The 2k Showcase: Stars Come Out

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 an exciting first session produced a array talented freshmen and new storylines. Weekend #2 was mostly about the established stars. Accordingly, virtually every player mentioned below has wrapped up their college recruitments.   Following is an eight pack of standout performers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588161' first='Cameron' last='Ryans'] 6-4 Grand Rapids Northview (pictured) Where else could you start? Came out with a purpose in the matchup with #1 East Lansing. The cheat code for Ryans has long been his physicality from the wing position. That was full display with his aggressive performance. Got to line early and often. Was engaged and active on both ends of the court. As a four year player on a high profile team. I've seen Ryans play quite a bit throughout his career. This was easily the best performance I have seen. Reflected by the eye opening 41 point stat line. The Western Michigan commit made a loud Mr Basketball statement in his hometown.   [player_tooltip player_id='1805260' first='James' last='Martin'] 6-3 Muskegon Where Ryans aggressiveness impressive. Martin's patience and composure was key in Muskegon earning a come from behind victory against Lansing Waverly. Got off to slow start and even appeared to be struggling with an injury of some sort. In the past he might have pressed or forced the issue offensively. Quite the opposite on Saturday. Locked in defensively and made offense out of created turnovers. Long one of the most explosive athletes in transition in the state. Turned defense into offense quickly. Also created open looks for the Big Red sharp shooting duo of 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2280868' first='Tyson' last='Worthington'] and 2029 AJ Lambers. It wouldn't be a Martin-esque performance without a highlight reel dunk. He got it late and finished with 19 pints in the win. The Detroit Mercy continued what has been a banner senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1890552' first='Randy' last='Chapman Jr'] 6-2 East Kentwood With the Falcons down a starter and taking on one of top teams in the state of Ohio. EK needed some senior leadership and offensive spark. The Saginaw Valley St commit provided it finishing with 19 points and taking home game MVP honors. However, his steady play went well beyond the box score. Essentially played the point for the Falcons and was a dogged defender against the loaded backcourt of Lima Senior (OH). The backcourt positionally could be the separator for Chapman at the next level. Having the ball handling and defensive ability to play the one. While also having knack for scoring and the physicality to guard the two. That was on full display this past Saturday.   [player_tooltip player_id='1796744' first='Isaiah' last='Theodile'] 6-8 Kalamazoo Central No delicate way to say it. Theodile did not look very good the last time I saw him. Struggling with foul trouble in a loss to Detroit King in Muskegon. The Oakland (MI) commit flipped the script in Grand Rapids. First and foremost, stayed out of foul trouble. Even after an early questionable call could have derailed him. I have long been impressed with how well he catches the ball and orders his feet quickly. Has a soft tough around the basket and it helps that he is left handed. Has continued to add weight to his frame throughout his career, and in a good way. I could really see him taking off and having Jaylen Hayes-type career in Oakland (look him up kids) Is arguably the top rim protector in the state as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='2217997' first='Carl' last='Thompson'] 6-4 Grand Rapids Christian Thompson's senior campaign got off to a quick start. However, it was short circuited by a hamstring injury around the holidays. He is back to full health and put together an outstanding performance on Saturday. The Eagles starting point guard was out with an injury. Thompson assumed the bulk of ball handling and playmaking responsibilities with ease. Got to his spots and rose over defenders with smooth elevation. Exploded to the rim with more force than I had seen in prior outings. Had two highlight reel finishes from a player more known for perimeter efficiency. Finished with 25 points in helping Christian roll over a talented Ferndale squad. One of the acronymic schools of the Indiana University system is getting a steal out of West Michigan. I will be keeping an eye on the Mastodons of IPFW next year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2112202' first='Connor' last='Johnson'] 6-7 Grand Rapids Christian Johnson drew the task of taking on Ferndale's lauded junior frontline on Saturday. From the jump he was aggressive and physical. In the past years, Johnson might have embraced his stretch four prototype a bit too readily. Floating at times on the perimeter. While he will be an outstanding four at the next level. He embraced his inner physical old school five on Saturday. Pounded the glass and punished defenders on the block. Passed well out of double team when a second defender was sent at him. Was explosive in transition and joined Thompson with some highlight reel dunks. Really showed off the full package to finish with near double double of 20 points and eight rebounds. Northern Michigan is getting a good one out of West Michigan.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588232' first='Xavier' last='Pendergrass'] 6-7 Lansing Waverly While Johnson nearly accomplished the double double, Pendergrass pulled it off. Finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the loss to Muskegon. Beyond the numbers, Pendergrass' versatility impressed me the most. Began the game looking like a possible "plus sized" wing. Operated well in the mid range and showing an improved touch from the perimeter. As the game progressed, he seemed to realize the size advantage he possessed against the Big Reds. Moving down to block and earning easy buckets off the glass and at the line. Few players have transformed their body as much as Pendergrass in the last four years. He will provide unique positional versatility wherever he ends up after high school. After beginning as an "old school" five early in his career. He has slimmed down and has the ability to play the four and possibly even the three at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588240' first='Derek' last='Thomas II'] 6-4 Lansing Waverly Thomas' game is similar to his teammate Pendergrass. Has evolved into a wing after starting as small ball four. Still has a unique frame for the position. Gets his shot off from a wide variety of angles against bigger prospects. Has greatly improved as ball handler and can initiate offense when needed. Especially out of the high post. Put up 17 points against a strong Muskegon team. Finding the right fit at the next level will key for Thomas. Somewhere that he can continue to expand his perimeter skill set, while still making use of his winning high post intangibles.

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.