Gotta Get It Classic: New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ambitious seven game slate at the Gotta Get It Hoop Classic featured plenty of outstanding performances from the deep field. However yo can't sit through that many games without watching a few performances that catch you by surprise or are completely new names. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2348941' first='Orion' last='Yant'] 6-5 2024 Zeeland West (pictured) </strong>A completely new name for some. I caught him with a good [program_tooltip program_id='2077019' first='MBA' last=''] squad this summer. Yant broke out in a big way on Saturday. Kept finding holes in the back half of Detroit Cass Tech's vaunted half court press. When he dove into those seams knew what to do with it. Showed easy and powerful elevation on two first half dunks. However it was more than just exploiting opportunities. Was able to create offense as well. Finishing over both shoulders with a soft touch in the post. Was a presence on the glass all afternoon.&nbsp;Finished with 12 points and six rebounds. Is a big body who might have a future on the gridiron as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Geo Cannon 6-2 2026 Grand Blanc </strong>I was impressed with this underclassmen in the summer at an elite camp at Grand Valley. It is part of the reason why I held stock on the idea that Grand Blanc would not take much of step back despite attrition both on the bench and the court. That position did not look good early as the Bobcats limped out to a 0-5 start. However after upsetting Grand Rapids South Christian on Saturday. Grand Blanc has now won three in a row. Cannon's maturity has played a role in that run. Guarded and bothered South's outstanding and experienced backcourt all game. Earning two steals that he turned into offense quickly. Active hands also earned a few deflections as well. Showed good strength by absorbing and finishing through contact. As an underclassmen shows the ability to play both backcourt spots already. With sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806520' first='Caseton' last='Sendry']</strong> (16 points) and other underclassmen playing well. The Bobcats are beginning to turn around their season. While also showing long term hope in the process. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1805261' first='Steven' last='Jones'] 6-2 2026 Detroit King </strong>When I caught Jones over Christmas. The Hamtramck transfer appeared to still be adjusting to new surroundings. On Saturday Jones seemed more comfortable in helping King pull the upset over undefeated Grand Rapids Northview. The definition of contributing beyond a box score. I don't believe Jones even scored on Saturday. However what he did was help defensively bother Northview's high scoring backcourt into an off night. Jones has strong and athletic frame that should only become more dynamic as he matures. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1434239' first='Carter' last='Goodyke'] 6-6 2024 Grand Rapids Christian </strong>If follow grassroots basketball closely this not a new name. However on a regular season starting lineup loaded with college players. Goodyke flies a little under the radar. In Christian's buzzer beating loss to Warren Lincoln. The powerfully built forward aggressively attacked Lincoln's thinner frontline. Showed off explosive next level athleticism. Retrieved a loose ball, took one dribble, and finished with an easy and emphatic two handed dunk. Is a good ball handler for his size and can initiate offense out of the high post. In a low scoring contest. Was the only Eagle in double figures with 12. Could be nice small college steal in the right situation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1440654' first='BJ' last='Windham'] 6-0 2025 East Lansing </strong>In a day of upsets. Undefeated East Lansing easily holding serve might have been the most impressive squad on the day. They are a pretty complete team with few weaknesses. However after watching them over Christmas break against a River Rogue team loaded with guards. I wondered about the strength of their point guard play. After Saturday consider those concerns extinguished. You might not find a better duo of point guards than what East Kentwood features in juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1438849' first='Jah' last='Hatchett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1437546' first='Darryl' last='Thompkins']. Now in the starting lineup, Windham guarded and bothered them both defensively. Often fighting over high ball screens to keep them from getting that all important first step. Offensively, efficiently got the Trojans into their sets and out into transition quickly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->