OK Conference Top Prospects: 10-6

<p>Basketball season is officially underway and the OK Top 20 countdown marches on. In case you missed it, I previously broke down the prospects from the OK Conference that I have ranked <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prephoops.com/2022/12/ok-conference-top-prospects-20-16/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prephoops.com/2022/12/ok-conference-top-prospects-20-16/" target="_blank">#20-1</a><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prephoops.com/2022/12/ok-conference-top-prospects-15-11/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prephoops.com/2022/12/ok-conference-top-prospects-15-11/" target="_blank">6</a> and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prephoops.com/2022/12/ok-conference-top-prospects-15-11/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prephoops.com/2022/12/ok-conference-top-prospects-15-11/" target="_blank">#15-11</a>. Check those out if you haven't yet, and be sure to come back tomorrow for my breakdown of players ranked #1-5.</p>   <h3>#6: [player_tooltip player_id='1223513' first='Jaylan' last='Ouwinga'], 6'7 F, Grand Rapids Christian 2024</h3>    <p>In terms of predicting future success based on potential, it's hard to find an athlete in the OK Conference with a more promising future than [player_tooltip player_id='1223513' first='Jaylan' last='Ouwinga']. Jaylan is a lanky forward who is still growing into his frame, but oozes potential thanks to his athleticism, shot-making ability, and overall feel for the game. The 6'7 forward from Grand Rapids Christian burst onto the Grand Rapids hoops scene in the early stages of last season against Grand Rapids Catholic Central. In that game, Jaylan went back and forth with a former All-State forward, Jack Karasinski. Jaylan held his own and won a few matchups, showing technical footwork with his back to the basket and the ability to step outside of 15 feet and knock down jumpers.</p>   <p>Another aspect of Jaylan's game that collegiate coaches covet is his ability to run the floor and finish in transition. Jaylan is capable of putting the ball on the deck and can finish through a crowd. Defensively, he's just as successful because he's able to use his athleticism and length to alter shots and guard multiple positions. As of today, Jaylan has offers from Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Toledo. With two full seasons left in his high school career, I'd expect Jaylan's list of D1 suitors to continue to grow.</p>   <h3>#7 [player_tooltip player_id='987274' first='Jordan' last='Briggs'], 6'0 G, Muskegon 2023</h3>    <p>Muskegon has a long, storied tradition of great guard play and the current bearer of the Big Red's flag is Muskegon's senior leader [player_tooltip player_id='987274' first='Jordan' last='Briggs']. You won't find another on-court leader who controls the flow of the game quite like Jordan. He has a unique ability to lead not only by example but vocally as well. The Big Reds have a handful of next-level talent on its roster every year, but few command the attention and direction of the offense the way Jordan does. </p>   <p>Jordan has a great handle, is a plus shooter from distance, and can knock down midrange jumpers consistently. However, in my opinion, Jordan's passing and ability to make plays for others are what sets him apart from other guards in West Michigan. Another underrated aspect of Jordan's game is that his level of play seems to rise with the competition. In every showcase or playoff game featuring Muskegon, it's been Jordan who has stepped up for the Big Reds. I fully expect that to continue this season, giving Muskegon a very realistic shot at making a run at the Breslin this season. Jordan is currently committed to attending Wayne State University next year.</p>   <h3>#8: [player_tooltip player_id='1213127' first='Javion' last='Otten'], 6'4 G, Kenowa Hills 2023</h3>    <p>At this time last season, few outside of the OK Conference knew about [player_tooltip player_id='1213127' first='Javion' last='Otten']. Flash forward a year later and Javion is routinely recognized as one of the premier prospects in the 2023 class across the state. Javion had a big summer following his junior season and has continued that trend through the fall and now into the early stages of his senior season. Similarly, the rise of Kenowa Hills' basketball program has continued to develop and progress into a team that is now being showcased in major multi-team events. </p>   <p>Athletically, you'd be hard-pressed to find a bouncier guard in the state. Every time Javion drives the basket, he's a threat to finish above the rim, and he's not afraid to catch a body on the way. Javion's main strength offensively, in my opinion, is his ability to drive the lane and finish through a crowd. Given he's far and away the best offensive option for the Knights, Javion routinely receives double teams, sometimes 25 feet from the basket. Javion has a knack for splitting the double team and can finish with both hands from short distance. Javion's perimeter jumper appears to be progressing as well, and is a guy that you can rely on to knock down multiple 3s a game. Javion is currently committed to attending Grand Valley State University next year.</p>   <h3>#9: [player_tooltip player_id='1213117' first='Parker' last='Swartz'], 6'7 G, Northview 2023</h3>    <p>Parker joined the Northview hoops team following three years at Mona Shores, immediately adding a three-level scorer who fills the void left by Kyler Vanderjagt and Jalen Charity. I got a chance to see Parker in person multiple times last season, and similar to Javion, it was apparent he was the main focus of the opposing team's defense on a nightly basis. Now that he has multiple talented teammates who can score in a variety of ways around him, I expect Parker to be able to showcase even more of his game.</p>   <p>Standing at 6'7, Parker has college-ready length and a frame that continues to bulk up. Parker flows well in transition and gets to his spots consistently. He's got a smooth shooting stroke that is equally difficult to contest given his length and shooting form. Additionally, Parker's length allows him to force tough shots on defense and narrow passing angles to the post. As of today, Parker has offers from Cornerstone University, Northwood University, Lake Erie College, and others. </p>   <h3>#10: [player_tooltip player_id='1300920' first='Carson' last='Vis'], 6'3 G, South Christian 2025</h3>    <p>Few freshmen can handle playing varsity basketball, let alone contribute on a nightly basis. Even fewer athletes can join the football team on a whim and be an integral part of a 14-0 season and a state championship. Then again, not many are built like [player_tooltip player_id='1300920' first='Carson' last='Vis']. The South Christian sophomore had a huge summer with the Grand Rapids Storm, and the basketball community around the midwest is starting to take notice.</p>   <p>Carson has a very unique mix of athleticism, physical gifts, and mental intangibles that make him one of the more promising prospects to come through South Christian in a long time. Carson has a knock-down jumper that extends beyond the perimeter, a solid handle, and a competitiveness that shouldn't be overlooked, but is often taken for granted. Additionally, standing at 6'3, Carson still has lots of room for growth physically. While it's still very early in his recruitment, Carson currently has an offer from Ferris State. Expect that offer list to blow up in the not too distant future.</p>

Basketball season is officially underway and the OK Top 20 countdown marches on. In case you missed it, I previously broke down the prospects from the OK Conference that I have ranked #20-1 6 and #15-11. Check those out if you haven't yet, and be sure to come back tomorrow for my breakdown of players ranked #1-5.