OK Conference P.O.T.Y. Watchlist
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We’re a little bit past the midway mark of the high school hoops season as league title races are starting to take shape. You’ve probably heard this cliche before, but I truly believe that this season is the deepest talent…
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Continue ReadingWe’re a little bit past the midway mark of the high school hoops season as league title races are starting to take shape. You’ve probably heard this cliche before, but I truly believe that this season is the deepest talent pool I’ve seen since I’ve been following high school hoops in West Michigan. This season, I decided to nominate 21 athletes that are deserving to be named to the OK Conference Player of The Year Watchlist. At the end of the season, I will name my Player of The Year, as well as first, second, and third teams. With that being said, let’s take a look at the 21 athletes who made the initial cut. Names are listed in alphabetical order.
Merritt Alderink Merritt Alderink 6'7" | PF Zeeland West | 2024 State #245 Nation MI , Zeeland West 24″
Merritt recently broke Zeeland West’s single-game scoring record of 40 points, scoring 42 points in the Dux’ 79-41 win over Wyoming. Aside from outscoring teams on his own, Merritt has blossomed into one of the most dynamic three-level scorers in the OK Conference. Given his 6’8 frame and evolving skillset, expect Merritt to continue to pick up more division 1 offers in the foreseeable future. As for now, Merritt has led Zeeland West to its best start in years and might be the only true threat to Muskegon in the OK Green title race.
Kayden Bird Kayden Bird 6'5" | SG Northpointe Christian | 2023 State MI , NorthPointe Christian 23″
Already established as one of the best shooters in West Michigan for some time now, Kayden Bird Kayden Bird 6'5" | SG Northpointe Christian | 2023 State MI is navigating NorthPointe Christian in the midst of a league title race in the highly competitive Silver. Kayden has had games of 32, 30, and numerous 20-point games, helping NorthPointe Christian to a 9-3 start (5-1 OK Silver), and just one game back in the Silver behind Calvin Christian. All eyes will be on the much-anticipated matchup between NorthPointe and Calvin Christian at NPHS this Friday.
Jordan Briggs Jordan Briggs 6'0" | PG Muskegon | 2023 State MI , Muskegon 23″
In a league full of talented point guards, Jordan Briggs Jordan Briggs 6'0" | PG Muskegon | 2023 State MI might be the best of the bunch. The senior Big Red point guard has led Muskegon to a perfect 11-0 start and looks to be the favorite in Division 1 from West Michigan to make it to the Breslin. Jordan doesn’t have as many 30-point games this season as others on this list, but quite frankly, he hasn’t had to. The future Wayne State Warrior has elevated his game in big-time moments this season and I fully expect him to continue to do so as Muskegon hunts for yet another OK Green title.
Durral Brooks Durral Brooks 6'2" | PG Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2024 State MI , Catholic Central 24″
The number one prospect in the state in the 2024 class has shown time and time again this season why that ranking is deserving and why so many high major division one programs are knocking at Durral “Phat Phat” Brooks’ door. In my opinion, Durral is the best two-way guard in the state. His on-ball defense is second to none because of his length, quickness, and instincts. Offensively, Durral showed he’s one of the state’s best scorers by putting up a career-high 43 points without attempting a single three-pointer. Playing alongside teammate Kaden Brown Kaden Brown 5'10" | PG Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2023 State MI , you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better backcourt than the one at Grand Rapids Catholic Central.
Kaden Brown Kaden Brown 5'10" | PG Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2023 State MI , Catholic Central 23″
The highest-ranked prospect in the 2023 class from West Michigan and arguably the most decorated point guard to come out of Grand Rapids in the last decade is none other than Kaden Brown Kaden Brown 5'10" | PG Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2023 State MI . The senior floor general from Catholic Central already has one state championship and a runners-up finish under his belt, and I’d imagine he’d love nothing more than winning a second in three years before its all said and done. So far this season, Kaden has put up individual performances of 36, 32, 30, and multiple 20+ point games.
Carson DeHaan Carson DeHaan 6'3" | SG Calvin Christian | 2023 State MI , Calvin Christian 23″
Carson is one of the area’s most prolific scorers and is currently leading his team to an 11-1 record and a perfect 6-0 mark in the Silver. Despite having the one of the smallest enrollments in the OK Conference, Calvin Christian looks like a top 30 team in the state in all divisions and has the chops to beat anyone on any given night. I credit much of that success to the overall confidence that Calvin Christian plays with, which resembles the cool, calm, and collected attitude of Carson DeHaan Carson DeHaan 6'3" | SG Calvin Christian | 2023 State MI .
Marshaun Flakes Marshaun Flakes 6'2" | SG East Kentwood | 2023 State MI , East Kentwood 23″
East Kentwood is in the middle of one of the most impressive year-to-year program turnarounds that I’ve seen since I started covering high school hoops. Much of that is accredited to head coach Mike Thomas taking over, as it should, but the athlete at the center of it is senior guard Marshaun Flakes Marshaun Flakes 6'2" | SG East Kentwood | 2023 State MI . Marshaun plays as hard as any prospect I’ve seen this year and has one of the most polished mid-range games to pair. His high output is 31 points against West Ottawa this season. Don’t be surprised if he has a few more 30-point games in him before the season’s end.
Quadir Hatchett Quadir Hatchett 6'0" | PG Ottawa Hills | 2023 State MI , Ottawa Hills 23″
My personal favorite storyline of the season from a West Michigan perspective is the resurgence of Ottawa Hills, led by senior point guard Quadir Hatchett Quadir Hatchett 6'0" | PG Ottawa Hills | 2023 State MI . The Bengals are battling in the OK Gold standings with Catholic Central and South Christian, and have picked up some big non-conference wins. Quadir has been at the center of Ottawa Hills’ success this season and has proven he belongs on the same stage as other top-tier 2023 prospects. This past Saturday at the Gotta Get It Hoops Classic, Quadir dropped 30 against Saginaw Arthur Hill. Don’t be surprised if he’s got a few more 30-point performances left this season.
Javion Otten Javion Otten 6'4" | SG Kenowa Hills | 2023 State MI , Kenowa Hills 23″
Speaking of programs on the rise, it’s been a lot of fun watching head coach Mike Moorehead build his Kenowa Hills program into a team that can compete with anyone in the area on any given night. That wasn’t something that could be said prior to him taking the job. It isn’t a coincidence that Kenowa also had its most complete prospect in quite some time at the center of the resurgence. Javion is arguably the most athletic and explosive athlete in the area, quite possibly the state. The future Grand Valley Laker has also developed into one of the area’s most dynamic scorers and a guy that can guard multiple positions in both the front and backcourt.
Jaylan Ouwinga Jaylan Ouwinga 6'6" | C Grand Rapids Christian | 2024 State MI , Christian 24″
Jaylan is one of the top prospects in the state in the 2024 class and has as much upside as any player at his position in the state. Jaylan’s size and skillset are outliers in high school basketball and it’s starting to show given the dominant performances he’s had through two months of play. Jaylan can dominate the game with his back to the basket and can take you off the dribble from the high post extended. Defensively, Jaylan is one of the best rim protectors in the area and is starting to impose his will even more so as he develops more physically.
Caden Pokorzynski Caden Pokorzynski 6'7" | SF Rockford | 2023 State MI , Rockford 23″
One of the area’s best all-around wings in the area is Caden Pokorzynski Caden Pokorzynski 6'7" | SF Rockford | 2023 State MI . Caden has great ball skills to go with his 6’7 frame and a competitive drive that jumps off the tape. Despite suffering a torn labrum in the beginning of the season, Caden has helped Rockford stay in contention for the OK Red title, and helped the Rams pick up some impressive wins in the noncon including a win against Catholic Central at Calvin University.
Cameron Regnerus Cameron Regnerus 6'7" | PF Grandville | 2024 State MI , Grandville 24″
The area’s best defensive forward and top rim protector in possibly the entire state is Grandville’s Cam Regnerus. If +/- was a readily available stat at the high school level, I’d venture a guess that Cam would be near the top of the list given everything he does. Defensively, Cam alters a higher percentage of shots than anyone I’ve seen this season, and his ability close out on shooters on the perimeter is equally impressive. Because of this, Grandville currently sits atop the OK Red standings and has a real chance to make some noise in the MHSAA tournament.
Layne Risdon Layne Risdon 6'9" | C Zeeland East | 2024 State MI , Zeeland East 24″
One name I was unfamiliar with entering the season was the talented big man out of Zeeland East, Layne Risdon Layne Risdon 6'9" | C Zeeland East | 2024 State MI . Layne has shot up the rankings over the past couple of months thanks to an impressive summer in the grassroots circuit. He’s continued that momentum into this season with Zeeland East as he’s developed into a regular double-double machine. His 32-point-14 rebound performance against Mona Shores earlier this month offered a glimpse of just how dominant Layne can be. I fully expect the 6’9 forward to continue to become a big name that should gain a lot of attention in the 2024 class.
EJ Ryans EJ Ryans 6'4" | SG Northview | 2024 State #224 Nation MI , Northview 24″
EJ is one of the few key returnees back from last year’s Northview team that made it to the final four. This year, EJ has been relied upon more to be the main guy, especially when the game is on the line. He’s answered the call at every turn and made some big plays when it’s mattered most. Sitting at 10-1 and 5-0 in the White, Northview controls its own destiny and looks to be a true contender to make it back to the Breslin. Already one of the promising prospects in the state in the 24 class, keep an eye out for EJ to climb the national rankings.
Harrison Sorrelle Harrison Sorrelle 6'6" | CG Grand Haven | 2023 MI , Grand Haven 23″
One of the top uncommitted athletes in the 2023 class from West Michigan is Grand Haven’s Harrison Sorrelle Harrison Sorrelle 6'6" | CG Grand Haven | 2023 MI . Harrison has put up individual performances of 37, 34, and 30, and despite the Bucs’ recent three-game kid, Grand Haven is still within striking distance in the OK Red title race. Harrison has college-ready size and a skillset to match and a motor that sets him apart from other prospects in the 2023 class. Harrison currently has a handful of offers from D1 and D2 schools.
Brayden Szamrej Brayden Szamrej 6'2" | PG Hudsonville | 2024 State MI , Hudsonville 24″
Another floor general that is having an excellent season while leading his team towards the top of the league standings is Hudsonville’s Brayden Szamrej Brayden Szamrej 6'2" | PG Hudsonville | 2024 State MI . Brayden, in my opinion, is one of the best passers in the area. His vision and length provide a great combination of skill and natural athleticism that helps him feed his teammates for easy buckets. Brayden can also score it with the best of them and is an underrated defender because of his length. Hudsonville is a sneaky pick to win the Red and make a run in March thanks to the consistent play of contributors such as Brayden.
Dono Thames Dono Thames 5'11" | PG Grand Rapids Christian | 2023 State MI , Grand Rapids Christian 23″
Arguably the most underrated pure scorer in the area is Dono Thames Dono Thames 5'11" | PG Grand Rapids Christian | 2023 State MI . Dono has been one of my favorite players to watch over the past couple of years due to how versatile his offensive game is. He can take you off the dribble and blow past you to the rim, knockdown catch and shoot jumpers in the perimeter, and has become a dangerous pick and roll tandem with fellow Eagle Jaylan Ouwinga Jaylan Ouwinga 6'6" | C Grand Rapids Christian | 2024 State MI . I think Dono would be a valuable asset for any college program that needs a guy that has endless ways to get a bucket.
Jakhary Towns Jakhary Towns 6'1" | SG Godwin Heights | 2023 State MI , Godwin Heights 23″
Jakhary has been a mainstay on these lists since he came onto the scene as a frwshman at Godwin Heights. In his early years, Jakhary relied on his seemingly unending range to make his impact felt on games. Since then, Jakhary has evolved into a three-level scorer who requires constant help or a double team if you hope to hold him under 20. As of today, Jakhary already has four 30-point games. Expect that number to continue to grow as Jakhary leads Godwin in the race for the Silver crown.
Carson Vis Carson Vis 6'3" | PG Grand Rapids South Christian | 2025 State MI , South Christian 25″
Carson is the only sophomore to make this list, which goes to show how much of an impact he has made on the 9-3 Sailors. Carson put up 31 points in a narrow loss to Catholic Central this past Tuesday, further showing that he can put up big numbers against top level competition. Carson’s 6’3 frame combined with his athleticism makes him one of the hardest athletes to guard in the area. He’s also proven to be a willing defender who can take another team’s best player out of the game.
Jaxson Whitaker Jaxson Whitaker 6'4" | SG Muskegon Reeths-Puffer | 2024 State MI , Reeths Puffer 24″
Jaxson has been a frequent flyer on the area’s top scorers list on a weekly basis this week, helping the Rockets navigate a tough schedule through the first two months of the season. Jaxson is one of the area’s best assist-men and has developed an uncommon connection with teammate Ambrose. Standing at 6’4, Jaxson has a good amount of length on almost every guard he matches up with, which is another aspect that has several Division 2 programs vying for Jaxson’s services.
Jax Wilson Jax Wilson SG Sparta | 2023 State MI , Sparta 23″
No other player in the OK Conference has as many 30 point games as Sparta’s Jax Wilson Jax Wilson SG Sparta | 2023 State MI . Jax has had games of 44, 38, 37 and 34. Keep in mind, Jax is at the top of the scouting report of Sparta’s opponents and has to deal with defenses keying in on him from tip until the final buzzer. That hasn’t seemed to matter as Jax has lit up the OK Silver, with his latest performance being a 37-point outing in a 104-98 triple overtime win over Godwin.