Michigan Stockrisers: Non Circuit Edition

I greatly enjoyed being a regional scout on the Prep Hoops Circuit thus spring/summer. But I was also fortunate enough to catch action on other circuits throughout the grassroots season. I also attended plenty of elite camps during the month of June.   Following are five players from Michigan who boosted their recruiting stock in various ways in these settings.   [player_tooltip player_id='1213127' first='Javion' last='Otten'] 6-3 2023 Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills If you removed “stock” from the title of this article you would have a pretty good description of this wings game. He is a “riser” in every stretch of the definition. Simply put this young man can absolutely fly. I'll be honest I did not see this from him last year playing for the Grand Rapids Thunder on the Prep Hoops Circuit. He was obviously a skilled player but I did not see the above the rim athleticism. One spring/summer and one meteorological distinction later. That has changed in a major way. Playing with the Grand Rapids Storm on the national Under Armour Circuit. Otten showed the burst and explosiveness to play and compete with some of the best players in the nation. Continued his strong play through June at on-campus elite camps. His summer run was short circuited a bit by an injury. However he had done enough work by then. Committed to the new coaching staff at nearby Grand Valley St. Completing a meteoric rise for a player who was slightly off the radar with no offers when the grassroots season began   [player_tooltip player_id='1434240' first='Mohammad' last='Habhab'] 6-9 2024 Dearborn Fordson This emerging post from the Detroit area had quite possibly one the better elite camp performances I witnessed in June at Ferris St. He showed everything you would want to see from a modern stretch 4/5 prospect. Began by checking in with eye opening measurements. A legit 6-9 with a 6-10 wingspan that surprised even one of his coaches. Followed by showing an accompanying and diverse skill set. Ran the court well for his size. Used his length and quick burst athleticism to protect rim. Has a soft touch not just around the basket. But also on range that extends out to the three point line. Ran with the Michigan Warriors for the grassroots season. Fordson is a school more known for its gridiron exploits. But they could have a high major recruit on the hardwood if he continues his strong play. Has already earned an offer from the new staff at Wayne St. Has two more years to continue to refine and expand his game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1112297' first='Preston' last='Malpass'] 6-7 2024 East Jordan (pictured) Northern Michigan post prospect has shown tantalizing athletic potential for quite some time. Fulfilled that promise in a major way this spring/summer. A little off the local radar as he ran with Indy based Kyle Guy Elite during the grassroots season. While he played well with that squad. Blew up in a big way during the month of June on the elite camp circuit. Understandable as he is the type of player and athlete that thrives in drill work stations. This setting allows him to show the full range of his bouncy and skilled 6-7 frame. Put on an aerial show at the Trevor Huffman Elite camp working with former Michigan St forward Kenny Goins. Plenty of dunks, mid range jumpers, and the ability to handle the ball where shown at this camp. Is extremely light on his feet with a high level of coordination. Earned offers from both Northwood and Northern Michigan in the month of June. Like Habhad has two full years to continue to refine his game. A very intriguing long term prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='1077675' first='Harrison' last='Sorrelle'] 6-5 2023 Grand Haven Like Malpass, Sorelle is a player who had teased with his athletic potential for quite some time. Really put it all together this spring/summer with an MBA team that participated on the Hoop Group Circuit. Nearly led his squad to the championship at the prestigious Southern Jam Fest. Lost in dramatic fashion to one of the better independent teams out of the city of Chicago. Turned the tables as his squad won the Brawl for the Ball with a buzzer beater over a West Michigan Patriots unit loaded with blue chip national recruits. Wrapped things up by taking home the top trophy at Gym Rats Nationals in Fort Wayne. That's quite a run. Goes without saying that he is winning basketball player with a lot intangibles that won't show up in a score book. Along the way showed the the combination of skill and athleticism to compete with just about anyone. Is kind of a “jack of all trades” type of forward. Doesn't have one particular skill set that stands out. But is good at just about everything. I also saw him play well at team camp in Traverse City at the end of June. Earned in state offers from Lake Superior St and Wayne St. Also earned an offer from Tiffin University in Ohio. From zero offers to three. I would say that is the definition of a stock riser.   [player_tooltip player_id='1212739' first='Tae' last='Boyd'] 6-3 2023 Grand Blanc This Flint area forward deserves special mention as a stock riser. Boyd raised his recruiting in not only one but two sports. Turned in some blistering 40 times to earn the attention of football recruiters. Then earned some hardwood looks after his play with FF Underrated Elite in July. Was particularly good at the Brawl for Ball in Grand Rapids. Led his squad to the semis where they lost to a very good MBA unit (see above) Exposure will not be an issue in his recruitment. Grand Blanc is coming off back-to-back Division 1 Finals appearances. Did an outstanding job stepping into the Ty Rodgers (Illinois) role for the Bobcats after his late transfer last season. I know of at least one GLIAC program that is hoping Boyd commits for football with the hopes him become the rare two sport college athlete.

I greatly enjoyed being a regional scout on the Prep Hoops Circuit thus spring/summer. But I was also fortunate enough to catch action on other circuits throughout the grassroots season. I also attended plenty of elite camps during the month of June.