City Rankings: Grand Rapids Area Top Prospects 2021

<p>With the grassroots season currently in limbo, soon-to-be seniors are eagerly waiting to get back on the hardwood to conclude their final summer with their club teams. Below I’ll break down the top 10 prospects from the class of 2021.</p> <h5>#1 [player_tooltip player_id="611404" first="Kobe" last="Bufkin"] | 6’4" SG | Grand Rapids Christian</h5> <p>Kobe is the number one overall prospect in the 2021 class from the state of Michigan. Standing at 6’4", Kobe is an athletic guard whose still developing into his lanky frame. Kobe is a deadly mid-range shooter and also shoots from the perimeter effectively. Expect Bufkin to continue to round out his game as his offer sheet continues to fill up.</p> <p><em>Offers: Northwestern, Michigan State</em></p> <h5>#2 [player_tooltip player_id="811106" first="Colin" last="Weber"] | 6’5" SG | Hopkins</h5> <p>Colin has emerged as one of the most talented prospects in the 2021 class in West Michigan due to his continued growth in multiple areas both on the court and physically. Colin is a lanky swing man who can handle and drive to the rack with the best of them. One of Collin’s biggest strengths is his balance and ability to hit contested shots in traffic. Collin can also shoot it from deep and can find his teammates effectively. Expect more offers to come his way as he enters his senior season.</p> <p><em>Offers: Grand Valley State University</em></p> <h5>#3 [player_tooltip player_id="611440" first="Trip" last="Riemersma"] | 6’4" SG | Zeeland East</h5> <p>Trip is a gifted guard whose showed the rare ability to score at three levels throughout his junior year. One of Trip’s biggest strengths is his ability to anticipate where the play is developing. Trip often disrupts passing lanes, creating transition breaks regularly. Trip has enough athleticism to finish above the rim with regularity. Given his 6’4" frame, he’ll be a problem to match up with as he continues his development.</p> <h5>#4  [player_tooltip player_id="811128" first="Ethan" last="Erickson"] | 6’1" SG | Forest Hills Northern</h5> <p>Erickson quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous scoring threats from West Michigan this season. His confidence to shoot from anywhere on the perimeter keeps the defense on their toes, while his ability to facilitate to his teammates is another quality asset to his game. Expect Ethan’s list of suitors to grow as he continues to develop.</p> <p><em>Offers: Ferris State University, Indiana Tech</em></p> <h5>#5 [player_tooltip player_id="811107" first="Nate" last="Claerbaut"] | 6’10" C | Zeeland East</h5> <p>Nate is one of the most improved players on this list and continues to rise amongst the recruiting rankings going into his senior year. Standing at 6’10", Nate uses his frame effectively in and around the paint. His footwork within his post moves continues to improve, and he can score with a quick spin move to his left. Nate should be a focal point in the Chix’ offense in 2020-21. </p> <p>Offers: Boston University, University of Denver, Calvin College, Ferris State University</p> <h5>#6 [player_tooltip player_id="811110" first="Connor" last="Dykema"] | 6’7" PF | South Christian</h5> <p>Connor is one of the more defensive-minded players on this list. Connor uses his length to alter shots and passes, and he is also an excellent passer out of the break. Connor often leads South Christian in forced turnovers due to his above average in-game IQ and anticipation for the ball. Connor also has a smooth jumper that extends to the perimeter. </p> <h5>#7 [player_tooltip player_id="811113" first="Ryan" last="Grantham"] | 6’3" SF | Catholic Central</h5> <p>Ryan is one of the best pure-shooters in the area, however he shouldn’t be labeled as "just a shooter." Ryan has shown the ability to put the ball on the floor effectively and has nice touch on his mid-range jumper. Given his athleticism and the pace at which he plays, I think Ryan has the potential to have as big of a breakout senior season as anyone on this list.</p> <h5>#8 [player_tooltip player_id="811133" first="Brandon" last="Claerbaut"] | 6’5" SF | Zeeland East</h5> <p>Brandon is yet another talented swingman from Zeeland in my top 10. What makes Brandon standout from the rest of this class is the aggressive nature the he plays with on defense. Brandon routinely makes a play on the ball in and around the paint and isn’t afraid to test his defensive abilities on the perimeter. A true 3 and D, Brandon’s skillset should have a number of suitors knocking on his door.</p> <h5>#9 [player_tooltip player_id="611462" first="Carson" last="Gulker"] | 6’3" SF | Zeeland West</h5> <p>Carson is another knock-down perimeter shooter on this list. Carson, who is also being heavily recruited to play quarterback at the next level, uses his frame well in and around the basket. Carson has flashed the ability to score with his back to the basket, often times with an efficient turnaround jumper. </p> <h5>#10 [player_tooltip player_id="814561" first="Zac" last="Velthouse"] | 6’3" SF | Unity Christian</h5> <p>Zac may be the most experienced player on this list having payed such an integral role in Unity Christian’s State Title run in 2019. Blessed with a high basketball IQ, Zac puts himself and his teammates in positions to succeed offensively. His athleticism also allows him to match up with multiple positions on the defensive end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>