Jennings' Preseason Players-to-Watch

<p>Here are 6 players that I am looking forward to watching this upcoming high school basketball season. I've been fortunate enough to see these guys in various settings, from workouts to in-game action.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Lansing-Area Senior Stars</strong></h2>   <p>These two recently committed to play college basketball and are poised to have big senior seasons in the CAAC.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Despite making a leap to #85, I'd argue the Northwood commit isn't high enough. Daly is undoubtedly one of the better shooters and more underrated basketball players in the Lansing-area. Carson is a threat to shoot at any time, with or without the ball. After already having college-range as a junior, it will be interesting to see what he adds to his game for his senior year at Grand Ledge.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Going into his 4th varsity campaign, the Olivet commit has been a well-known shooter in the CAAC Red his entire HS career. Now, after losing key scorers Luke Marlan and Kaleb Parrish, Mason will need Stambaugh to step up this season. I believe he will, and will likely put up big time scoring numbers this season and be in contention for best player in the conference.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#MakeShots Shooters</strong></h2>   <p>I've attended two #MakeShots workouts led by CEO and former coach Andy Secor over the past few weeks. He knows more about shooting than anyone I've ever spoken with. His workouts are some combination of challenging, laid-back, competitive, and informational. This is a unique range of adjectives, but they help create a productive atmosphere which has led to impressive results. Both of these players below had big-time shooting performances at the sessions I attended.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">I haven't seen a better shooter over the last month than [player_tooltip player_id='2058669' first='Carson' last='Lutz']. He has college range and doesn't seem to be fazed by defenders' contests. What's even more impressive is, the kid is driving an hour himself to do these #MakeShots workouts multiple times a week. Clearly, he cares about his game and is willing to do whatever it takes to have a huge senior season for Milford.<br></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">So, [player_tooltip player_id='2140476' first='Cameron' last='Crowder'] can shoot the crap out of the basketball. He had an impressive showing during his individual drills in addition to dominating the competitive shooting games against live defense. If Forest Hills Northern can find a way to get him open shots, he's knocking them down at a high percentage and could turn into a lead guy for their offense this upcoming season.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Hype is Real</h2>   <p>These players have generated lots of buzz over the past year. I haven't gotten the opportunity to see them in person until recently, and they did not disappoint.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">I met Jacob last month at the Paul Corsaro Elite Camp at IU-Indianapolis. His play was solid, didn't try to do too much. I always appreciate this from players, especially ones who are extremely talented. Pleyer shot when he was open, always made the correct decision with the ball, and competed on the defensive end. However, what was even more impressive, was Jacob the person. In my 5 years of being around HS basketball in Michigan, I have not met a player who is more respectful or has a deeper understanding of how to play the TEAM game of basketball. I cannot wait to watch him lead Watervliet and be in the conversation for best player in Division III.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">I had the pleasure of watching Wolfe play a few weeks after receiving an offer to play for Ferris State. For most incoming freshmen, an accomplishment that big before even playing in a single regular season HS basketball game might negatively impact a player, not Wolfe. After talking to him, I can definitively say that he has a deep understanding of the game and carries himself like an upperclassman. On the court, Eli plays egoless, team basketball. It was fun to watch him facilitate on offense and do little things like playing off of two-feet in the paint to score over bigger defenders. Oh, and he also trains with Andy Secor and #MakeShots too, so go figure he can shoot from the perimeter. I am looking forward to seeing where he ends up in the upcoming 2028 rankings update as well as watching him play with Rockford this season.</p>    <p></p>

Here are 6 players that I am looking forward to watching this upcoming high school basketball season. I've been fortunate enough to see these guys in various settings, from workouts to in-game action.