2K24 Classic: Late Game Standouts

In its 10th year and fourth different location in the Grand Rapids area. The 2k24 Classic has grown into a two weekend event. Although I was not able to attend last weekend's triple header. I was able take catch all six games of Saturday's deep and talented slate.   After giving you the standouts from games 1-3. Following are outstanding performances from games 4-6. Including some standouts from our neighbors to the South.   [player_tooltip player_id='1437536' first='Trey' last='McKenney'] 6-5 2025 Orchard Lake St Mary's (MI) (pictured) One of the more consistent performers you will see. With his skilled “old man” game. He is just so difficult to force into an off night. The highly anticipated contest with East Lansing was as advertised and up and down early. However I felt like I had seen this script many times before. I expected McKenney to come out, slow the tempo, and methodically go to work offensively. Sure enough that was what he did. Don't misread that as some boring throwback performance. Showed the athletic explosion and acceleration to put a down a few on the break. Set the tone defensively with an aggressive steal that he turned into a transition flush. However when he needs a bucket, he is going to put his butt into you and reach into his bag of Olajuwon-esque dream shakes to get one. Has been doing it since his freshman year as well. Hard to believe he is still only a junior. The elite national recruit finished with 28 as St Mary's pulled away in the second half.   [player_tooltip player_id='1223513' first='Jaylan' last='Ouwinga'] 6-8 2024 Grand Rapids Christian (MI) No nice way to say it. I thought Ouwinga struggled in my first viewings of him this year. Not that I was overly concerned, these were primarily matchups against smaller frontlines. Going up against the imposing Muskegon post attack. Ouwinga looked more comfortable having some bigger bodies to lean on. Showed off the complete post arsenal Saturday. Passed well out of the high post. Did it in the half court. But also knew right where it go after flashing to the center against Muskegon's heavy full court press. Can seem somewhat robotic or methodical in the post at times. Not against Muskegon. Established deep post position with a wide base and went to work quickly on the block. Scoring over both shoulders with a soft touch around the basket. Even had a corner three that showed off a smooth and easy release. The Toledo commit finished with 21 points and seven rebounds.   [player_tooltip player_id='1223497' first='Nathan' last='Johnson'] 6-6 2024 Grand Rapids Christian (MI) At this point of the year, after having seen most of the top players and teams. I feel pretty safe in saying, Johnson is the most electrifying player statewide in the open court. It's a bit of a paradox though. Glides gracefully with ease into transition. However explodes with force once at the rim. Was especially evident in a second half chase down block. Pinned the ball the violently against the back board. The officials stopped the game to make sure the shot clock was right. For a moment I thought he might have dislodged the entire unit. Just as explosive on the offensive end as well. Has as effective of a power jump stop/euro step combo as you will see. Just creates so much space offensively off of it. Has accompanying elevation on a nice looking jump shot. Despite the form, it can be a little flat at times. However that is fixable over time. Johnson is going out in style in what continues to be a banner senior campaign.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140877' first='Shawn' last='Foster'] 6-1 2027 Lima Senior (OH) At a showcase of this size and magnitude you have to wear a media pass around (no complaints) Inevitably though you are going to get asked questions about the out of state team nobody knows anything about. I repeated often that Lima Senior had a legit freshman guard. Getting a lot of skeptical looks in the process. Those looks stopped quickly after the first few moments of the game. When you run a lob play for a player just completed his first semester in high school. That tends to quell any doubts. Foster rose up quickly and easily. Finishing it with powerfully with two hands. As impressive of introduction as I have seen. Unfortunately that was about it for the first half. As foul trouble got the best of the young guard. Came out firing in a big third quarter where he was able to show off his diverse backcourt skill set. Had a big steal that he finished off himself in transition. Once again in above the rim fashion. Got to his spots easily with a very tight handle. Dribbled into trouble at times but no major worries. As once again, this is very young prospects. What an elite prospect is supposed to look like. I don't do national rankings. If there are 10 better guards in 2027 class nationally. I WANT to see them. Has a chance to be a special prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='1432045' first='Jagger' last='Hutchins'] 6-7 2025 Lima Senior (OH) Pick your positional cliche with this prospect. A prototype for the “pick and pop”, “3 and D”, or even “stretch four”. You get the drift. This is a skilled and versatile prospect. Found his spots on the perimeter with ease. Mainly flashing aggressively off of high pick and roll actions. Has fluid release with little wasted motion or wind up. Didn't just float on the perimeter. Wanted the ball down low. Showing frustration at times when he didn't get it. Is very light on his feet for his size. Should have no problem keeping that as he adds weight and strength to his projectable frame going forward. With Foster and Hutchins as duo. The next two years should be fruitful for the Spartans.

In its 10th year and fourth different location in the Grand Rapids area. The 2k24 Classic has grown into a two weekend event. Although I was not able to attend last weekend's triple header. I was able take catch all six games of Saturday's deep and talented slate.