Lake Superior St Elite Camp: Up North Standouts

Jonathon Gilbert June 27, 2023 @ 10:47 PM

Despite its remote location on the Canadian border. The staff at Lake Superior St has built a consistent winner in the GLIAC conference. They have also consistently held one of the better elite camps in the state. Often offering two or three attendees at the camp.   As usual there was a strong Northern Michigan contingent that played well at the camp. Following are five that caught my eye.   [player_tooltip player_id='1434245' first='Charlie' last='Howell'] 6-5 2024 Cadillac Gets the [player_tooltip player_id='1223485' first='Jake' last='Stephens']/[player_tooltip player_id='1111925' first='Anthony' last='Ribel'] award for this year. A completely made up award named after two players in the 2024 class who put together lights out performances at last years camp. In this scouts opinion. Howell had the best overall performance in the camp. Overall— not just among Northern Michigan players. Even after a twisted ankle slowed him during scrimmages. In drill stations. Shot the ball well and used a good handle to get to his spots easily on the perimeter. Those are the two areas of his game that I have had questions about in the past. Once in scrimmages showed off the athleticism and versatility that make him a next level prospect. Was able to take smaller players down in the post. Has a quick second jump that was present even after the injury. Covered a lot space with big power dribble jump stops on multiple instances. However really excelled in transition. Consistently beat defenders down the court. Often finishing above the rim with ease. Made a highlight reel play by catching a bullet of a pass with one hand. Then quickly turning and putting in a lay up. All without the use of his other hand. Impressive play in a day that had plenty of them.   [player_tooltip player_id='1434244' first='Luke' last='Gelow'] 6-4 2024 Gaylord (pictured) The Big North Conference was well represented on Tuesday. While Howell was playing well inside and out. Gelow turned in a consistent perimeter shooting performance. The shooting part is what stands out about the previous statement. I have seen him struggle with the shot in the past. I'm still not crazy about the release point but it looked efficient on Tuesday. Had a really deep one from the top of the key in a clutch moment within the scrimmages. However the differentiating part of his game will always be the vertical and the ability to hang in the air. Had an array of strong drives and finishes. As a lefty is able to keep defenders off balance. However he can counter when he gets forced to his off hand. If he shoots consistently like he did on Tuesday. Could be in line for a big senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1434093' first='Trenton' last='Taratuta'] 6-4 2024 Hillman One of the repeat campers from last years event. From a scouting perspective it was nice to see him back. Made it easy to see the strides he has made in just one year. Playing at a very small school. He has a ton of experience as a “grab and go” player. Simply put, the “outlet pass” is not in his vocabulary. Skies for a rebound and turns to get up the court quickly. No hesitation at all and drives to the basket with force. More than just a powerful penetrator though. Has a smooth and effortless release from beyond the arc. Has been a prolific scorer for three years. Should put up big numbers in his senior year. As his quarterfinal squad graduates a lot of firepower. Will be one of the top Division IV players in the entire state.   Bryce Plesha 6-5 2024 Frankfort Best I have seen this small school post play. Wasn't quite ready for an elite camp setting when I saw him at Ferris last spring. That wasn't the case on Tuesday. While he was still appeared a lithe methodical at times. The athleticism had clearly improved. Had a a few emphatic dunks in drill stations. When the camp flipped to scrimmages. Showed the ability the stretch the floor. Hitting a few corner threes. While it was a bit of a slow release. The mechanics were repeatable and he had a high release point. Although he'll never be confused with a guard. Even led the break during scrimmages. Will man the post for one of the better Division IV teams in the state next year. Could be in line for a big senior season with the accompanying increased exposure.   Braeden Flynn 5-9 2026 Harbor Springs After four seniors. Here is one to watch for the future. Small but heady point guard. Comes from bloodlines with deep basketball roots— and I mean DEEP roots. You can tell he has grown up in gyms. Makes up for the lack of size with ball handling ability and quickness. Coming off a big freshman year and a good spring with the Grand Rapids Storm's National squad. If the size catches up to skill level. He could be a special player.

Despite its remote location on the Canadian border. The staff at Lake Superior St has built a consistent winner in the GLIAC conference. They have also consistently held one of the better elite camps in the state. Often offering two or three attendees at the camp.