being the only returning starter back, expect Ethan's role to evolve from not only being a threat from three, but also someone who can facilitate to other players on the court.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Marcello Conklin</span></strong></p> <p>5'10" Guard</p> <p>Fruitport, 2020</p> <p>Marcello is one of the more exciting prospects Fruitport has had in recent memory. He is your prototypical point guard who can control the pace of play, breakdown his defender with an assortment of moves, attack the basket and shoot it from deep. Expect Fruitport to go as Marcello does this season and improve upon it's 3-16 record from a season ago.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Kaleb Mitchelson</span></strong></p> <p>6'0" Guard</p> <p>Reeths-Puffer, 2021</p> <p>Kaleb is one of the better shooters in the conference and will look to expand upon his game in his junior season for the Rockets. Kaleb made a number of big shots for the Rockets a season ago and just his presence alone on the court helps space the floor for his teammates.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Billie Roberts</strong></span></p> <p>6'5" Forward</p> <p>Muskegon, 2020</p> <p>Billie is a highly touted football prospect for the Big Reds, however he will continue to be a key component for Muskegon as it's big man in the middle. Billie has quick feet, and can hold his own with just about anyone in the paint. Expect Billie to be a major factor in the Big Red's success this year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Isaac Warning</strong></span></p> <p>6'4" Wing</p> <p>Kenowa Hills, 2020</p> <p>Isaac will be a mainstay for the Black Knights this season, and will be counted on for consistent offensive production. Isaac a smooth jumper that extends beyond the arch. He also has a steady demeanor to his game, which often results in quality drives to the basket. Expect Isaac's confidence to continue to build from a season ago, where he helped Kenowa to a solid 13-7 record.</p>