Stock Rising Juniors From The OK Conference

Throughout the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of watching some of the area’s best players work on their craft and develop their games. A handful of players in the 2023 class have taken a leap this past season and have become go-to guys for their programs. Below are six guys whose stock I believe has risen the most.

Marshaun Flakes Marshaun Flakes 6'2" | SG East Kentwood | 2023 State MI , 6’2 G, East Kentwood

Marshaun has become East Kentwood’s go-to guy to get a bucket and someone who can do so in both the halfcourt and transition. Marshaun’s quickness and ability to get out on the break make him difficult to pick up in transition. Factor in his ability to finish through contact in traffic and you can see why he’s cemented himself as someone to keep an eye on for the next 14 months. Another key part of Marshaun’s game is that he can make something out of nothing. When East Kentwood’s offense stalls, Marshaun can take his man in isolation and get a quality shot up. Defensively, Marshaun is tabbed as the guy to pick up the opposing team’s best playmaker. Marshaun moves well laterally and uses his instinct and quickness to deflect passes and create turnovers.

Sam Mendendorp Sam Mendendorp 6'3" | SF Grand Rapids South Christian | 2023 MI , 6’3 F, South Christian

Sam has solidified himself as one of the top defenders in the 2023 class in the state in the past year due to his ability to provide excellent closeouts consistently. His 6’3 frame looks a lot lankier in person and even more so when he’s rejecting jump shots on the help side. Sam does a great job reacting and closing out in a hurry and even if he doesn’t come away with a block, his length does enough to affect the shot. Offensively, Sam has become efficient in the midrange and has developed a soft touch in the paint. 

Javion Otten Javion Otten 6'4" | SG Kenowa Hills | 2023 State MI , 6’3 G, Kenowa Hills

The most talked-about name right now in the 2023 class from West Michigan just might be Javion Otten Javion Otten 6'4" | SG Kenowa Hills | 2023 State MI . He was largely unknown two years ago and I’m expecting with another summer under his belt, he’ll be largely known around the state and potentially beyond. Javion is one of the best pure athletes in the area and uses his athleticism to finish above the rim on a regular occurrence. Kenowa relies on Javion to get them close to 20 a night and be an anchor defensively, and Javion has answered the call. His play has Kenowa Hills with its best record in quite some time and has served as a foundation for a program on the rise under head coach Mike Moorehead.

Caden Pokorzynski, 6’4 F, Rockford

I’ll gladly admit that I wasn’t aware of Caden when I initially made my pre-season league title picks, and I would probably have given more love to Rockford if I had known. The main reason for that is the fact that Caden Pokorsynski is a complete difference maker and has become one of the best overall players in the OK Red this season. His size is often too much for the average defender, which allows Caden to get downhill and convert high percentage looks in the midrange to paint. Defensively, his length gives wings and guards problems and Caden has the motor to go at the opposing team’s best player. I’d expect Caden to quickly rise the ranks in the 2023 class and will be one of the top seniors to watch next season from West Michigan.

Parker Swartz Parker Swartz 6'7" | SF Grand Rapids Northview | 2023 State MI , 6’5 F, Mona Shores

Parker has a college-ready frame and a skillset to match. He’s a great finisher in transition and can penetrate the defense with regularity from the wing. I was equally impressed with his perimeter jumper during the Cornerstone Showcase earlier this year. Defensively, Parker is a magnet to the ball and does a great job of taking easy looks away with his length. His bounce pops both sides of the court and should be something that will continue to draw interest from programs at the next level.

Drew Caswell Drew Caswell 5'11" | PG East Grand Rapids | 2023 State MI , 5’11 G, East Grand Rapids

Drew has become one of the area’s most consistent bucket getters this season as he’s found his way to my bi-weekly top performer list almost religiously. At first glance, his game takes on a pure facilitator role, however, as of late, he’s been scoring at a high clip. Drew does a great job of taking what the defense gives him and rarely ever settles for a bad shot. His two-man game with fellow junior Simon Neuhaus Simon Neuhaus 6'5" | SF East Grand Rapids | 2023 State MI has given defenses fits since they each came onto the scene last season as sophomores. In his junior season, Drew has shown he’s a big threat from beyond the arch, and can also take just about anyone who lines up across from him off the dribble.