All-OK Conference: Second Team
Earlier, I released my Honorable Mention List for the Ottawa Kent Conference’s most outstanding players. While it was difficult to recognize only 25 players from the seven Ottawa Kent Conferences, it’s proven to be a near-impossible task to select first…
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Continue ReadingEarlier, I released my Honorable Mention List for the Ottawa Kent Conference’s most outstanding players. While it was difficult to recognize only 25 players from the seven Ottawa Kent Conferences, it’s proven to be a near-impossible task to select first and second-team honors. This next group of athletes features top-level performers who have led their teams to continued success this season and should be watched closely in the next few weeks with post-season hardware on the line.
Ethan Erickson Ethan Erickson 6'1" | SG Forest Hills Northern | 2021 State MI , Forest Hills Northern, 2021
Forest Hills Northern claimed its second straight OK White title this season and picked up key non-conference wins throughout the year thanks in large part to the dynamic scoring ability of Ethan Erickson Ethan Erickson 6'1" | SG Forest Hills Northern | 2021 State MI . The certified bucket getter proved to unguardable at times, showing he can pull up from just about anywhere on the court. While he isn’t the biggest in stature, his confidence is often unmatched as he’s proved he can go toe-to-toe with longer, more athletic guards and wings.
Another aspect of Ethan’s game that separates himself from the field is his in-game awareness and overall basketball IQ. Ethan sees the floor extremely well and often anticipates where he needs to be to make a play well before the action on the court unfolds. In only his junior year, it’ll be fun to watch how far the Huskies can go behind the smooth-shooting stroke of Erickson.
Jack Karasinski Jack Karasinski 6'5" | SF Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022 State MI , Catholic Central, 2022
Few players in the Grand Rapids area have the untapped potential that Catholic Central’s Jack Karasinski Jack Karasinski 6'5" | SF Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022 State MI possesses. He’s a lanky 6’6″ wing who is still developing physically, has next-level athleticism, and a killer mindset that elevates his game above those around him. Jack brings about a type of energy that is contagious, which often translates to great things on the basketball court for the sophomore. Combine these attributes and its easy to see why he’s one of the areas most sought after recruits.
Jack excels in so many areas on the court that he forces defenders to pick their poison when guarding him. He can shoot it from deep with consistency, has the ability to drive the lane and convert tough shots, and he’s often the first one on the floor to grab a loose ball. Expect Catholic Central to be a favorite to make a deep run this March, due in large part to the game-changing ability of Karasinski.
Max Perez Max Perez 5'11" | PG Hudsonville | 2020 State MI , Hudsonville, 2020
The term floor general is synonymous with Hudsonville’s senior point guard, Max Perez Max Perez 5'11" | PG Hudsonville | 2020 State MI . Max controls the pace of the game better than arguably any other point guard in the area, efficiently setting up his teammates to succeed throughout the game. What stands out most about Max’s game is that he never forces the issue to get his. Almost all of his shots are the result of a decision in which he finds the highest percentage shot available.
Hudsonville has the luxury of having multiple playmakers on the floor at any given time. Max plays that to his advantage, and his ability to see the floor and process what the defense is giving him at a faster pace than others has led the Eagles to an undefeated record in the OK Red. Expect the senior point guard to make a lot of noise in March before he moves on to play for Indiana Tech next season.
Mitch Wilkinson Mitch Wilkinson 6'5" | Guard Forest Hills Central | MI , Forest Hills Central, 2020
The 6’5″ shooting guard known for his highlight dunks and silky jumper helped lead the Rangers to a share of the OK White title and an impressive 15-4 overall record. Wilkinson, who is signed to play at Ohio Dominican next year, has a quick first step and drives the baseline better than any other guard his size I’ve seen this year. He finishes above the rim with regularity and has also shown the ability to knock down the consistent outside jumper, making him a legitimate scoring threat at multiple levels.
In addition to all the great things he does on offense for the Rangers, Mitch is also an excellent defender who moves great laterally. On the glass, Mitch anticipates the ball well and grabs his fair share of boards. Mitch’s motor is also never in question, giving Forest Hills Central a tenured leader who has the talent to lead the Rangers on a deep run in March.
Kyler VanderJagt Kyler VanderJagt 6'3" | Guard Grand Rapids Northview | MI , Northview, 2022
Kyler is the second sophomore on my All-OK second team. Much like Karasinski, Kyler is a lanky 6’6″ wing that is showing next-level abilities to score and defend in only his second year of high school. Playing on a talented Northview squad that finished with an impressive 9-4 record in the OK White, Kyler was often tasked with guarding the opposition’s best player. In addition to his defensive abilities, Northview would often turn to Kyler to get a bucket when it was most needed.
Kyler has shown the ability to drive to the rack using a variety of moves to thrash through the lane. He also has a nice shooting stroke, making Kyler a dynamic wing that can score at all three levels. Given his already established skillset and projecting what his ceiling could be, Kyler should have a number of high major Division I programs knocking at his door in the next two years.