Prep Hoops MI Freshman Showcase: Team 4 - Knowing Your Role

Ever since I began evaluating basketball players back in June, self-awareness IS the #1 superpower an athlete can have. Recognizing your own strengths/weaknesses while being able to admit when someone else is better at something is difficult and uncomfortable, not just for young people but adults too. However, I truly believe it is THE key to team success. Ironically, team 4 at the PH Michigan Freshman Showcase had four dudes who embraced their role.    [player_tooltip player_id='2464624' first='Ashton' last='Callan'] was the star and straw that stirred the drink for team 4 at the showcase. I wrote about Ashton back in June after coaching against him. He was impressive then, and even more-so now, his game is continuing to develop at a rapid pace. Speaking of pace, when he has the ball, the game is being played at his. Callan showcased the ability to attack in transition and create scoring opportunities for himself and others, but also can slow it down and do the same in the half-court setting. I'd prefer he didn't settle for so many 3s, since he seemingly gets into the paint whenever he wants. However, he must've shot at least 50% from beyond-the-arc this past weekend, and plenty that were either semi-contested, off the dribble, or both. Currently a leader by example, I'm hoping Ashton adds more verbal communication to his arsenal. Coming off of a trip to the Division III Quarterfinals, Jackson Lumen Christi is getting one of the top guys in Michigan's loaded 2028 class, and it will be interesting to see what his role is as a freshman.     Scholten did a little bit of everything for team 4 on Sunday. It is always enjoyable to watch players that are impactful on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he can absolutely hit an open 3, shooting a high percentage throughout the day. Brandt also moves well without the ball and doesn't take bad shots, both things that translate to being a solid basketball player anywhere. On defense, his activity led to numerous deflections and stealing over the course of the two games I watched. Hand up, I don't know a whole lot about Allendale basketball, but I will be keeping tabs on Scholten's progress this winter.     After playing this spring/summer with Young Hustle, it makes sense that Trevin was the hustle guy on team 4. Despite being 5'7, he has above average strength and speed for a guard. Furthermore, his motor on defense and willingness to guard anyone make him an above average defender. Russell needs to improve his shooting and off-ball movement to elevate his game, but I was impressed overall with the physical tools and mentality of the Hastings guard.     I read a few things throughout the AAU season about how well Jake was performing playing up with Inspire U 2027. The attention was warranted. Jake plays a simple game; he moves very well on offense AND will screen for others, competes on defense, and is a good shooter. Countless times throughout the two games, Goodnough found himself wide open all because of his movement and screening ability off the ball.

Ever since I began evaluating basketball players back in June, self-awareness IS the #1 superpower an athlete can have. Recognizing your own strengths/weaknesses while being able to admit when someone else is better at something is difficult and uncomfortable, not just for young people but adults too. However, I truly believe it is THE key to team success. Ironically, team 4 at the PH Michigan Freshman Showcase had four dudes who embraced their role.