The 2k Showcase: Juniors Make Statements (Session 1)

In its 12th year, the prestigious 2k Showcase moved to its fourth location. The recently renovated facilities of Grand Rapids Community College in the heart of downtown. The always deep and talented field produced plenty of outstanding performances.   After giving you five statements made by Saturday's big name senior participants. We move onto to the junior class.   Statement: Detroit Catholic Central has arguably the best junior wing duo in the state   One play in the Shamrocks decisive victory over a strong Grandville exemplified the upside of the DCC duo. A late transition opportunity led to a lob. Nothing unusual there as this often happens when the outcome of a game is decided. What happened next was not normal. The lob was essentially finished by BOTH of DCC's standout wings. That's right both [player_tooltip player_id='2561198' first='Andrew' last='Walker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2872591' first='Wycell' last='Davis'] simultaneously dunked the basketball. I've been around a long tine not sure I have ever seen that. These two wings are very talented and play off each other well. Walker is a little bigger (6-4) and might have a little more bounce. Has a smooth and effortless release on his outside shot. This opens up driving lanes and allows him to get to the basket with ease.   Davis is an equally smooth penetrator. A classic lefty in the sense that everything he does just looks a bit different and more refined. Davis is probably the better ball handler of the two and can play the point in a pinch. Doesn't have to often due to the presence of another rising junior in [player_tooltip player_id='2140500' first='Isaiah' last='Mccree'] Davis has excellent bounce as well and has no problem finishing above the rim. Walker is currently trending towards Division status; but Davis isn't far behind him. The final stat line was emblematic of this duo's collective approach. Davis finished with a team high 14 points while Walker put up 13. Get them while you can this year. Next year should bring even more growth.   Statement: If players develop, Ann Arbor Huron could challenge the above statement in the coming year   The wing duo of Ann Arbor Huron is different and not in the same class (skill wise) as Walker and Davis. However, there is plenty to like moving forward. They are not technically a duo at the moment. As one half comes off the bench. But I think the potential is there. It starts with bulky 6-3 two guard [player_tooltip player_id='2761734' first='Nathaniel' last='Sidney'] He was hot in the first half as Huron's senior point guard took a bit to get going. Used his size advantage to bully smaller guards in the post. Has plenty of footspeed to get to his spots on the perimeter as well. If Sidney gets a little more explosive off the bounce, he could see his recruiting rise in the next year.   While the River Rats have plenty of perimeter options. I'm sticking with the "junior" theme and going a bit off the board. I like the potential of [player_tooltip player_id='2826075' first='Jake' last='Gernant'] The 6-4 wing can really shoot it. With his size he has no problem getting his shot off. Is also a good athlete who relocates well off the ball. I liked him with [program_tooltip program_id='2539820' first='The' last='Academy'] is grassroots play in the spring/summer. If he can continue to develop the rest of his game. Could form a nice complementary duo with Sidney next year.   Statement: [player_tooltip player_id='2140516' first='Makai' last='Campos'] (pictured) is leader of a deep and young Holland West Ottawa squad   The Panthers have long held great promise within their 2028 class. That long term promise is still readily apparent. However, in the last year Campos has really established himself as the leader of this talented and still young group. The only demerit you place on him is size. Has the appropriate skillset to offset this though. First and foremost is tight handle. Pounds the ball into the court with force. Along with his low center of gravity, you are not going to turn him over easily. While he has plenty of speed, the real skeleton key is extremely deep range on the perimeter. You simply can't give much room. Much more than a scorer. Good live dribble passer who plays well in the pick and roll. Is attracting plenty of small college attention for a reason. Finished with a near double double of 15 points and eight rebounds against a talented a deep Ann Arbor Huron backcourt (see above)   Statement: [player_tooltip player_id='2141008' first='Brayden' last='Williams'] is healthy once again and could be the x-factor for Grand Rapids Northview   The Wyoming transfer appears to be all the way back to full strength (no knee brace) and fitting in nicely with Northview. I thought it was a little choppy at the beginning of the year, but not now. Found plenty of scoring opportunities as Rockford keyed in hard on the Wildcats Mr. Basketball candidate. Has a real nice release on his outside shot. Gets it off quickly with little to no dip or windup. Jet quick with the ball in his hands. Finished with game high 20 pionts in the close loss to Rockford. I would like to see Williams and fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='2140468' first='Anthony' last='Willis'] play off each other a bit more. Willis is a point guard but has the size (6-3) to play the two spot. If they can figure out how to play off each other. Williams (and Willis) could become to x-factor(s) to propel Northview into the tail end of the regular season.

In its 12th year, the prestigious 2k Showcase moved to its fourth location. The recently renovated facilities of Grand Rapids Community College in the heart of downtown. The always deep and talented field produced plenty of outstanding performances.