Rumble in the Rapids: Game (Program) Changing Underclassmen
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This content series is sponsored by GameChanger – The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops. The game changing series seeks identify the skills that allow prospects to be “game changers”. I’m going to go to…
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The game changing series seeks identify the skills that allow prospects to be “game changers”. I’m going to go to the macro level and identify prospects who have the ability to change the long term prognosis of their respective high school programs.
Accordingly that takes us the class of 2025 from the Rumble in the Rapids. Following are four underclassmen with the chance to change (or recharge) the trajectory of their respective programs.
Dempsey Cull Dempsey Cull 6'7" | PF Flint Powers Catholic | 2025 State MI 6-5 Davison I saw Cull play twice this year during the regular season in various Flint area Saturday showcases. As is to be expected for a freshman. Appeared to still be adjusting the speed and the physicality at the varsity level. But now back playing against his age group. You see the skill set that makes him such an intriguing long term prospect. Stretch fours are all the rage. If you can effectively stretch the floor from three. While also providing rim protection you can pretty much write your ticket. Cull shot the lights out from three on Saturday for a CMB Running Rebels that went undefeated on the weekend. So check on the first part of the equation. The rim protection will have to come along a little bit as he gets stronger and bigger. Should be noted that he is a bit of “two for the price of prospect” as well. Twin brother Jesse has a similar game and has been out recently with an injury.
Donovan Hamlin Donovan Hamlin 6'4" | SF Flint Carman-Ainsworth | 2025 State MI 6-4 Flint Carman Ainsworth The natural inclination is to go with classmate Chris McLavish Jr Chris McLavish Jr 5'8" | PG Kell | 2025 State GA . But the Cavaliers featured a pint sized scoring point in Mekhi Ellison this past year. McLavish should slide easily into that role. What they could really use is some size in the post. Hamlin is an explosive and developing post prospect. Fluid athlete who runs the court very well. Flashed next level athleticism with more than one dunk in a Saturday morning victory over a TC Elite squad that has been very good on Prep Hoops Circuit. While he is not yet a three point shooter. Has a smooth and easy release that he can stretch out to the elbows. As he fills out physically should see his recruiting profile increase.
Camden Karel Camden Karel 6'9" | PF Byron Center | 2025 State #219 Nation MI 6-8 Byron Center Full disclosure I did not actually see Karel play this weekend. Only warmed up. I certainly hope he is not injured. But I have seen him enough to know that his inclusion on the West Michigan Lakers roster is a big (literally) deal. Has plenty of size already and appears to be growing at a rapid clip. Was probably only about 6-5 when I saw him last summer. Was very effective for D Rice Elite against a very deep field at the Run N Slam in Fort Wayne a few weeks ago. Has good ball skills and soft touch from perimeter. I particularly like the high release point. Accentuates his physical advantages. Long arms and fluid movements also make him a defensive standout. The Byron Center program has been going through a little lull. But if you were anywhere near any of the gyms this weekend you know that there is an influx of young talent coming up. Karel should team with 2024’s like Jayden Brock Jayden Brock 6'5" | SF Byron Center | 2024 State MI (United Persuit) and Ben Heagle Ben Heagle 6'6" | SF Byron Center | 2024 State MI (West Michigan Lakers) to form dynamic future front courts for the Bulldogs.
Oskar Kangas Oskar Kangas 6'6" | SF Iron Mountain | 2025 State MI 6-5 Iron Mountain The alma mater of Tom Izzo is one year removed from an unprecedented period sustained post season success. Two finals in three years. With a COVID postseason cancellation in the middle of the finals appearances. This period was spurred by generational Upper Peninsula prospect Foster Wonders (Southern Illinois). So the Mountaineers don’t really need to rebuild. Just a quick reset. It’s early but Kangas has a chance to reach those lofty heights. When I first caught him in Kansas City at Prep Hoops Live. The physical traits are what initially catch your eye. Is basically a skilled 6-5 post right now. But doesn’t do it in a “bully ball” manner. Uses speed to get around defenders easily. Also has such a soft touch around the basket that it’s an easy stretch to see him as a good outside shooter. Showed toughness this weekend in Grand Rapids. Played through what appeared to be initially a pretty nasty knee injury. The Wisconsin Crusaders product is trending towards being one of the top UP prospects in the next few years.