A BCAM Batch of Questions

Michigan's annual scholastic live event commenced this past weekend on the campus of Grand Valley St. BCAM's Reaching Higher event always features plenty of high level competition.   Following are list of questions and observation from the two days of action.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Can East Lansing be even better? </h2>   On the surface, this is an absurd question. The defending Division I champions graduated three starters. All were college level players. They don't have “plug and play” replacements ready for this departed trio. So why did I leave this weekend thinking they could be even better this year?   Simply put, the two remaining starters just might be that much better. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1806404' first='KJ' last='Torbert'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2140508' first='Kingston' last='Thomas'] are fierce competitors who do not appear to be satisfied.   In all four contests the duo's feet were placed firmly on the gas. Didn't matter the score or opponent. With both in the 6-3 to 6-5 range. Positionally I'm still not sure what either player is long term. I am certain they are winning players who are going to make their college coaches happy.   Torbert lived above the rim and made clutch plays throughout the weekend. He let his opponents know about it and played with an infectious energy. Thomas is a bit more subtle and patient as a player. Don't mistake for passivity though. When needed he can channel his “inner KJ” to explode and finish at the rim.   There is a lot of “transfer” talk around this program. I don't wade into those speculation waters. With or without additions, Torbert and Thomas' improvements are enough to make the Trojans better.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How long can the “Martin Mission” run? </h2>   What is “Martin's Mission” you ask? From the last weekend in June— to the opening team camp weekend in Hudsonville— to his home tournament— then culminating with this weekend. [player_tooltip player_id='1805260' first='James' last='Martin'] has been on an absolute mission.   Perhaps it's due to his regular season ending with a gruesome arm injury. Whatever the reason, the bouncy Muskegon wing has been on a four weekend long layup line. Attacking the rim with a mix of ease and explosion. His handle appears to be much improved. This allows to get wherever he wants on the court. If on the off chance he can't quite get there. He can simply just elevates over defenders.   For a Big Red program that will be more perimeter oriented. Martin could put up to eye popping statistics as senior.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who will answer Northview's question? </h2>   I'm playing with words in that heading a bit. No team enters a season with one sole question. The Wildcats of Grand Rapids Northview are no different. However I went with the singular qualifier for a glaring reason. Northview is currently without a head coach.   I try to leave the off court stuff, off the court. Just know this, Northview will not be short on talent this year. [player_tooltip player_id='1588161' first='Cameron' last='Ryans'] did nothing this weekend to hurt his status as arguably the top player in the 2026 class. From a game winning shot in sudden death, to punishing smaller defenders in the post. Ryans looks primed for a Mr Basketball campaign.   Beyond Ryans, the cupboard is far from bare. 2027 Point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140468' first='Anthony' last='Willis'] is coming off a three inch growth spurt. Giving him uncommon size for the position. Junior Izzy Hatibu remains one of the better leapers and finishers in the state. Incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2923099' first='Yamil' last='Jimenez'] (6-4) has the size to keep Ryans playing out on the perimeter. There is a lot of talent on this squad. Who will be charged with sorting it out?   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Has Division II reached the “Summit”? </h2>   While the squads mentioned above were talented and impressive. If I was to pick the most impressive “team” in the field. I would turn my attention towards Division II.   The legal MHSAA name is a mouthful so I'll only type it once. The Dragons of Romulus Summit Academy North have been on quite a run in the 20's. I'll refer to then as simply Summit from this point forward. In the midst of this run though. There has not been a lot of coaching stability. With three different head coaches in past three years.   That tumult appears to be in the past, and the results were readily apparent this weekend. They will be fronted by 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2218000' first='Chance' last='Houser']. The 6-6 versatile forward is the midst of a breakout grassroots season. He lives above the rim and is improving from the perimeter. Summit always has an abundance of guards. This year is no different. Seniors Jordan Fuller and [player_tooltip player_id='2539158' first='Marquan' last='White'] lead a deep bunch.   From a scout that actually had boots on the ground this weekend. This was the most impressive unit I saw.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Is the Mitten's best post from a small school? </h2>   While there are some solid post from the Division I schools present. None looked as impressive as Schoolcraft's [player_tooltip player_id='2564296' first='Jimmy' last='Miller']. From a rural district south Kalamazoo. Miller reminded me a lot of Mohammed Habhad (Eastern Michigan)   A projectable and still developing 6-9 frame with the skillset to just about anything. Stretch the floor from the perimeter- check. Handle the ball and lead the break- check. Initiate offense as a passer out the high post- check. Highlight reel above the rim finis…. I'll stop there. You get the point, he did it all.   Below the surface of the new school skillset though. This is an old school punishing rugged post. Doesn't mind contact and isn't going to get pushed around. In relation to my expectations going into the event. This was easily the most impressive player of the weekend.   Speaking of old school rugged posts. If you don't want to mess around with all superfluous perimeter stuff. The best true low post scorer came from a small town in Northern Michigan. They were not keeping track of fouls this weekend. And yes, maybe the officials that were being evaluated were a little quick on the whistle.   All that being said [player_tooltip player_id='2270808' first='Jacob' last='Plamondon'] fouled out the entire city of Ferndale. If you know anything about Ferndale. He wasn't doing this against stiffs. This was against a nationally ranked frontline. I've yet to see anyone— anywhere that is able to stop him on a deep catch. Just too strong with too much explosive lane agility.   The demerit is the size. Is probably 6-6. However I harken back to Dejuan Blair leading the Big East in scoring at 6-4 with no ACL's (look it up kids) Sometimes these beastly prospects just have a knack for scoring in the post. He did show expansion to his game with two late threes in the Ferndale contest.   Oddly enough, Plamondon and Miller began the spring on the same AAU team. They will both be on national circuits in July. Plamondon with Indiana Game (Under Armour) Miller with Phenome United) Interested to see if their strong play travels, and if they can earn some national recognition.

Michigan's annual scholastic live event commenced this past weekend on the campus of Grand Valley St. BCAM's Reaching Higher event always features plenty of high level competition.