Monday Motor City Standouts Part 2

In its 26th year the Motor City Roundball Classic had to be a little flexible in its return from a one year hiatus. Both Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice and Grand Blanc could not participate in what was slated to be an absolutely loaded opening night of competition. Event organizers pivoted and still produced a compelling slate. Headlined by an absolute battle between Grand Rapids Catholic Central and UD Jesuit. Following are six prospects that stood out. [player_tooltip player_id="863927" first="Treyvon" last="Lewis"] 6-5 2022 Ferndale Despite being a showcase event. This game took place on Lewis’ home court. Needless to say he looked right at home. Showed off a smooth and almost effortless perimeter game in which he simply did it all. The Loyola (IL) commit should have no problem adjusting to the college three point line. He hit some deep ones with ease. But didn’t just do it from deep. Scored in the mid range using his athleticism to rise above smaller defenders. Plays well above the rim. Standout play was blocked shot that he pinned on the back board. Corralled the block himself, then went coast to coast and drained another three. Also provided a highlight by catching and finishing a lob on the break emphatically. Finished with 21 points. A truly impressive performance by player who should be in the conversation for the one of the more wide open Mr Basketball fields in recent memory. Coach Drew Valentine is getting a steal. [player_tooltip player_id="986890" first="Cameron" last="Reed"] 6-0 2023 Ferndale The Eagles were minus [player_tooltip player_id="863920" first="Jason" last="Drake"] on Monday. This junior stepped into the fold seamlessly. Reed is already a next level ball handler. Penetrated at will against Port Huron Northern. Had a real nice dump off to [player_tooltip player_id="1076033" first="Chris" last="Williams"] for an easy dunk. Shook a defender to the ground with a lethal step back that had the gym buzzing. But I was most impressed with the second half of the move— the shot. Has a nice looking left handed release that looked automatic on Monday. Finished with 19 points. The Ferndale program is not going anywhere after Drake and Lewis graduate. Reed should lead a solid group of young players into this next era. [player_tooltip player_id="985657" first="Sonny" last="Wilson"] 6-0 2023 UD Jesuit I could just go over the stats. But that would only tell half the story. Wilson earned, and I mean earned everyone of his game high 23 points. Catholic Central has bevy of long and tenacious perimeter defenders (see below) This forced Wilson to use of his full array of offensive skills. It starts with deep range perimeter. Accented by a trigger quick release. But not a pump and a more than willing passer. Has excellent body control. Exemplified by a tight rope act down the side line. Competed hard defensively with a blocked shot and a drawn charge. The 2023 class has a surplus of high level college point guard prospects. Wilson further cemented his case Monday to be near the top of this group. [player_tooltip player_id="987270" first="Kaden" last="Brown"] 5-10 2023 Grand Rapids Catholic Central While Wilson had a good game for the Cubs. Brown really made him work for it. This aggressive and physical defense played a huge role in fatigue seemingly setting in late for Jesuit. Accounting for the lopsided margin at the end. I can’t really write enough adjectives about his defensive effort. Not afraid of contact on both ends of the court. And he took plenty of it and kept coming back for more. Offensively kept defenses off balance with a soft mid range floater. The scoring statistics will probably never jump off the page as the Cougars are a deep and balanced program. That being said still managed to finish with 19 points. Like his opponent Wilson. Place him near the top of your 2023 point guard rankings. [player_tooltip player_id="787680" first="Jack" last="Karasinski"] 6-5 2022 Grand Rapids Catholic Central (pictured at top of article) Catholic is one of many top teams that plays without a traditional post. Forcing Karasinski to play out of position at the five. Fortunately the hallmark of this forwards game is versatility. Set the tone early with an above the rim finish in transition. Had multiple creative finishes underneath the basket. Including a reverse through contact for a critical three point play. I was also impressed with his off ball movements throughout the night. Used a nice curl cut to get open for a mid range jumper. Use what ever cliche you would like (dirty work, little things) but Karasinski simply made winning basketball plays all night. The William & Mary commit finished with a team high 21 points. [player_tooltip player_id="1112374" first="Durral" last="Brooks"] 6-1 2024 Grand Rapids Catholic Central One thing I have always loved about Phat Phat’s game is his defensive aggression. When he steps on the court doesn’t play like the top player in the 2024 class. He plays with the attitude of player who is worried he might get subbed out. That approach got the best of him on Monday as he dealt with foul trouble all night. When he was in the game showed plenty of the attributes that give him his lofty status. Had not one, but two blocks of three point shots. That is the type of defensive play you do not see often in a season. Let alone twice in a game. Like teammate Brown, has absolutely no fear of contact on both ends of the court. If he decides to drive to the basket. Good luck stopping it. Move your feet and flop because he is a powerful and determined driver. Not all power. Has a finesse float game and euro step that he uses to avoid charges. A special prospect.