Storm Classic: Friday Night Bigs
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The premier spring grassroots event in Michigan kicked off Friday night with its usual deep and talented field. In only three sessions of Friday night action. A plethora of big man talent stood out. Following are five that caught my…
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Continue ReadingThe premier spring grassroots event in Michigan kicked off Friday night with its usual deep and talented field. In only three sessions of Friday night action. A plethora of big man talent stood out. Following are five that caught my eye.
Preston Malpass Preston Malpass 6'7" | PF East Jordan | 2024 MI 6-8 2024 La Lumiere Prep (IN) (pictured) The Michigan product made a rousing return home after transferring to La Lumiere for his junior season. Has always been an impressive run and jump athlete for his size. In his time away has clearly added a perimeter skill set to the arsenal. Had two deep threes that I did not think you would have seen a year ago. Beyond the end results. It was how confident and effortless the shot appeared. However hasn’t sacrificed any part of his initial calling card. Showed a high level of explosiveness at the rim on a equally effortless two handed dunk. Already holds a few division II offers. If continues to play like he did Friday night. That list could expand.
Cameron Regnerus Cameron Regnerus 6'7" | PF Grandville | 2024 State MI 6-8 2024 Grandville With his future college coach watching courtside. Regnerus gave Cornell Mann plenty to look forward to. You are always going to get near elite rim protection. Just has too much length and body control. Like Malpass showed an expanding offensive skill set. Hit two threes. Not surprising as I know he has been working on that part of his game. What I did not expect was the dribble drive game. More than once these drives were punctuated by explosive spin moves. Including one to the left which is his off hand. Due to his length. He can start this move well outside the paint and still get to the rim. Rebounded outside his area. Grand Valley St is getting a good one to stay close to home.
Bryce O’Mara Bryce O’Mara 6'7" Grand Blanc Community S | 2024 MI 6-7 2024 Grand Blanc After running with REACH last year. O’Mara looked quite comfortable with his new DV45 squad. Is probably never going to be a traditional banger down low. However has two skills befitting a 21st century big. He can really run the court well. While also stretching floor with his shot. Unlike the first two players on this list. The shooting is not a new development for O’Mara. He has always been hit from deep. That is reflected in the comfort level on his release. However most of his points on Friday came from simply rim running and beating his man down the court. Off to a good start. Could be in line for a big grassroots campaign.
Brady Koehler Brady Koehler 6'9" | SF Cathedral | 2025 State #199 Nation IN 6-8 2025 Cathedral (IN) I first caught this player in the regular season at the NIBC La Porte Invitational. I don’t recall him playing much. Understandable as he was in the same rotation with future Spartan Xavier Booker. Running with Indy Heat Red showed the upside that makes him a top 20 prospect in the 2025 class from Indiana. Runs the court fluidly and with the purpose. Showed good hands with a few difficult catches and gathers on the break. Has a soft left handed touch both at the rim and from the perimeter. Has a bright future. I’m hoping to catch more of his game this weekend.
Sean Wesolek Sean Wesolek 6'6" | PF Bay City John Glenn | 2025 State MI 6-6 2025 Bay City John Glenn Shortest player on this list. However might be the most traditional post. This is due to a wide lower base and thicker upper body. Moved well without the ball and fought for position down low. Presence on The Process allowed the Cull twins (Flint Powers) to play away from the basket. Showed good ball skills and had some nice finds out of the post. Still has a lot time left to develop. But there is plenty skill to work with already.