Grand Rapids Forwards On The Rise, 2021

<p>With the grassroots season starting back up in parts of the country, prospects in the 2021 class are getting some much-needed exposure in front of scouts for what will be the last time of their high school careers. Below I’ll break down some of the areas best bigs and what they bring to the table.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="811125" first="Michael" last="Reed"] | 6’8" PF | Muskegon</h5> <h5><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14124107/5e90963602b21105c09028aa" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></h5> <p>Michael is a lanky big who puts his athleticism on display on both ends of the court for Muskegon. On offense, Michael rebounds the ball effectively, even if he isn't in great position to get the board. His ability to pinpoint the ball at it's highest point allows him many of these opportunities. Michael can also knock down the occasional perimeter jumper. His ability to do this at a consistent clip makes him a threat, stretching the defense as a result. On the defensive end, Michael uses his length to block and alter shots with relative ease. His awareness on defense is also a strength, showing he can react and alter shots quickly. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="814639" first="Landon" last="Regnarus"] | 6’5" PF | Grandville</h5> <p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12120311/5e839e03b018b00c80316f17" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Landon is a versatile forward who uses his length effectively to put Grandville in promising situations on both sides of the court. On offense, Landon is an effective shooter from the perimeter and has nice touch in the mid-range. Landon also can put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket, making him an even harder task to guard. On the defensive end, Landon uses his length to alter shots and eliminate second-chance opportunities by clearing the glass.  </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="814680" first="Austin" last="Van Elst"] | 6’8" PF | Middleville Thornapple Kellogg</h5> <h5><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13984750/5e47a262e97adf0868712037" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></h5> <p>Austin is a promising big who scores effectively with his back to the basket, using several precise post moves. Austin has great footwork, which he puts to use with his up and under, and spin moves in the lane. Austin is also a threat to score in transition and is an able passer in similar situations. Austin has also shown a nice touch from the perimeter, which is something I'd expect him to continue to display in his senior year. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="814654" first="Clay" last="Lake"] | 6’4" PF | Byron Center</h5> <p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9700403/5e706e47c119de04d82c5b63" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Clay is the do-it-all forward for Byron Center. His game resembles most wings, as he can score off the dribble, knock down perimeter jumpers from the spot-up, and can create his shot in isolation. Clay's offense game is very versatile and because of that, he is often looked upon to create offense when a play breaks down. On the defensive end, Clay protects the lane effectively. He's amongst a small group of forwards in the area that can block a shot at the rim, then takes the ball the full length of the court through traffic and score in transition.</p> <h5>Jacob Ervin | 6’7" PF | Forest Hills Central</h5> <p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10623817/5e7773d4e985870d2cbe3033" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Forest Hills Central will be looking to replace the shoes of several key departures from a season ago, and Jacob Ervin figures to be a sure piece in the Rangers rotation. Jacob is a lanky 6'7" who doesn't shy away from contact and has shown he can finish through a crowd. He spaces the floor well and opens up effectively in pick and roll sets.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="980054" first="Ben" last="Whiteside"] | PF | East Grand Rapids</h5> <p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12288706/5e19da14ab923714dc994d8b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Ben is an active defender and isn't afraid to hold his ground against bigger match-ups. His ability to read and react on the defensive end is a huge asset that can be overlooked but certainly doesn't go unnoticed. On the offensive end, Ben is a knock-down shooter from the perimeter and has one of the quickest releases for a forward.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="814591" first="Gabe" last="Quillian"] | 6’8" PF | Grand Rapids Catholic Central</h5> <p>Gabe is one of the more physically developed bigs in the area and uses his body well to score predominantly in the paint. He's a solid 6'8" who has good balance and moves fluidly in ball-screen sets. He's made a lot of noise during the shortened grassroots season, consistently recording double-doubles for MBA National 17U. On the defensive end, Gabe is a consistent shot blocker whose presence alone is enough to alter shots that he doesn't get a hand on.</p>