Huffman Elite Camp: Magnificent Seven (plus one)

In its fifth iteration, the Huffman Basketball Top 40 Northern Michigan Elite Camp moved from the normal confines of Manton High School. Receiving a bit of an upgrade with the new facilities at Kirtland Community College just south of Grayling.   Following are seven standouts (plus one) from the event.   [player_tooltip player_id='2276657' first='Clayton' last='Heuker'] 6-5 2027 McBain (pictured) A junior who was just on different level physically. Bullied players and created space in the post. However also has the skill level to get to the basket off the bounce. I've never thought he was a bad shooter. But I was surprised by well how well he shot the ball on Tuesday. Showed smooth and fluid release that went in often. If you combine all those factors listed above, you have a three level scorer. Playing at McBain, you don't have to worry about the defense and rebounding. I've covered this player for a long time. He hasn't quite developed how I thought he would. I would describe it like this. You go out on Cinco de Mayo, you expect some good Mexican food. Instead you get a deep dish pizza. Still really good, but not what you were expecting. I thought he would be a long rangy 2/3 wing. He is now stocky and powerful 3/4 wing. The Northern Michigan version of Cam Ryans (Grand Rapids Northview) if you will. A walking matchup problem and still only a junior.   [player_tooltip player_id='2561786' first='Ethan' last='Marta'] 6-4 2026 Ispheming Westwood A highly productive and winning basketball player from the Upper Peninsula. Coming off a Breslin Center appearance in which knocked off Heuker's squad in the quarterfinals. I first became aware of him last summer on a swing through lower peninsula campus elite camps. I thought he showed a lot potential as an uncommonly big playmaking point guard. On Tuesday I didn't see as much of the point skills as I remembered. That being said, he was still very good and had no trouble scoring. Was very crafty around the rim and finished from some unique angles. Above average athlete and ball handler who got to his spots easily. Could be the top player in the UP this year. That last few guys to hold that distinction are playing Division II basketball. Interested to see if Marta can follow that path.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588171' first='Owen' last='Ribel'] 6-4 2025 Traverse City Central I was a little surprised with what I have saw from the top two players on this list. You know whar you are going to get from Ribel— buckets. An effortless scorer with good enough size to be a college wing. I wasn't sure if the size would come when he was younger. He has continued to grow to the point where his vertical size can be seen as one of his strengths. Shoots like a player who grew up playing against older players. Has an extremely high arc on his shot. The sound release point and aforementioned size make it very difficult to block. High volume scorer who is going to get his points. Improving athlete as well who finishes above the rim. Looks to be primed for a big senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2539732' first='Hudson' last='Mclean'] 6-3 2028 Traverse City Central McLean is evolving into slightly different version of his regular season teammate in Ribel. A plus sized bucket getter on the wing. While Ribel has always been a two guard. Mclean had the size to play down low when he was younger. I'm not saying he is done growing, but he certainly seemed more comfortable on the wing on Tuesday. Appears lighter on his feet and more sudden in his movements. In the spring was a little more mechanical away from the basket. That was not the case as he was assertive and aggressive driving to the basket. Showed a nice stroke from three. Has really been hot in July during grassroots action. Has been a very active player in showcases. I have to remind myself sometimes. This is still only a 2028 prospect. The developmental arrow continues to be pointed way up.   [player_tooltip player_id='2300933' first='Eli' last='Smith'] 6-1 2026 Pine River I'm not a grand pronouncement scout. I like to tell you what a players strengths and weaknesses are— cut and dry. Every now and then he spirit moves me though (sarcasm) So here she goes. Smith is one of the more underrated guards in the state. This is the best point guard in Northern Michigan. Looks to be a legitimate 6-1 with a lanky frame that helps him play closer to 6-3. Operates like a seasoned veteran in two man situations. Could probably stand to be a little more selfish offensively. There are much worse weaknesses to have than that. Excellent ball handler who is difficult to turnover. Good shooter with the size to get it off over most point guards. An injury derailed his junior season. I think he could really take off as a senior in a new offensive system.   [player_tooltip player_id='2110784' first='Mason' last='Gugle'] 6-3 2026 Pine River Gugle was the best run and jump athlete in the camp. Frankly he is going to be the best run and jump athlete in most camps he is in. Excels in an up and down game. Accordingly really popped during scrimmages. Had his customary handful of dunks. As senior though the rest of the game is starting to come along. Didn't appear to be a player in a hurry on Tuesday. He let the games and transition opportunities come to him more often. Still can jump a passing lane with the best of them, but didn't needlessly gamble. Has always been a good shooter and ball handler. Picked his spots a little better than I had seen in the past.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588205' first='Cole' last='Vanderhaag'] 6-0 2026 Mason County Central As good as [player_tooltip player_id='2300933' first='Eli' last='Smith'] was at the point. Vanderhaag was the best ball handler in the camp. This was readily apparent during early drill station work. The first player to complete many of the drills by a pretty healthy margin. Had it on a string during the scrimmages as well. It's not a flashy empty calorie show either. Stays in forward motion and plays with his head up. Helms a fast paced regular season system, and it shows. Put constant pressure on the rim.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bonus </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2780604' first='Braylin' last='Calhoun'] 6-3 2030 Munising I'll preface this with a disclaimer. I do not write about middle school prospects. I'm a parent of a middle schooler, and I'm just generally not entirely comfortable doing it. However, this is an information site and not a morality business. I've always added the caveat that I'm not going to ignore a great performance due to my arbitrary standards. There are exceptions to every rule. Well here's your exception. This lengthy wing entering the eight grade was simply outstanding. Originally from the Milwaukee area and runs with the Adidas sponsored KL Power 5 program. So this isn't some diamond in the rough hidden on the shores of the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore. Simply did it all. Hit threes, handled it well, and finished above the rim. I could go on, but at this age consider this an introduction. If he continues to develop and add weight, this could be a special player.

In its fifth iteration, the Huffman Basketball Top 40 Northern Michigan Elite Camp moved from the normal confines of Manton High School. Receiving a bit of an upgrade with the new facilities at Kirtland Community College just south of Grayling.