MHSAA Quarterfinal Doubleheader: Underclassmen Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I had a plethora of big game options on Regional Final Thursday. I can't turn down a doubleheader. So it was off to the North for a two hander of Division I and Division II action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After giving six established standouts. In the process of cleaning out the notebook. I came across five underclassmen that make the futures of these respective programs bright.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2129505' first='Jett' last='Buckley'] 6-0 2027 Kingsford (pictured) </strong>Buckley was the most impressive underclassmen on the night. Came off the bench but got a lot of run as one of Kingsford's starting guards got into foul trouble. Buckley stepped into this role seamlessly and was ready to go. Had a nice reverse layup that showed his creativity and confidence around the rim. Buckley's speed helped him to be factor on the defensive end. Is a confident ball handler with advanced playmaking ability already. I have observed this play making ability in the summer with the <strong>Wisconsin Crusaders </strong>on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Kingsford will lose a lot from this years team. However if Buckley continues to develop the Flivvers might not be going anywhere in terms of contention. His talent level and potential is simply that good.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taj Williams 5-11 2027 Ludington </strong>The very young Orioles squad did not have their best night against an excellent Kingsford unit. A bright spot was their sophomore backcourt. Williams was aggressive in driving to the basket and the moment did not seem too big for him. Showed an advanced series of step backs and spin moves that he used to get his shot off. Is a good ball handler with plenty of quickness already. A lefty who plays hard to that side with explosive burst. Coming off a nice summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm']. An intriguing prospect, and I am curious to see his development as an upperclassman. Put up 13 points and kept coming in a lopsided loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Messiah Himes</strong> <strong>5-11 2027 Ludington </strong>Similar prospect in term of build to his backcourt partner in Williams. Appeared more comfortable playing off the ball. Showed a confident release on a corner three in the first half. Competed hard defensively and throughout the game. Like Williams, has ran with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] in the past year. If he continues to develop his ball handling and the rest of his game. The Orioles could have a very dynamic backcourt in the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isaiah Moll 6-3 2028 Flint Carman Ainsworth </strong>Long and lanky prospect who showed potential in limited time. Already appears to have a wing skill set. Highlighted by a smooth and effortless release from beyond the arc on a corner three. Looks like a freshman with a long and lanky frame. Will need to add weight and strength too take the next step. Has plenty of time and a lot to work with already.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2448880' first='Steele' last='Stowe'] 6-2 2027 Ludington</strong> Stowe is the last of the Ludington sophomore trio. Unlike the two guards, Stowe is bigger and appeared to like playing down low. Might be a little bit of a “tweener” right now. Not big enough for the block, but not a true guard yet. Played mostly on the block as junior star [player_tooltip player_id='2112225' first='Cam' last='Gunsell'] got into foul trouble. If he develops his perimeter skills, he could slide into a third guard role with Williams and Himes (see above) Has strong basketball bloodlines that run deep in Ludington.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->