The Showcase: Upperclassmen Standouts

In its first year The Showcase at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids provided a deep and talented five game slate. After giving you the top performing underclassmen yesterday. On to the older players. Three seniors and two juniors including one player who is a completely new name to me. Robert Davis Jr. 6-6 2022 Hamtramck (pictured at top of article) This is no slight to the organizers just an observation. But it is rare that best overall player you see is in the first game of a showcase. But that was the case with Davis’ electric performance in the opener. A little out sight on the state wide front as he ran with Team Melo on a national circuit. But he is reestablishing himself quickly after transferring to Hamtramck. Was simply lights out from three all game. With his size if he can shoot like he did Saturday. He will have no problem finding a spot at the next level. When you combine the next level athleticism you have the makings of a big time prospect. Electric and explosive in the open court. Had one big time finish above the rim that was nullified by a whistle. Also got out quickly in transition and ran the court well. Was unselfish as a passer even though he clearly had it cooking early. Had a nice lob on the break to [player_tooltip player_id="986247" first="Amari" last="Allen"] (see below) I had him for 22 points but that was quickly eclipsed. Davis recently dropped 46 points in a “scrimmage” against a good Rochester Adams unit. With all the recent transfers the Mr. Basketball race is as wide open as it’s ever been. If Davis keeps playing like this you can add his name to the list. [player_tooltip player_id="986247" first="Amari" last="Allen"] 6-3 2023 Hamtramck Davis wasn’t the only Cosmo who had it rolling on Saturday. Allen was just as efficient from deep while also showing extra facets to his game. Allen was automatic from three. Frankly the entire Hamtramck team was accounting for the wide margin. But Allen was able to adjust and operate in the mid range as Godwin Heights adjusted to run him off the line. Showed a soft touch on a real nice floater that he was able to finish through contact. Got to his spots easily with a tight handle. The handle is good enough that he could probably transfer to a full time point guard role if needed next season. Had the finish of the game as he skied to catch a lob. Cuffed it with one hand before softly laying it in. An impressive all around performance allowed Allen to walk away with the MVP trophy for the game. When it’s all said and done could be one of the top players in the 2023 class. If he isn’t already. [player_tooltip player_id="902884" first="Jakhary" last="Towns"] 6-1 2023 Wyoming Godwin Heights As touched on above. The shooting of Hamtramck wrapped up the outcome Towns’ game pretty early. However that was what impressed me about this performance. Towns showed a lot of grit and toughness in a contest that just wasn’t going his way. One of the top shooters in the state. Hamtramck simply wasn’t going to let him get them off. So he went to the other aspects of his game. Operated well in the pick and roll. Found teammates for easy baskets as defenses hedged hard on him. Has a high arching mid range shot that lands so soft. Worked hard defensively and got a few easy points off steals. Performed an old fashioned step through post move to get a basket in the mid range. The threes eventually came as the defense opened up a little. Played hard all game despite the margin and appeared to be a good teammate. Sometimes you learn more about a player during a loss. Finished with a hard earned 22 points. [player_tooltip player_id="863950" first="Mekhi" last="Ellison"] 5-11 Flint Carman Ainsworth After a very slow start Ellison got it going in a big way late and delivered perhaps the most impressive performance of the day. Ellison dropped 29 points in a loss to Benton Harbor. If there is faster player from end to end with the ball in his hands. I haven’t seen him yet. Drives hard to the basket despite his size and is not afraid to take on contact. Shoots left handed but is very good with his right hand. While he is not very tall makes up for it with the aforementioned quickness and a sturdy frame. Unlike a lot small guards. Getting physical with him will not accomplish much. Benton Harbor had a pretty significant lead for much of the game. Ellison kept fighting and was able to make close at the end. It will be interesting to see how far Ellison can take this team and how his recruitment will shake out. JaJaun Walker 6-3 2022 Benton Harbor The Tigers were one of the toughest cuts when I listed the top backcourts in the state. That appears to be a mistake. I was well aware of [player_tooltip player_id="863960" first="Trucel" last="Singleton"]’s game. I knew [player_tooltip player_id="987285" first="Grant" last="Gondrezick"] would slot in nicely as a transfer. But I was unsure about their size and lack of a true point guard. Well this player quickly alleviated those concerns with his play on Saturday. Walker simply did it all for the Tigers. Ran the point efficiently and distributed ball well. Allowing Gondrezick to get hot early. Picked up the slack defensively while Singleton was saddled with early foul trouble. Has long arms that aid on the defensive end. Hit a few threes including one in the clutch. But his clutch gene really stood out on the other end. After [player_tooltip player_id="863950" first="Mekhi" last="Ellison"] went off in the second half Walker wanted the challenge of guarding him during winning time. Walker was the game MVP and scored 24 points. Teams preparing for the Benton Harbor duo should now it’s a trio after Saturday’s performance.