Saturday Scrimmages Part 2: MSA First and Second Teams

The last Saturday of November is more commonly thought of as the end of the MHSAA high school football season. But it also has served as the de facto start of the basketball season as well.   Former Grand Rapids Union head Brandoen Guyton coach has traditionally hosted a huge mega scrimmage. It has continued to grow in size and scope and has now moved to the MSA facilities.   Following are first and second team standouts from the event. It was huge event with a statewide turnout. So this is by no means meant to be a comprehensive rundown. Just the best from what I saw.   First Team   Point Guard- [player_tooltip player_id='1437540' first='Sharod' last='Barnes'] 6-2 2025 Orchard Lake St Mary's Barnes has some big shoes to fill. The Eagles graduated one of the better floor generals you will see anywhere in Kareem Rozier (Duquesne) Rozier was a master at controlling tempo and setting up half court sets. Barnes is not at that caliber yet and there is no shame in that. However he is much bigger and a much better scorer. Showed that off on Saturday. Bigger and stronger than any other point guard present. Seemed comfortable with primary ball handling responsibilities. Also set up teammates well. Particularly 2024's [player_tooltip player_id='1111918' first='Daniel' last='Smythe'] from beyond the arc and a cutting [player_tooltip player_id='1223491' first='Andrew' last='Smith'].   Shooting Guard- [player_tooltip player_id='987285' first='Grant' last='Gondrezick'] 6-1 2023 Benton Harbor Doesn't have the frame of a traditional two guard but can really fill it up. I am always impressed with the gracefulness in his movement. Both on and off the ball. Quick and explosive but never seems to be in a hurry. Uses a tight handle and surprising elevation to get his shot off with the ease. That being said probably doesn't have size to be a two at the next level. But that won't dissuade recruiters as his overall skill set is just too enticing. Recently picked up an offer from Northern Illinois.   Small Forward- [player_tooltip player_id='1437536' first='Trey' last='McKenney'] 6-4 2025 Orchard Lake St Mary's For my money the top player in the state of Michigan. Not in class of 2025— not in the long term. The best player right now. Such a mature and diverse scorer. Can do it so many different ways. Can bully ball smaller players on the block. Exploits bigger player off the dribble on the perimeter. Proficient from beyond the arc. Not much weakness in his game offensively. Trending towards being a top 20 national recruit. Be sure to catch him now. These types of players tend to not stick around Michigan too long.   Power Forward- [player_tooltip player_id='1356986' first='Cameron' last='Regnerus'] 6-7 2024 Grandville The fastest riser on this list. Both on the court and in recruiting boards. Used a huge summer on the Prep Hoops Circuit to rise from an unknown to securing GLIAC offers. Continued that meteoric rise on Saturday. Competed very well and got the upper hand at times with the much bigger [player_tooltip player_id='1112302' first='Xander' last='Wedlow'] (see below) The defense will always be there with his length and lateral quickness. Is already an elite rim protector. But the offense also stood out on Saturday. Was confidentially stepping into and hitting threes in transition. Stronger than he initially appears on the block. If he catches near the basket it's usually a dunk.   Center- [player_tooltip player_id='1112302' first='Xander' last='Wedlow'] 6-9 2024 Detroit University Prep The good, the bad, and the ugly. The good— looks a lot slimmer while maintaining his strong lower base. Runs the court well for his size. Plays with this combination of girth and movement have no problem funding spots at the next level. Passed the ball well out of the high post. The bad— he struggled to get the ball in scoring positions in the half court. Not entirely his fault. Also appeared to have some work to do on his outside shot. But the term “bad” is just a play on worlds. He still has plenty of time to develop with bigs usually developing at a slower pace than guards. The ugly— had some absolutely vicious rejections defensively. Sent away a shots with some violence and ferocity. Coupled with his size he is a very intimidating presence down low.   2nd Team   Point Guard- [player_tooltip player_id='902884' first='Jakhary' last='Towns'] 6-0 2023 Wyoming Godwin Heights I am listing him as a point guard due to his size and development in that area. But his game still revolves around his elite shooting ability. Showed improvement as a ball handler and distributor on Saturday. This is a big year for Towns. It is really his show this year at Godwin. Should put up some eye opening statistics. If he can translate it into wins. College coaches could look beyond his size and positional fit. Because not many can shoot it like him.   Shooting Guard- [player_tooltip player_id='1356947' first='Shane' last='Rykse'] 6-3 2024 Schoolcraft Speaking of shooting… Ryske is the best best shooter in the state. I have held that position since this prospect was very young. Paid off in a big way as he shot the Eagles to the Division 3 state championship last season. Will fave a bit more of a challenge this year as he loses the massive frontline helped him get a lot of open looks. However with the increased size and athleticism showed on Saturday. That should not be a problem. Will have some backcourt help in developing 2025 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1616010' first='Tucker' last='Walther'] who also played well on Saturday.   Small Forward-[player_tooltip player_id='1431590' first='Caden' last='Pokorzynski'] 6-6 2023 Rockford Very important player for Rockford this year. The Rams are loaded with fundamentally sound skilled basketball players. Pokorzynski possesses next level athletic ability. Extreme length and bounce allows him to easily play well above the rim. Stood out in the opener against Battle Creek Central with a nice dunk and aggressive defense. Impressive as it was also some of his first game action after recovering from a shoulder injury. Still was wearing a brace a Saturday. Along with [player_tooltip player_id='986581' first='Charlie' last='Deutsch'] should form a nice duo as their skill sets complement each other well.   Power Forward- [player_tooltip player_id='986889' first='Teddy' last='Williams'] 6-6 2023 Grand Ledge The definition of a power forward. Williams is a powerfully built post prospect with a soft touch around the basket. Continued to show that on Saturday. The Lansing area product was playing close to his future college home. As Williams has committed to Grand Valley St for football. But served a reminder that he is petty good with the roundball on Saturday. As you would expect impossible to displace once he gets deep position. Smart player who competes hard on the defensive end. Well tested with the Grand Rapids Storm in AAU basketball. If this season is indeed his last run on the hardwood. He looks ready for a big year.   Center- [player_tooltip player_id='1223513' first='Jaylan' last='Ouwinga'] 6-9 2024 Grand Rapids Christian A testament to development and patience. Two summers ago showed potential with MBA on the Prep Hoops Circuit. But I'll be honest. I did not see this coming. Three inches and an EYBL run later. Ouwinga is a legitimate Division 1 prospect. Was an intimidating presence around the rim with his length. Offensively is improving as a finisher around the rim. But also shows ability away from the basket. Can shoot it from three along with a serviceable and developing drive game. Will be key as the Eagles gear up for what could be a big year.

The last Saturday of November is more commonly thought of as the end of the MHSAA high school football season. But it also has served as the de facto start of the basketball season as well.