Top 250: Perimeter Players That Deserve More Coverage
There was a ton of perimeter talent all over the gym at the Prep Hoops Michigan Top 250 Expo. As I’ve covered many of these players in post event articles, there are always some that I walked away impressed with, but just haven’t been able to slide into an article. There’s no doubt that players like this deserve more credit after the Top 250. We will look at some of the players that I think deserve more coverage from the Top 250.
Bryce Bird Bryce Bird 5'10" | PG South Lyon East | 2021 State MI (2021, 6-0, G, South Lyon East)
I’ve always liked Bird’s game and what he brings to the table. He’s a heady and steady floor general that’s going to get the ball to the spot it needs to be in. Bird doesn’t waste dribbles and makes sure the ball moves along the perimeter.
Ralph Bland Ralph Bland 6'3" | SG Detroit Edison | 2021 State MI (2021, 6-3, G, DEPSA)
Bland is a prospect that coaches and scouts need to keep a close eye on from here on out. He’s exceptional on the wing in transition and is a terrific finisher at the rim. Bland is an outstanding athlete that could absolutely blow up next high school season.
Matt Blanton Matt Blanton 6'3" | SG Chelsea | 2023 State MI (2023, 6-2, G, Chelsea)
Blanton has a really nice ceiling as a basketball prospect. He can play on or off the ball with equal effectiveness. Blanton has some explosiveness off his first step and off the ground as well. He can be considered a 3 level scorer.
Ryan Grantham
Ryan
Grantham
6'4" | SG
Grand Rapids Catholic | 2021
State
MI
(2021, 6-4, G, Grand Rapids Catholic Central)
Grantham can scorch the nets from behind the arc. As his confidence in his game has grown, so has everything else. He’s more aggressive with his shot, which coaches want because the odds are good that it will pay off. He’s also become more aggressive off the dribble and defensively.
Emmanuel Hunter (2021, 6-3, G, New Haven)
Hunter is a sneaky athlete with nice footwork on both ends. He appears to be very comfortable playing at a fast pace and filling the wing in transition. Hunter has shown definite 3 point range on his shot as well.
Xander Middleton
Xander
Middleton
6'5" | SG
Monroe | 2022
State
MI
(2021, 6-4, G, Monroe)
All the intangibles are there for Middleton. He has a long athletic build, a nice looking jumper, and a smart game. He likes to play overtop the defender, feeding the post high. Middleton can get his jumper off over many defenders as well.
Devan Wilson (2021, G, Grand Ledge)
Deserving more coverage is applicable to Wilson all the time. The young man is underrated and flat out great at the game of basketball. Just like always, at the Top 250, Wilson did a little of everything. That’s why he was a regular triple-double threat during grassroots season.
