The Invite: Top Ten from Games 3&4

In its third iteration The Invite presented by the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] hosted its usual ambitious West Michigan centric four game slate. Replete with next level players, highlight plays, and late game drama. Following are ten standouts from the last two games of the day.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Byron Center vs Grand Rapids South Christian </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1587845' first='Keane' last='Hinkle'] 5-10 2025 Byron Center The lefty was one smaller players in the game. However, might have had one of the biggest impacts. With his big name teammate not having a great day offensively (see below) AND his backcourt partner saddled with foul trouble. Hinkle stepped up in a big way. Got wherever he wanted around the perimeter with his tight handle and quickness. Used his size to his advantage. Darting thorough the large Sailor defense like an elusive scat back. The ease in getting his shot off for a player of his stature is surprising. Does it with a mix of craftiness and a well schooled quick release. The light seemed to come on after hitting a half quarter shot at the third quarter buzzer. That is always going to generate excitement and highlight clicks. However I was impressed with what came before the shot. Showed excellent court awareness as he clearly knew how much time was left. Didn't rush and heave. Calmly navigated to a much more manageable look. Finished with a team high 22 points on the night. Byron Center has been known for its big and skilled frontlines the last few years. The development of this point guard has possibly opened the door to allow the Bulldogs to take the next step.   [player_tooltip player_id='1157486' first='Camden' last='Karel'] 6-9 2025 Byron Center Didn't have he greatest night offensively. That being said, a player's contributions on an off night can sometimes tell you lot. Good body language, didn't pout or demand the ball. Ran his team's system and played good defense. Took a pretty good shot to the face early and played through some blood. Perhaps that played a role in his ability to finish at rim. Missed and handful of close looks. I would have liked to see have seen him finish a few of those with dunks. That will come at the next level. Despite the struggles the Bowling Green commitment was where he needed to be during winning time. Had a nice tip dunk and blocked shot that helped the Bulldogs seal the big victory.   [player_tooltip player_id='2218020' first='Jaden' last='Bowman'] 6-5 2025 Byron Center The East Kentwood transfer has been battling an injury early this year. Not ideal for a player entering a new system in his senior campaign. You would understand if he looked tentative or unsure of himself. That was not case at all. Fit in seamlessly and appeared comfortable. Showed the foot speed to chase around smaller players out on the perimeter. While also using his vertical size to be a presence at the rim. Offensively, knows what he is and doesn't stray from it much. Has good hands and a soft touch around the basket. Finished with 10 points in the victory.   [player_tooltip player_id='2353061' first='Davis' last='Kemper'] 6-8 2025 Grand Rapids South Christian What a shooting performance for the template of what a new school stretch four should look like. I was impressed with both his competitiveness and composure. Took it right to a big Byron Center frontline that was more heralded. Wasn't scared of contact and was decisive offensively. Didn't wait for plays to develop or double teams to come. The composure was shown in a few ways. Despite the aggressiveness in the first half, didn't how much to show for it in term of points. Would have been to easy to shut down or attempt to become more of passer. As previously stated he just kept shooting and putting pressure on the rim. Also dealt with what I will deem a “questionable” technical foul with poise. To say he came alive in the second half would be an understatement. Started raining threes and did not stop. I counted six in the second half. Has a smooth and effortless left handed release with a high release point that was hard to block. Not active in grassroots basketball, and I'm told he might be focusing on other sports at next level. Good for him to have options. Thstnbeing said, bigs that can shoot like this can usually find a home somewhere at the next level. Finished with a team high 22 points and kept the Sailors in until the end.   [player_tooltip player_id='1300920' first='Carson' last='Vis'] 6-4 2025 Grand Rapids South Christian A workman like performance from one the more consistent four year performers I have covered. Didn't seem to have the outside shot falling on this particular night. So like a seasoned veteran, it was draw contact and get to the foul line time. With nearly half of his 21 points coming from the line. Didn't try to play hero ball. Seemed to recognize when his teammate was getting hot (see above) Feeding him plenty of open looks off of high pick and rolls. This emerging ability as a playmaker is what could really make him pop at the next level. Western Michigan is getting a good one. A football standout to put it mildly. I think he could take off when his focus shifts full time to hardwood in Kalamazoo.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rockford vs Grand Rapids Northview </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2218161' first='Dylan' last='Gross'] 5-10 2026 Rockford Like [player_tooltip player_id='1587845' first='Keane' last='Hinkle'], a diminutive shooting point guard who led his squad well. Like the rest of his team. Seemed to be everywhere defensively. Competed hard and kept Northview from getting easy looks. However shooting is going to his ticket to the next level. Was statistically to top three point shooter in the the entire state last year. That is quite a feat as the Mitten featured some serious shooters. Showed that form with two first half threes. That stroke will be necessary to keep defenses honest due to his size. Only a junior, so he still has time to develop physically. Finished with 12 points in the impressive Ram victory.   [player_tooltip player_id='1440217' first='Michael' last='DeKuiper'] 6-0 2025 Rockford Like [player_tooltip player_id='1373853' first='Jake' last='Chapman'] (Unity Christian) from the first session of games. Felt good to see simply see DeKuiper on the court this year. Was banged up last year from a football injury for most of his junior campaign. No signs of injury this year. Is a powerfully built point guard with knack for scoring. However really stood out on the other end as he spearheaded the Rams aggressive defense. Handled the ball well and got his team into their sets efficiently. Looked comfortable in these surroundings and has committed to play at Calvin next season. While the defense and distribution were what stood out to me. Still managed to finish with a team high 14 points.   [player_tooltip player_id='2218021' first='Jake' last='Bascom'] 6-5 2026 Rockford I have long been impressed with the maturity of this prospect. Has a bit of an “old man's” and I mean that in the highest of compliments. I'm not going that wasn't present on Saturday— it still was. Just imagine an old veteran playing like rookie fighting for a spot on a team in the preseason. Bascom played with a fierce intensity and fire that took his game (and team) to a new level. Especially on the defensive end. Simply put, every shot was highly contested for Northview. Especially at the rim, which was Bascom's domain. Used his lengthy frame and well schooled fundamentals as a deterrent. I said it before a I will say it again. Ignore the measurements with this prospects. The length, skill, and athleticism help him play much bigger than his listed height. Had a nice dunk in transition that exemplified this. Stuffed the scorebook with a balanced stat line. That still only tells a small portion of the story. One of the better all around performances of the day.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588161' first='Cameron' last='Ryans'] 6-4 2026 Grand Rapids Northview As stated above, Rockford turned in a outstanding defensive performance. Ryans was largely patient against this attack and did not force things. However Ryans is perhaps the best “bully ball” prospect in the state. Has the ability to lower his head and just impose his will physically on a game. It took a bit, but eventually the dam burst in the second half. Especially after star teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1300933' first='Brady' last='Swartz'] went down with cramps. Outside of taking on more ball handling responsibilities also began to crash the boards. He shedded defenders on drives like a fullback. I've seen it a lot over the last three years, and it's always impressive. Tightened the game up late but it wasn't enough. Still finished with a double double of 22 points and 10 rebounds. Continues to trend towards being the top prospect in Michigan's ever shifting 2026 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140468' first='Anthony' last='Willis'] 6-1 2027 Grand Rapids Northview (pictured) Youngest player on this list. However despite some early struggles, didn't play like it. One last time— Rockford's perimeter defense was suffocating. Willis seemed to figure it out and found some seams. Especially in the second half. As the defense keyed in on Northview's two stars. He found some good looks in the mid range. Only a sophomore, this also showed an area of improvement as many of those quality looks didn't fall. Has drawn quite an assignment as a sophomore. Stepping into the four year hole left by EJ Ryans (Western Michigan) Appears to be up to the task early. Just needs to keep developing as a shooter. Everything else is there already.

In its third iteration The Invite presented by the Grand Rapids Storm hosted its usual ambitious West Michigan centric four game slate. Replete with next level players, highlight plays, and late game drama. Following are ten standouts from the last two games of the day.