PH Freshman Showcase: Lansing Area Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In its second iteration. The Prep Hoops showcase took place in Grand Rapids this past Sunday. Last year it provided a look at players who would soon become household names early in their careers. Players such as [player_tooltip player_id='1588161' first='Cameron' last='Ryans'], [player_tooltip player_id='1588191' first='Braylon' last='Frantz'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1588168' first='Noah' last='Arnold'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following are a handful of standouts from the Lansing area </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kingston Thomas 6-3 East Lansing (pictured) </strong>If you saw my first report highlighting the top players from the Detroit area. Then you know the high regard that I held for [player_tooltip player_id='2276651' first='Eden' last='Vinyard']'s (Ferndale) performance. Thomas was not far behind him. Displayed an athletically explosive but mature perimeter game. Got to the basket at will. Showed a spin move that both created space and propelled him toward the basket. Has excellent length that he also utilized on the defensive end of the court. On top of the physical gifts. Played very hard and appeared to have an excellent attitude. Did not play with any sense entitlement. Despite easily being one of the top players in the camp. Had a good handle and a pure outside shot. Simply put there wasn't much he couldn't do. The East Lansing program has an embarrassment of riches in their lower grade levels. Add another one to that list. It will be interesting to see how much time Thomas will be able to earn in that deep rotation. Definitely has the talent level to do so. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marrion May 5-9 Lansing Everett </strong>Despite only being 5-9, was one of the more physically mature point guard prospects in the camp. Did not look or play like a freshman. Wasn't afraid to bang down amongst the trees. Displayed a nice mid range jumper on more than one instance. Shows his maturity. As this nuanced area of the court is often overlooked by three-happy young guards. Competed hard defensively earning a few steals. Turned defense into offense quickly by playing with his head up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Wade 5-11 Lainsburg </strong>Along with May (see above) one of more physically advanced backcourt prospects in the camp. Was a next level passer with an obvious high basketball IQ. Made the righ pass. While also showing the abilty to put some flash on it at times as well. Has a smooth and confident release from beyond the arc. To be perfectly honest. His whole game oozed confidence. As a guard I wouldn't call him little. Was able to take smaller defenders down into the post. Lainsburg will be one of the better Division III teams in the state in the coming season. Will he be able to find a role next to senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='1434235' first='Zander' last='Woodruff']? That is a good problem for Wolfpack to sort out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2140061' first='Carlos' last='Gomez Jr'] 5-8 Lansing Waverly </strong>Add another name to the list of young talent coming up through the Waverly program. Gomez isn't very big but makes up for it with his aggression and tenacity. Was also lightning quick. Especially out in transition. Got to the rim quickly. Showing the ability to finish with either hand. As with a lot players in the camp. Physical development will be key him going forward. Has a nice talent level to build on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lundon Hampton 6-1 Jackson Lumen Christi </strong>Is Jackson really in the Lansing area? For the purposes of this article I'm going to go with yes. In a camp filled with still developing frames. Hampton might have been the most advanced physically. Is solidly put together with thick broad shoulders. Accordingly was impossible to keep off the boards despite not being the tallest player. Appeared to be well schooled in how to establish deep post position. Good hands allowed him to snag difficult passes and rebounds. Quick and explosive elevation to the basket made him play taller than his listed height. In a school more known for its gridiron exploits. I would not be surprised if Hampton has a future there as well. If he doesn't— he could also be an excellent basketball player. Especially if he continues to grow vertically. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->