The Invite: Underclassmen Quick Hitters

In its second iteration. The Invite presented by the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] organization delivered a competitive a high level three game slate. After covering both the big and new names in previous coverage. I'm going to wrap things by taking a look at what seemed like disproportionate amount of standout underclassmen performances.   Since there were so many. I'm going to limit myself to ten. Also for brevity's sake the evaluation will also be of the brief quick hitter variety.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588161' first='Cameron' last='Ryans'] 6-4 2026 Grand Rapids Northview (pictured) Continues to cement his status as a top-5 player statewide in the 2026 class. Did a bit of everything in Northview's dramatic victory. He is not "too cool for school." Plays with an intensity and emotion you do not often see from blue chip prospects. However he also showed composure with a patient clutch basket in the post. Finished with 20 points in the thriller.   Izzy Hatibu 6-2 2027 Grand Rapids Northview Surprisingly the only freshman on this list. While Hatibu has a skinny frame that makes him look his age. He did not play like it all. Competed hard for four quarters with Catholic's loaded backcourt. Used his long arms to be a factor on the defensive end. Picked his spots offensively as well. Didn't force things and showed a patient seasoned offensive game on a big stage. Huge upside and prospect to monitor in the developing 2027 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588222' first='Jack' last='Van Prooyen'] 6-3 2026 Grand Rapids Northview As you can see from above. The Wildcats have a lot of weapons. However, one thing they do not have a lot of is size. The fact that Van Prooyen is holding up down low as an undersized post is reflection of both his toughness and skill level. Coming off a good grassroots campaign with Swish Athletics. Van Prooyen is trending toward developing into a nice prospect. Especially with more vertical growth.   [player_tooltip player_id='1806399' first='Zay' last='Larthridge'] 6-4 2026 Grand Rapids Catholic Central Won't overcomplicate things. An outstanding shooting performance. Finished with 15 points on five threes. Wasn't just a stand still shooter though. Knew how to get open and relocate off the ball. Having seen him in the summer. There is more to his game that he did not show Saturday as well. A prospect to watch in the 2026 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='2360472' first='Jordan' last='McCoy'] 6-0 2026 Grand Rapids Catholic Central Not traditional point guard in Catholics senior laden college bound backcourt. However the framework is definitely there. Has plenty of speed that is offset by sudden change of direction and the ability to stop on a dime. With [player_tooltip player_id='1112374' first='Durral' last='Brooks'] finishing off a historic four year run. There will be plenty of opportunities for younger Cougars to step up. McCoy, Larthridge, and [player_tooltip player_id='1588235' first='Brieland' last='Watkins'] should be next up at Catholic.   [player_tooltip player_id='2218021' first='Jake' last='Bascom'] 6-4 2026 Rockford Multi faceted and versatile forward who fits the Rockford prototype to a tee. Does so many things well without having one singular standout skill. Played mostly out of the high post on Saturday. Passed well out of this area of the court. Also operated well down the baseline and in pick and roll situations.   [player_tooltip player_id='2218161' first='Dylan' last='Gross'] 5-8 2026 Rockford Not very big. However was not scared of the moment at all. Gave the Rams solid contributions off the bench at the point guard position. Good ball handler who competed hard on both ends of the court. Along with Bascom and [player_tooltip player_id='1618171' first='Brennan' last='Deutsch'], the Rams have solid 2026 to build upon.   [player_tooltip player_id='2217997' first='Carl' last='Thompson'] 6-4 2026 Grand Rapids Christian Had a similar day to Larthridge. Simply shot lights out from beyond the arc. To be perfectly honest. After watching him in a fall league. I was not expecting that. Has an excellent all around game with a very projectable frame. Stepped into his shots confidently and without hesitation. Adjusted nicely after Hudsonville began to run him off the line. Like cross town rival Catholic Central. There is a lot young talent in the Eagle program ready to take off after the departure of a stellar senior class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1799040' first='Jovaan' last='Daniels'] 5-8 2026 Hudsonville Daniels has everything you need except size. Played more point guard on Saturday than I had seen in previous settings. Got to his spots easily and was able to create space on the perimeter with his dribble. You will never have to worry about deep range. That has been present for quite some time. Stop me if you have heard this before. Will see his role expand in the next two years after Hudsonville sends a senior point in [player_tooltip player_id='1359511' first='Brayden' last='Szamrej'] (Tiffin) to the next level.   Kyler Berghuis 5-11 2026 Hudsonville Unity Christian Down two starters to rather scary injuries. The Crusader program showed their depth and resiliency by putting a scare into a good Grandville team. Leading this charge was this sophomore point guard. The lefty shot and handled the ball well. He also was not scared to penetrate against Grandville's college sized frontline. This was my first time seeing Berghuis in extended action. I will definitely try to catch him again for a more extensive look.

In its second iteration. The Invite presented by the Grand Rapids Storm organization delivered a competitive a high level three game slate. After covering both the big and new names in previous coverage. I'm going to wrap things by taking a look at what seemed like disproportionate amount of standout underclassmen performances.