Grand Valley Elite Camp: Something (borrowed) and Something New
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The title is simply of a writer at the end of a long summer looking for something. The play on words seeks to describe some players that are proven commodities (older players with established reputation) Along with an exciting group…
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Continue ReadingThe title is simply of a writer at the end of a long summer looking for something. The play on words seeks to describe some players that are proven commodities (older players with established reputation) Along with an exciting group of newcomers to high school basketball that I was mainly seeing for the first time.
Veterans
Kendall Bentley Kendall Bentley 6'2" | SG River Rouge | 2024 State MI 6-2 2024 River Rogue Death, taxes, and Bentley playing well at elite camps. After playing well in the spring at Wayne St. Continued on the west side of the state in the summer. One of the reasons he excels in these settings is his motor. Just plays so dang hard. Has a good athletic frame. However might not have the ideal vertical size to play the two at the next level. Consequently could improve the outside shot a little. Going to the basket will never be a problem. Has quick first step and the strength to finish through contact. There is a home somewhere for player this competitive and skilled.
Shane Rykse Shane Rykse 6'0" | CG Schoolcraft | 2024 State MI 6-3 2024 Schoolcraft (pictured) Hard to believe this player is entering his senior year. I thought he was one of the better shooters in the entire state as he entered high school three years ago. I haven’t wavered off that position. I have looked prescient as he has wracked up numerous accomplishments including a state title as a sophomore. Rykse came through again on Saturday. An unnamed scout asked for my thoughts on the field. I gave my obligatory “that’s the best shooter in the state”. A few minutes later the scout came back shaking his head saying “expletive you weren’t kidding about that” I spill all that ink to add once again— he is much more that just a shooter. Has grown to a good size. Can finish at the rim off the dribble and run the point if needed. Not the quickest foot speed you will see. However the shot keeps defenses off balance.
Anthony Hutter Anthony Hutter 6'8" | C Milford | 2024 State MI 6-8 2024 Milford Nothing flashy from the old school post prospect. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Seemingly knows what he can do and plays to those strengths. Isn’t going to launch a bunch of threes or break down opponents off the dribble. What he going to do is put his but into a defender and score on the block. Has a soft touch around the basket. Don’t misread that description. Is not a plodding stiff. Runs the court well for his size. Also has strong athletic frame with room to possibly add even more weight. Coming off a good grassroots campaign with North Oakland Wolfpack .
Jase Becher Jase Becher 6'8" | C Linden | 2025 State MI 6-8 2025 Linden Very similar game and frame to Hutter. However might have a little more upside as he is a grade younger. Played well with his back to the basket. Showing a nice easy jump hook. Good athlete who runs the court well. Has long arms that help him appear bigger than his listed height. Also similarly to Hutter. Plays within himself and doesn’t try to force things. I don’t buy the myth that the big man is dead in modern basketball. There will always be a place for a skilled hard working big man at the next level.
Something New
Jake Bascom 6-4 2026 Rockford There was a strong very youthful Rockford contingent at Grand Valley. This was the most impressive Ram in my opinion. Highly versatile and mature skill set that you don’t often see in a player this young. Clearly knows how to play the game. The rare post prospect who moves well off the ball. Doesn’t just plant himself on the block. Got an easy basket off a back door cut. You don’t often see posts do that. Underscoring the fact that he probably will not be a post long term. Could follow a developmental path (wing to post) similar to recently graduated Rockford graduate Charlie Deutsch (Olivet). Might have more long term athletic upside than Deutsch. Has advanced ball skills and was also a good passer. Especially out of the high post.
Jackson Bowden Jackson Bowden 6'4" | PG Davison | 2026 State MI 6-3 2026 Davison Was very impressed with this player in the spring at an elite camp at Ferris St. Continued to impress further down 131 this weekend. Like Bascom, simply knows what he is doing out there. Accomplishes the delicate dance of playing aggressive yet under control. Has no problem scoring but it also a good passer. I could see him developing into a big point/lead guard prospect. Not dissimilar from regular season teammate Greg Lawson Greg Lawson 6'2" | PG Davison | 2025 State #184 Nation MI . Might not reach the elite national status that Lawson has garnered. But could have a similar game. However I would not rule out anything with this prospect. A lot of upside and potential to build on.
Georyeon Cannon 6-1 2027 Grand Blanc I have been on record saying I’ll believe the Grand Blanc program will be down when I see it. The Bobcats have survived late transfers, coaching changes, etc. While still being one of the more consistent programs in the state. Players like this give credence to that belief. Plays with a maturity and composure you would not expect from a player so young. Showed the ability the drive both left and right. On those drives showed the strength to finish through contact. Interesting to see where he lands in the coming year. As Grand Blanc already has a pretty deep rotation at the varsity level. Definitely a prospect to watch going forward.
Dean Lewis 6-1 2027 Walled Lake Western Pulled the GLIAC elite camp two step. Playing at both Grand Valley and Ferris on the weekend. Looked more comfortable in Allendale. Has good size for the backcourt already. That being said will need to get stronger. Used his size to easily shoot over most defenders. Long arms helped him be a factor on the defensive end. Good athlete who seemingly glided around the court. With some recent transfers there could be some opportunities at Western at the varsity level. If not, will be a very good player at the JV level.
Seth Hahnenberg Seth Hahnenberg 6'5" | SF Lansing Catholic | 2027 State MI 6-5 2027 Lansing Catholic Central After playing well at the Bank Hoops All Stare Underclassmen camp the day prior. Hahnenberg showed why he already attracting attention. Has a versatile and advanced skill set that would be impressive on a 2024 prospect. Let alone a prospect who has yet to walk down a high school hallway. Can play down the block while also initiating offense as a passer. Is a good enough ball handler already to play on the wing. Good shooter with solid mechanics and s high release point. Another 2027 prospect who should definitely be on your radar.