2K Showcase: A Sophomore Soliloquy

In its 11th year, third location, and a different name. The 2K Showcase produced another outstanding two weekend event. The first event was marked by out of state contests and a FOUR overtime instant classic.   Weekend #2 was characterized by teams missing big name players due to injury. As I went through my notes, this opened the door for an alliterative Saturday showcase of sophomores.   A soliloquy is a long monologue of “steam of consciousness” type thoughts. Following is a ten pack of sophomore standout with brief observations.   [player_tooltip player_id='2276651' first='Eden' last='Vinyard'] 6-7 Ferndale (pictured) The opening game provided the player generally considered at the top of the 2027 class. Vinyard began his career looking like the archetype of the stretch four so prevalent in modern basketball. Showing a smooth effortless release from deep on a nice frame. A year and a half into his career he is beginning to expand his game into a plus sized legitimate wing. Has done it with increased speed and lateral quickness. Also showed improved ball handling on Saturday.   [player_tooltip player_id='2539880' first='Toriano' last='Adams'] 6-1 Ferndale Vinyard isn't the only sophomore earning division interest from Ferndale. Adams is intriguing combo guard who has a knack for scoring. I was impressed with his performance at the Prep Hoops Sophomore ID camp in the fall. Just a few short months later he is visibly bigger and stronger.   [player_tooltip player_id='2378345' first='CJ' last='Reynolds'] 6-3 East Kentwood I'll keep it simple. It was just nice to see Reynolds out on the court on Saturday. A serious injury kept him sidelined through the spring/summer and the first part of this year. Outside of sporting a pretty thick knee brace. Reynolds showed very little rust. Handled the ball with confidence and attacked the basket without fear. Intrigued to see what how much he develops in the next year with a clean bill of health.   [player_tooltip player_id='2381130' first='Samuel' last='Makuag'] 6-5 East Kentwood Makaug's play on Saturday continued to strengthen my conviction that this is one of the top finishers in the state— regardless of class. Caught a lob in the second half that goes on his ever expanding highlight reel. Has slender and very lengthy frame. If he can put it all together as an upperclassman, he could be high level recruit. Just has so much athletic upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='2276974' first='Stevie' last='Hall'] 6-2 Detroit Cass Tech There is one thing that is already abundantly clear about Hall. He is able to handle pressure. Showed a healthy does of composure in taking over the point guard reins from a McDonald's All American. This was additionally done for a defending division I state champion coached by Dad. To put it mildly, that is going draw some eyeballs. Hall didn't flinch and posted a stellar inaugural campaign. Now as a sophomore he appears to be adding athletic upside to the mental makeup. Seemed to have found an extra gear of acceleration on Saturday. I thought he had unique form on his outside shot last year. That didn't appear to be as pronounced this weekend. Is a pass first point guard who plays with his head up. Scored when he needed to in the close contest with Grand Rapuds Christian. Finished with 12 points in the overtime victory.   [player_tooltip player_id='2276975' first='Trevon' last='Parham'] 5-9 Detroit Cass Tech Hall's smaller backcourt starting partner. Parham had a dynamic day offensively. With Hall at the point, Parham played well and found spots off the ball. Was automatic from beyond the arc. Was the focus of the controversial ending of regulation. As he was fouled intentionally by Christian who had fouls to give. After a long conference it was determined that Parham had been fouled while shooting a three. Say what you want about your opinion of the call. It was a heady play by Parham to launch a shot adjacent to the foul. After getting iced in a major way by the lengthy deliberations. Stepped into a pressure packed situation and hit two of three to force overtime. Began the extra period by hitting a three and was major part of the overtime attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140474' first='Braylon' last='Taylor'] 5-8 Grand Rapids Christian The Cass Tech diamond half court press can be a daunting task. Even for experienced big guard. Taylor is young, smaller guard playing in his first year on varsity. He handled the pressure well and had the Eagles in position to win the contest. Kept the Cass Tech defense honest with deep range from the perimeter. Makes up for the lack of size with a trigger quick release. Also showed excellent play making with a handful of pocket passes in two man situations. Finished with 11 points in the tough overtime loss. A skilled point guard who is just missing size.   Alfonzo Harris Jr 6-4 Detroit Renaissance First caught Harris with [program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family'] on the EYBL this summer. In the early year Harris' play with the Phoenix did not stand out. That changed on Saturday against East Lansing. The pace and physicality of this contest played into Harris' strengths. He is advanced player with a solid frame. Competed hard against the army of Trojan athletes. Attacked the glass in transition and had a nice block on defense. The Renaissance attack will look much different next year with graduation. If Harris can continue to improve, could step into a bigger role.   [player_tooltip player_id='2140508' first='Kingston' last='Thomas'] 6-5 East Lansing With some unfortunate recent injury news. In this scouts humble opinion, the top of the class comes down to Thomas and the first name on this list. Thomas continued to show the extreme versatility that gives him so much long term upside. Is a dynamic offensive player with full bag of tricks. Had a very nice spin move that he finished off with a dunk. Like seemingly everything in his game, the elevation was so effortless. This is not a criticism of teammates, it's more about Thomas. However on a squad loaded with Division I upperclassmen. Thomas often appears like the veteran of the group. If he continues to grow, I think he has the potential to be a special next level player.   Nate Sidney 6-2 Ann Arbor Huron The senior laden River Rats squad had a tough night on Saturday. One silver lining was the mature play of Sidney off the bench. Has a thick frame to go along with guard skills. Competed hard defensively and wasn't timid against a tenacious Muskegon defense. Should be ready to step into bigger role next year as a junior.

In its 11th year, third location, and a different name. The 2K Showcase produced another outstanding two weekend event. The first event was marked by out of state contests and a FOUR overtime instant classic.