Grand Valley Elite Camp: Up North Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After covering the Ferris St elite camp last weekend. I decided to take a walk down memory lane for the next stop. Heading back to my alma mater for Grand Valley St's first prospect camp of the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In sticking with the “point of origin” theme. I currently live in Northern Michigan. While I don't generally write a hometown piece. When the play warrants it, I am more than happy the highlight players from this vast and mostly rural region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1936947' first='Tristan' last='Demlow'] 5-11 2025 Grayling </strong>As a a traditional pass first guard I've seen this player struggle to stand out in settings like this in the past. That was not the case Tuesday night. Shot the ball very well and was assertive on penetration. Appears to have greatly improved as a shooter. Displayed a smooth and easy release from beyond the arc. Got it up quickly with little wasted motion. Isn't going to pass the initial eye test. But is strong point guard and is much quicker than he appears at first glance. Has an extremely high academic profile. That also translates to the court, as shows advanced court IQ and floor vision. Coming off a real nice spring with the [program_tooltip program_id='2429901' first='REAL' last='Basketball']. Could an under the radar Northern Michigan prospect to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616013' first='Jaden' last='Alger'] 6-6 2025 Boyne City </strong>Coming off a good spring with [program_tooltip program_id='2077029' first='Parallel' last='45']. Alger is continuing his strong play into the elite campus circuit. Is a hulking “country strong” prospect. Don't let that fool you. Has plenty of skill and finesse to his game as well. Owned both glasses. Was an efficient outlet passer and helped his team get into sets quickly. When it was't there, was able to bring the ball up himself. Showed the ability the hit the three as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carter Grubb 6-6 2026 Traverse City West </strong>Personally this was the breakout performer of the camp—regardless of region. I do not remember him playing last year with West. Probably was on the JV team at a school with the largest enrollment in the region. Nothing about his game said JV Tuesday night. Appears to have added an inch or two and was playing easily above the rim. Moved well off the ball and didn't wait for plays to come to him. Was aggressive on the glass. Using his length to rebound outside of his area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keagen Cotterman 6-2 2025 Elk Rapids </strong>Cotterman's game is built around shooting. Has unique release, but it is repeatable and goes in frequently. Not shy about it, and gets his shot up quickly Additionally has enough size and athleticism shoot over most defenders. Competed hard defensively and is a good athlete with above average lateral quickness. I had not heard much about this prospect before this month. Plays at an excellent developmental program in the regular season. Could be a late blooming prospect to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588205' first='Cole' last='Vanderhaag']</strong> <strong>6-0 2026 Mason County Central </strong>Like Cotterman, this guards game was based off of excellent deep shooting ability. Showed a quick and well schooled release. Also showed the versatility to play the point when needed. Coaches son, but more importantly played like it. Not a lot of mistakes or forced shots. Coming off a good spring wiith Hardwood Midwest. Still has room to grow athletically to take the next step. If he gets there could be factor in Division III in the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->