OK Conference Top Prospects: 5-1

<p>We're back for the last edition of my OK Conference Top Prospects Countdown. In case you missed it, check out my breakdowns for players 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">20-16</a> here, <a 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/">15-11 here</a>, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://prephoops.com/2022/12/ok-conference-top-prospects-10-6/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prephoops.com/2022/12/ok-conference-top-prospects-10-6/" target="_blank">10-6 here</a>. Last but not least, let's check out the prospects ranked 1-5.</p>   <h3>#1: [player_tooltip player_id='1112374' first='Durral' last='Brooks'], 6'2 G, Catholic Central 2024</h3>    <p>The number one overall prospect not only in the Grand Rapids area but also in the state for the 2024 class is none other than [player_tooltip player_id='1112374' first='Durral' last='Brooks'] of Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Durral has ascended beyond the local ranks and into the national spotlight as a borderline top 100 recruit. It's my opinion that he will continue to rise the ranks over the course of the next two seasons and be an absolute steal for whatever program he decides to call home.</p>   <p>What stands out to me about Durral's game first and foremost is his on-ball defense. Durral has an especially long wingspan for a guard, and when you can combine that with elite lateral quickness, you have an all-around great defender in the making. Durral's athleticism isn't a surprise to anyone at this point in his career. He's made plenty of eye-opening plays above the rim and will continue to do so for the next two years. I am intrigued to see how his offensive package continues to develop now that the Cougars have graduated several key pieces. He has a proven handle and an ability to shoot it from both the perimeter and mid-range. I for one will be very intrigued to continue to watch his development and see what else he can accomplish as he enters the second half of his high school career.</p>   <h3>#2: [player_tooltip player_id='1111924' first='EJ' last='Ryans'], 6'4 G, Northview 2024</h3>    <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1111924' first='EJ' last='Ryans'] returns to Northview for his junior season with an increased role following a sophomore season that ended with the Wildcats making the Division 1 Final Four. EJ has been the starting point guard for Northview since his freshman year and should have his workload increased now that Jalen Charity and Kyler Vanderjagt are off to their respective colleges. EJ has been regarded as one of the premier guards in the state in the 2024 class, and he's beginning to get recognized at a national level as well.</p>   <p>There aren't many things on the basketball court that EJ doesn't excel at. He has a gifted handle and combined with a lightning-quick first step, he can blow past his man on any given opportunity. I personally believe he's one of the best natural passers I've watched in person. He has a knack for drawing attention from the defense, attacking the paint, and kicking it out to open teammates on the perimeter. EJ has also shown he's a capable passer in pick-and-roll situations. His shot-making development will be something to watch this season as he'll have more opportunities to take more shots and should be relied upon in end-of-game situations. As of today, EJ has offers from Western Michigan, Northwood University, Grand Valley State, Ferris State, and others.</p>   <h3>#3: [player_tooltip player_id='987270' first='Kaden' last='Brown'], 6'0 G, Catholic Central 2023</h3>    <p>One of my favorite guards I've covered over the years is Catholic Central's [player_tooltip player_id='987270' first='Kaden' last='Brown']. He has been a focal point of the Catholic Central basketball program for the past three years and is a big reason why they are favorites to make it back to the Breslin for the third straight season. Kaden is an ultra-competitor and doesn't shy away from a challenge. In the Division 2 State Championship game last season, Kaden kept the Cougars afloat, making contested jumper after contested jumper, almost willing Catholic Central to back-to-back titles. Meeting expectations and even succeeding them in those types of high-pressure situations is something that can't be duplicated in any other setting. </p>   <p>Kaden has all the tools to be successful at the next level. His dribble-drive package is deep, he gets consistent lift on his jumper and has a pure shooting stroke, and he is a willing passer and plays in the halfcourt with great vision. Put that all together and you can see why he is so coveted at the next level. Kaden is committed to play at Wright State University following his senior season at Catholic Central.</p>   <h3>#4: [player_tooltip player_id='1143391' first='Merritt' last='Alderink'], 6'6 F, Zeeland West 2023</h3>    <p>This past September, I was able to take in the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo in Grand Rapids which featured over 150 athletes trying to make a name for themselves and be recognized as one of the best prospects in the state. In my opinion, Merritt was head and shoulders the best player at the camp. He dominated every matchup in every game he played, showing off a pure stroke from the midrange, a solid handle, and a bouncy vertical, putting a couple of other prospects on posters. </p>   <p>Talking to a few other scouts at the camp, a common belief that was shared amongst us was that Merritt's willingness to be the Alpha on the court was coming into the picture. It's been known that Merritt oozes potential given his physical tools and natural athleticism. However, the more he shows that killer mentality on a consistent basis, the more success Zeeland West will have, leading to more attention from big-time college programs. As of now, Merritt has a handful of offers from the likes of Toledo, Western Michigan, and Central Michigan.</p>   <h3>#5: [player_tooltip player_id='1006801' first='Harrison' last='Sorrelle'], 6'5 G, Grand Haven 2023</h3>    <p>One of the more under-the-radar prospects that has climbed the prospect rankings steadily throughout his career is Grand Haven's [player_tooltip player_id='1006801' first='Harrison' last='Sorrelle']. The 6'5 guard has been a huge reason for the winning resurgence on the Lakeshore. Harrison has college-ready length, and a shot-making ability that translates to the next level. Harrison is also a crafty dribbler and can split the defenders and drive the lane with a hesitation dribble or crossover. His ability to do this consistently combined with his length is a big reason why collegiate coaches have kept Harrison in their sights.</p>   <p>Defensively, Harrison does a good job of anticipating where the ball handler wants to go, and cuts him off or applies pressure which leads to a bad offensive possession or a turnover. Harrison's wide wing span also allows him to close out and provide a tough contest on jump shots. Combine those assets with his ability to run the floor and knock down jumpers in transition and its not hard to see why he's on my short list for the best prospects in the area.</p>

We're back for the last edition of my OK Conference Top Prospects Countdown. In case you missed it, check out my breakdowns for players ranked 20-16 here, 15-11 here, and 10-6 here. Last but not least, let's check out the prospects ranked 1-5.