Rumble in the Rapids Preview: Six Prospects to Watch

<p>This weekend the Prep Hoops Circuit moves along to Grand Rapids, Michigan for the Rumble in the Rapids event. A good mixture of teams from around the midwest will be playing up in the mitten state and our staff will have coverage of it all as usual. As a primer, here are six of the top prospects that you’ll want to follow if you are in Grand Rapids this weekend.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="986247" first="Amari" last="Allen"] (Hamtramck H.S. 2023/17u CTM Elite): Allen is a bigger, physical guard coming off of a First Team All-Tournament at Havoc in the Heartland. He is one of the best on-ball defenders on the circuit and uses his defense to create transition opportunities offensively. Great open floor playmaker.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="981201" first="Levi" last="Birkholz"] (Lakeside Lutheran H.S. 2023/Wisconsin Crusaders 2023 Premier): Arguably one of the best overall prospects you’ll see on the Prep Hoops Circuit, this super athletic guard is ranked #7 in the state of Wisconsin and has Division I coaches following him closely during live periods. Birkholz is very explosive and matches it will a lot of ball skill. You’ll want to watch him!</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="935730" first="Ty’Shaun" last="Grundy"] (South Bend Washington H.S. 2023/5Star 2023-Windy): Big, physical guard having a nice spring for 5Star Windy. Grundy loves to punish defenders off of the dribble and can score through contact against smaller guys inside. He has good court vision as well with the ability to be an all-around playmaker. Under-the-radar prospect in the South Bend area.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1198964" first="J.J." last="Morris"] (Argos H.S. 2023/Grand Park Premier 2023 Black): Morris has a good mixture of size and skill as a 6’6" forward. He is a capable shooter from the perimeter but at his best using a size mismatch to attack closeouts and expose smaller defenders inside. Also a very good rebounder. Coaches will love his versatility. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1049162" first="Deaglan" last="Sullivan"] (Mishawaka Marian H.S. 2023/Indiana Attack Basketball Club 2023): After reaching the state championship game with Mishawaka Marian in March, Sullivan burst onto the scene once again last weekend at Havoc in the Heartland playing with Indiana Attack. The quick, shifty point guard is a dynamic playmaker off of the bounce and showcased why he is a Top 50 prospect in the state of Indiana. High level recruit for small college programs.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1077679" first="Hutch" last="Ward"] (Kalamazoo Central H.S. 2023/Michigan Cagers 2023): When you can mix three-point shooting ability with 6’8" size you get a very intriguing prospect. Ward was a First Team All-Tournament selection last weekend at Havoc in the Heartland and continues to add to his list of NAIA scholarship offers. Really good looking prospect with his perimeter skill at his height.</p>