Rumble in the Rapids: Friday Night Notebook

The Prep Hoops Circuit made its second stop in the Mitten with the Rumble in Rapids event kicking off Friday night. Following are some of my observations from the three sessions held outside of Grand Rapids.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Shoe Company Instant Classic </h2>   With Michigan now housing two teams with shoe company endorsements. It was fitting that their 2028 teams faced off on the opening night. It was an instant classic. The Nike EYBL sponsored pulled [program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family'] pulled off a come from behind double overtime victory over the Under Armour sponsored [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'].   Despite their youth, I'm pretty sure I won't see a better point guard battle this spring/summer than [player_tooltip player_id='2194490' first='Andre' last='Cast Jr.'] (Harper Woods/[program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family']) and [player_tooltip player_id='2140494' first='Eli' last='Wolfe'] (Rockford/[program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'])   Cast (pictured at top) was composed and extremely comfortable in two man situations. He kept his squad from pressing too much offensively when they fell behind by double digits early. He's not very big. However showed a gigantic euro step that got him completely from the left to the right side in transition. Has the intangible traits already that will help him make up for the lack if ideal size. And don't forget as a 2028 prospect, still has plenty of time to grow.   With his regular season and AAU running mate sidelined for an extended period of time with a serious ankle injury. Wolfe seemed to take on more of a scoring load on Friday. It was an impressive performance as, I usually catch him as more of a traditional point guard. As descriptor implies, has pretty close to full backcourt package already. Explosive athleticism and a lengthy frame thar helps him play bigger than his listed height. Quick and sudden movements with advanced change of direction ability. Caps it off with a pure outside shot.   As much ink as I just spilled on the guards, the bigs might have been the difference in the game. As 6-5 posts [player_tooltip player_id='2539729' first='Emmit' last='Willhite'] (Greenville/[program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm']) and Kayden Harmon (New Haven/[program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family']) played major roles. Willhite is a thick but athletic prospect who showed off a still emerging offensive game. Went on personal 6-0 run late in the first half that showed a soft touch around the basket. Harmon is a longer prospect who showed the strength to battle with Willhite. Could be the next college prospect from the storied Rocket program. He actually scored the game winner from the post in double OT.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Little Chaos on the Lakeshore </h2>   The Storm/Family contest wasn't the only tight one of the night. The [program_tooltip program_id='2077033' first='West' last='Michigan Lakers'] Midwest and Hardwood Midwest 2027 engaged in a nail biter. The Lakers came out on top on the back of 21 points from Byron Center guard [player_tooltip player_id='2843698' first='Josiah' last='Parker']. The Bulldogs graduate a lot of talent and size from last year's quarterfinal squad. With Parker showing improvement they might be able to rebuild in the backcourt along with 2026 and lone returning starter [player_tooltip player_id='1444929' first='Cassius' last='Bont']   About that “chaos” though… The Manistee program has been going through an extended fallow period. How do I know this? I believe I was on the last district championship team— and I'm not a young man. 2027 guard Chaos Davis showed the ability to possibly lead a resurgence on the lakeshore. Davis capably ran the point for Hardwood Midwest. Powefully built and doesn't mind contact. Isn't going to get knocked off his spots on drives. Was a good drop off passer on penetration. Fitting of his moniker, could slow down a little at times. But I really liked this player in my first viewing.   If you think there is no hope for this divided nation. The Hardwood Midwest squad featured a player from Manistee along with players from Ludington. This is big— trust me. [player_tooltip player_id='2448880' first='Steele' last='Stowe'] (6-2) and JT Keith played well on Friday. Adding more depth to the Orioles loaded 2027 class.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='2075759' first='Oakland' last='Elite'] likes Grand Rapids</h2>   Two weekends ago, I was very impressed with an [program_tooltip program_id='2075759' first='Oakland' last='Elite'] squad at the Storm Classic. Rinse repeat this weekend in the very same gymnasium. [player_tooltip player_id='2140466' first='Ace' last='Walters'] is a strong and stocky 2027 left handed point guard who knows how to play the game. He is a coaches son who plays like that. Not the quickest guard but keeps defenses honest with a confident outside shot.   As impressive as the 2027 of OE are. Their 2028's pull off the same feat while playing up an age level. The Grand Blanc duo of Max O'Mara and [player_tooltip player_id='2757574' first='Emmanuel' last='Cooley'] do not play like players wrapping up their first year of high school. O'Mara is a versatile 6-4 forward who can play inside and out. Cooley is similar to Walters, a strong bully ball point guard who knows how to play the game.

The Prep Hoops Circuit made its second stop in the Mitten with the Rumble in Rapids event kicking off Friday night. Following are some of my observations from the three sessions held outside of Grand Rapids.