The Invite: New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In its second iteration. The Invite hosted by the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] organization delivered an exciting four game regional slate. Especially in the main event. An instant classic with a buzzer beating three for Grand Rapids Northview. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The stars definitely came to play on Saturday. However some new names also used the stage the event provided to begin to make a name for themselves. Following are five that caught my eye. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353059' first='Caden' last='Neves'] 6-5 2025 Grandville</strong> As a recent transfer from the Indianapolis area. Neves is a completely new name on most radars. What catches your eye at first is the frame. A thick but very athletic 6-5 athlete. Gets off the ground quickly and is able to hang in the air. Even with the frame. Elevates with force and plays easily above the rim. A foul kept him from completing a would be dunk. With more development could be finishing through that next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2218041' first='Quintin' last='Willis'] 6-3 2024 Grand Rapids Christian (pictured) </strong>Not a new name for me. However has teammates with bigger and well earned statewide reputations. Willis was one of the better performers at the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo in the fall. Kept the momentum going on Saturday afternoon. Along with a solid upper body. Has good vertical size for a two guard. Used that size to help stymie a smaller Hudsonville backcourt. Long arms helped him get into passing lanes. Also played well on the offensive end. Particularly as a shooter from beyond the arc. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2725412' first='Tyler' last='Davis'] 5-11 2025 Grand Rapids Christian </strong>Like Willis, does not have the current recruiting reputation of his teammates. As a 2025 prospect that could change in the next two years. Davis came off the bench to lead a balanced Eagle attack with 13 points. However that really only tells part of the story. Really stood out with pesky and dogged on ball defense. Foot speed and lateral quickness married with his intensity formed a dangerous combination. By the time he is done playing for head coach Eric Taylor, he will know how to play the point guard position. Could he follow a similar developmental path to former Eagle <strong>Dono Thames </strong>(Ferris St). If he continues to play like he did Saturday— the answer is yes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2218023' first='Joey' last='Miller'] 6-4 2025 Hudsonville </strong>Miller posted a huge first half for a good Hudsonville squad that has had (and will) have better days. Showed no hesitation going up against Christian's large front line. Showed versatility by scoring both from the perimeter and at the rim. I have caught Miller a lot with [program_tooltip program_id='2077033' first='West' last='Michigan Lakers']. Shot the ball as confidently as I have seen on Saturday. The release was smooth and was more reminiscent of a shooting guard. Was big on the boards as well. If continues the offensive expansion throughout this year. Could be setting himself up for a featured role as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353061' first='Davis' last='Kemper'] 6-7 2025 Grand Rapids South Christian </strong>It was a question I heard a lot in various gym this summer. Who was going to replace <strong>Jake DeHaan </strong>(Toledo-FB) as the third component of the Sailors big three. Kemper made a strong case for that role on Saturday. A prototype for the high school stretch four (or five) weapon. Has plenty size already as a 2025 prospect. With long arms and broad shoulders. Knows how to use it as well. Doesn't appear to mind contact down low. However the “stretch” part of his game is what really stood out. Has a smooth and easy left handed release from beyond the arc. Finished with 19 points in a victory over a good Rockford squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->