OK Conference Top Prospects: 15-11
In this article:
The high school hoops season officially tips off tonight! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than break down the players ranked #15-11 from the OK Conference. In case you missed it, check out my article on players…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe high school hoops season officially tips off tonight! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than break down the players ranked #15-11 from the OK Conference. In case you missed it, check out my article on players ranked #20-15. Be sure to check back in tomorrow for players ranked 10-6.
#11: Tyran Thomas Tyran Thomas 6'4" | SG Northview | 2023 State MI , 6’4 G, Northview, 2023
Tyran Thomas Tyran Thomas 6'4" | SG Northview | 2023 State MI is back for his senior season at Northview following a junior year that featured an OK White Conference title and a trip to the Breslin for the Division 1 Final Four. Now in his final year as a Wildcat, Tyran’s role will carry even more weight with the 2022 class off to playing college hoops. In his junior season, Tyran was one of my favorite players to watch in the area because of the consistent effort he plays with. Tyran also doesn’t need to be the focal point of the offense to bring effort and energy. He routinely attacks the glass on both ends of the court and does a great job of using his athleticism to grab second-chance points in the paint.
Tyran’s athleticism jumps off the page defensively as well. He has the lateral quickness to stay in front of smaller guards, and the length to guard in the post. Tyran is most effective in and around the paint, but has also shown he can knock down jumpers from the midrange extended. Expect Northview to make another run for the Breslin thanks in large part to Tyran’s leadership and playmaking ability. Tyran committed to Division II Frostburg State on November 16th.
#12: Jakhary Towns Jakhary Towns 6'1" | SG Godwin Heights | 2023 State MI , 6’1 G, Godwin Heights, 2023
Jakhary Towns Jakhary Towns 6'1" | SG Godwin Heights | 2023 State MI has been a mainstay on these lists since he burst onto the Grand Rapids hoops scene as a freshman. Four years later and Jakhary is still giving defenses buckets in any way he sees fit. As a junior, Jakhary averaged 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game. Jakhary has been known as one of the best pure shooters in the state and an athlete that can get his shot off in a number of ways. His ball handling is polished and he uses it effectively to split double teams and added attention that comes with being the best shooter on the court.
Since his early beginnings, Jakhary’s vision and in-game decisions have continued to show growth and progression. Jakhary does an excellent job of reading the defense and attacking it’s weak point. Although Jakhary is coming off a serious injury that involves both of his arms, expect Jakhary to bounce back and finish his high school career as one of the more gifted athletes to come through Godwin Heights this decade.
#13: Cameron Regnerus Cameron Regnerus 6'7" | PF Grandville | 2024 State MI , 6’7 F, Grandville, 2024
You’ll be hard-pressed to find another junior that had as big of a summer as Grandville’s Cam Regnerus. The 6’7 F has added a few post moves to his arsenal and continues to add muscle to his lanky frame. I got a chance to see him at a few events in the offseason and Cam was far and away the best post defender I saw in person. Even when Cam doesn’t get a piece of the ball, his length does enough to disrupt the shot attempt. Additionally, Cam’s added strength has made him more than just a shot blocker, but someone who can use his body to dictate whether or not a guard is inclined to take it to the rack.
Offensively, Cam has flashed nice touch on his shots from in or around the paint. Cam has also shown he can effectively take the ball from the high post extended and knock down shots in the midrange. Another aspect of Cam’s game that is often overlooked is his passing ability in the low post. He does a good job of keeping the ball high, taking on the double, and swinging it to an open man on the perimeter. As of today, Cam holds an offer from Grand Valley State. I’d expect his list of suitors to grow fast as the season gets underway.
#14 Caden Pokorzynski Caden Pokorzynski 6'7" | SF Rockford | 2023 State MI , 6’6 F, Rockford, 2023
Caden emerged last season as one of Rockford’s go-to guys on offense in high-leverage situations. Last March against Forest Hills Central in a Division 1 District Semifinal, Caden put up a game-high 19 points and looked unstoppable at times in the second half, leading the Rams to a 57-53 win. It was that in-game situation that should give Caden the confidence to go out and impose his will against opposing defenses this season. Caden has a good mix of size, strength, and skill and a natural ability to get a bucket in crunch-time scenarios.
Caden is also one of the better defenders in the area who has the length and quickness to guard multiple positions. Given his scoring ability and physical traits, I believe Caden can be a great player at the D2 level. Don’t be surprised if college suitors are lining up at Rockford High School once hoops season tips off.
#15: Simon Neuhaus Simon Neuhaus 6'5" | SF East Grand Rapids | 2023 State MI , 6’5 G/F, East Grand Rapids, 2023
One of the most complete scorers in West Michigan is East Grand Rapid’s Simon Neuhaus Simon Neuhaus 6'5" | SF East Grand Rapids | 2023 State MI . Simon is a dangerous three-level threat who can knock down perimeter shots, and mid-range jumpers, and go to work in the paint. Simon is highly effective out of the high post due to his shooting stroke and his passing ability. Simon does a great job of giving a shot fake, taking what the defense gives him, and either getting a quality shot attempt for himself or his teammates.
Defensively, Simon is one of the few tweeners that can bang with the posts and play out on the perimeter with smaller guards. The Pioneers rely heavily on Simon’s all-around game in order to be successful, which is a credit to Simon’s conditioning to handle such a heavy workload on both ends of the court. As of now, Simon is one of the more under-the-radar names in the 23″ class. I’d expect that to quickly change as the season progresses.