Gotta Get It: Breakout Performers

In its fourth year, the Gotta Get I Hoops Classic was scaled down a bit from the usual six to seven game basketball buffet. Sometimes less is more. What you got this year was four straight up bangers. Including arguably the best game in the state this year as East Lansing held on to defeat Rockford in overtime.   Outside of the stars who definitely came out. You also had a bevy of breakout performances. Following are five that caught my eye.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">...but first things first </h2>   I would be remiss if I didn't mention the magnus opus painted by Mr Basketball favorite [player_tooltip player_id='1806404' first='KJ' last='Torbert'] Goodness, 39 points, defensive intensity, and clutch play all game. What more can you say? After nearly single handedly doing it against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice over the holidays. He did once again just willed his team to a victory. It was a special performance to watch.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Performers</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2360482' first='Cyrus' last='Goins'] 6-6 2026 Wayne Memorial (pictured) With a high profile out of state transfer. The Zebra's had to retool their offensive attack on the fly. The long and lanky Flat Rock transfer has been a major factor early in the season. Goins is a legitimate 6-6 wing prospect. With his extreme length, he plays much taller than his listed height. The ball handling has improved, and he has a smooth and fluid release on his outside shot. The range extends beyond the three-point line. With his size easily rises and shoots over most defenders. Will definitely need to add bulk to take the next step in his development. Also, could be more explosive at the rim. However, there is a lot to work with including a high academic profile. Could be late blooming college prospect similar to Austin Tory (Grand Valley St) who played for Wayne Memorial as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='2844038' first='Jace' last='Opoku'] 6-1 2029 Rockford I don't cover middle schoolers. That being said, I was well aware of Opoku-Agyeman's reputation coming into the year. I also caught him this summer during the team camp season. I was surprised at the slow start he seemed to get off to with the Rams. As the calendar flips to 2026, you can throw that out the window. Opoku-Agyeman showed out in a major way against arguably the top team in the state. He picked his spots well offensively and looked much improved on the defensive end. He showed a smooth and effortless release from beyond the arc. Shot it with confidence and no hesitation. With two of the top players in the 2029 class playing earlier in the day. Opoku-Agyeman more than showed why he has earned an early spot near the top of that class.   AJ Lambers 6-1 2029 Muskegon Opoku wasn't the only freshman breaking out on Saturday. Lambers expanded and boosted his resume as one of the top shooters in his class. He was automatic from beyond the arc. He is not the biggest backcourt prospect at this point of his development. However, he makes up for it with trigger quick release with little to no load time needed. He had a "Klay" game... a bunch scoring off of spot ups with very few dribbles. Lambers hit six threes to finish with 18 points. Isn't just some stand still shooter though. Relocates well off the ball which played a role in earning many of his open looks. Good and well-conditioned athlete who excelled in cross country. The skillset is already there. The question for him going forward will be position. Will he get big enough to be a two? Can he be a one? What is he is right now is a very good freshman earning major time on one of the top teams in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='2381130' first='Samuel' last='Makuag'] 6-6 2027 East Kentwood Never sure where to start with East Kentwood's extremely deep rotation. I feel like I'm always drawn to this lengthy wing due to his elite ability to finish above the rim. Let's strip the pretense here. Dunks are a lot fun and can wildly swing momentum. Especially in the high school game. When you can explode vertically like Makuag, it is also very easy way to score. The slender wing did just that after the Falcons got off to a very slow start. Much more than just a "mix tape" dunker. Makuag has excellent lateral quickness and is very light on his feet. I believe his upside lies in his defensive versatility. Can guard positions 1-4 and should be able to do that at the next level with added strength. The offensive package is still catching up, but there is so much to work with physically.   [player_tooltip player_id='2112226' first='Drew' last='Floyd'] 5-9 2026 Detroit Martin Luther King This is a bit of a cumulative mention. While Floyd played well on Saturday. He was even better the previous weekend. As the Crusaders handed a strong Kalamazoo Central team their first loss. Not very big but fits the protype of the "tough as nails" Detroit point guard I have watched for years. Floyd makes up for his stature with strength and a low center of gravity. Doesn't get knocked off his spot on penetration. Is a clever below the rim finisher. Showed on an impressive reverse against East Kentwood's extremely lanky frontline (see above) More than carried the load as King was down two players from their perimeter attack. Not a pump either. A traditional pass first point guard who gets King's big frontline plenty of touches as well.

In its fourth year, the Gotta Get I Hoops Classic was scaled down a bit from the usual six to seven game basketball buffet. Sometimes less is more. What you got this year was four straight up bangers. Including arguably the best game in the state this year as East Lansing held on to defeat Rockford in overtime.