Gilbert’s Notebook Week 5 Notes

Jonathon Gilbert March 15, 2021 @ 11:04 AM

Still feels so strange but we are entering the last week of the season. Here are five standouts from the previous week. Brief aside— I could call this the gridiron edition. All of these players had standout football seasons. [player_tooltip player_id="1068123" first="Evan" last="Solomon"] 6-3 2022 Charlevoix Had an excellent performance in what was a showdown game with Traverse City Francis. Had extremely slow start featuring a scoreless first quarter. In the midst of the struggle I was impressed with Solomon’s demeanor. Didn’t sulk or show frustration. Instead looked for other ways to impact the game. Mainly through aggressive defense. Also got himself to line. This allowed him to see the ball go through the basket and get going offensively. Scored a game high 17 points in the last three quarters. Has an excellent all around backcourt game to go along with good size for the position. The only thing really missing is top shelf athleticism. This keeps him from making plays at or above the rim. Makes up for it with an excellent mid range game, a tight handle, and deep range on the perimeter. Versatility is another strength as I see the ability to play both the 1 and 2 spots. Finishing at the rim would make him a true three level scorer. He’s got one more year to complete the package. Caleb Stuck 6-3 2022 Charlevoix I don’t need to spend time on the bloodlines. Just know there is a lot of big time basketball in his household. At first glance football is probably the first thing you might think of as he has that type of frame. While that might be where he ultimately ends up there is a lot to like on the hardwood as well. Held up well against a big and deep St Francis frontline. Intelligent and did a good job of playing aggressively while avoiding foul trouble. Even more impressive when you consider the Rayders only have seven players listed on their roster. More than just a banger down low. Hit two big threes and looked very confident in doing so. Good ball handler for his size who showed some strong drives down the baseline. Good passer out of the post. If he eschews football could have a future as a small college 3/4. Especially if he adds an inch or two in the next year. [player_tooltip player_id="985667" first="Wyatt" last="Nausadis"] 6-3 2023 Traverse City St Francis Did not have his best outings in losses against Charlevoix and McBain, but showed the physical attributes that make him such a special prospect. Looks like a long football playoff run added a few pounds of muscle to what was already an impressive sturdy frame. While the shot wasn’t falling against both Charlevoix and McBain showed the intangibles that are starting to catch up with athleticism. Operated well in the pick and roll and involved teammates well. Elevates quickly on his left handed jump shot. While he is an excellent ball handler, personally I would like to see him operating off the ball a little more often. I think his ceiling is a little higher as a slashing wing than as a big explosive point guard. That’s a good problem to have. Type of player who seems to have knack for winning. Despite subpar play had the shot to win it against Charlevoix and gave the Gladiators a halftime lead on the road against McBain. Probably has the highest upside of any prospect in the entire region. Carson Bourdo 6-0 2022 Traverse City Central While 2024 point guard [player_tooltip player_id="1111925" first="Anthony" last="Ribel"] gets a lot of attention. This (somewhat) older prospect is having an excellent year in his own right. I first saw him as a freshman playing against [player_tooltip player_id="531740" first="Jimmy" last="Scholler"] and Forest Hills Central. Has come a long way physically in those two years. Displayed this improvement in a win this week over Cadillac. It was the Trojans second win over a good Viking squad. Controlled the tempo and led Central with 13 points. Not flashy but a good athlete who also excels on the gridiron. If he keeps showing improvement particularly with his outside shot could have a future on the hardwood as well. [player_tooltip player_id="1125795" first="Kaiden" last="McGillis"] 6-3 2021 McBain A repeat appearance in the notebook but for a different reason. Did it defensively this time around. Held the previously mentioned [player_tooltip player_id="985667" first="Wyatt" last="Nausadis"] to 14 points and did it mostly straight up with little help. Highly competitive and did not back down from the challenge or the 27-21 deficit the Ramblers faced at the half. Led a big second half comeback on both ends of the court. Finished with a game high 16 points. Top player on the undefeated and number 1 team in Division 3. That should count for something shouldn’t it? Might have a chance to open some eyes in a few weeks. If he can hold [player_tooltip player_id="611403" first="Foster" last="Wonders"] in the teens (no one has been able to that) and beat Iron Mountain he will force college coaches to give him a look.