Michigan State Tournament: Saturday Superlatives

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Michigan State Tournament put on by the Prep Hoops Circuit continued through its first year of bracketed play on Saturday. Following is a look and standout skill sets on display from the talented field of participants. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Player: [player_tooltip player_id='1438849' first='Jah' last='Hatchett'] 5-10 2025 East Kentwood </strong>A long time and current member of the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm']. Hatchett was playing with BNB Basketball while the Storm had an off week. Quickly asserted himself in a close contest with Greg Grant Basketball Club. One best ball handlers you will see. Darted all around the court searching for holes in the defense. Able to pull a ball out and restart quickly on the rare occasion he gets cut off. The skill level is so striking that I sometimes forget how good of an athlete he is. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Penetrator: [player_tooltip player_id='1437546' first='Darryl' last='Thompkins'] 5-9 2025 East Kentwood </strong>It just doesn't feel right mentioning Hatchett and leaving Thompkins out. Regular backcourt teammates were AAU teammates for one of the first times on Saturday. Thompkins got to the basket at will with his powerful drive. Not very big but makes up for it with strength. Plays off of two feet attacks with the purpose. Patient player who surveys the defense properly before attacking. Hatchett and Thompkins should form the best backcourt in West Michigan next year— if not the entire state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='2394081' first='Ali' last='Hider'] 6-0 2025 Plymouth </strong>Had an excellent outing in Top 1 close victory over [program_tooltip program_id='2269794' first='United' last='Persuit']. Really stepped up in the clutch of the nip and tuck game. You could tell he wanted the ball in his hands late. Excelled at going left, but was also good going right. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Potential: [player_tooltip player_id='2058632' first='Joey' last='Angok'] 6-10 2025 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern </strong>It doesn't take an advanced degree in scouting (they don't exist) to see Angok's immense upside. A legitimate 6-10 prospect with good mobility. To go along with the height extreme length. Plays with a surprising level of strength for a player with a very slender frame. It is more than just physical upside though. Shows good ball skills and a soft touch from the perimeter. Even shows the type of nice floater you would expect see from a guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='2413073' first='Jalen' last='Gauthier'] 6-5 2028 Imlay City </strong>With a lull in the evening action I decided to head down the road for a session and check out some young players. This Thumb area prospect just oozes potential. Is a coach's kid and plays like it. But also the physical tools. A long, lean and athletic 6-5 frame. Handled the ball for his size and appeared to be a good shooter. Especially in the mid range where he has the size and elevation to easily shoot over most defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2262438' first='Jack' last='Hogan'] 6-2 2025 Wyoming </strong>Athletic wing had a good day shooting the ball for BNB Basketball. Appears to be settling a bit more comfortably after a midseason transfer to region from Traverse City Central. The ball comes off his hand kind of odd but beyond that it is pure and smooth. Also has a trigger quick rebase. Gets is off easily and is an above average athlete. It will be interesting to see how he looks in his senior campaign with a full year in a Wolves program loaded with good guards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Honorable Mention: Aidan Koetje 5-10 2025 McBain </strong>Nothern Michigan guard shot the ball well for [program_tooltip program_id='2440586' first='B3' last='Athletics']. Has an unusual release. But it is repeatable and it goes in. Should have more opportunity this year for McBain team that loses a lot from last years semifinal squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1336675' first='Isaac' last='Lee'] 6-2 2025 Byron Center </strong>Playing with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077033' first='West' last='Michigan Lakers']. Looked every part the next level football recruit he is tending towards. A truly explosive mix of size and strength in the backcourt. Has a thick upper body with broad shoulders. Allows to to absorb and finish through contact on drives. But also has strength in his lower body that belies the bulk up top. Easily makes plays well above the rim. One of the better two sport athletes in the Grand Rapids area. It's not hard to see why. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->