Storm Classic: Lakeshore Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Storm Classic is one of the premier spring events in Michigan. This year's iteration featured its usual star-studded field. I've already covered the Capital City Invasion. In addition to the Lansing area. The Lakeshore region also brought a strong contingent of performers. Following is an eight pack of prospects broken down by class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2027 </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141002' first='Jay' last='Watson'] 5-10 Holland West Ottawa </strong>The Highland Premier point guard was hot all weekend. Leading his squad to a Gold bracket championship. Not very big but plays with a low center of gravity. Making him difficult to turnover. An extremely tight handle also aids this cause. Appears to be quicker and more sudden in change of direction than last year. It's not like he was slow before. As you expect, very similar in appearance, playing style, and production to his twin brother Sam. He gets the nod here due to a 28-point outing in the Gold championship contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2951459' first='Taj' last='Williams'] 6-0 Ludington (pictured) </strong>Way up the Lakeshore into Northern Michigan. This Ludington lefty lead guard made some noise on the weekend (I'm sorry I can't turn down alliteration) Williams has slid over from the Storm's UAA squad to the National team with no drop off in production. Williams is an "instant offense" prospect who is wired to score. When the shot is falling from beyond the arc, he can heat up quickly. Four-year contributor for the Orioles, and the outside shot has improved every year. If it becomes automatic, he is difficult to guard due to the speed with the ball in his hands. Has some serious bounce and finishes above the rim regularly. Playing at a storied program like Ludington, a college coach should not have worry about instilling too many defensive principles. Coming off a quarterfinal appearance, his statewide status could raise even more in the coming year. As Ludington is trending towards being one of the top Division II teams in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2028</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2715417' first='Dexter' last='Lillmars'] <strong>6-2 Fruitport</strong> The host squads 16U unit might have been the most impressive team on the weekend. Finishing a perfect 7-0 on the weekend. Lillmars outside shooting played a major role in that dominance. He was simply automatic from beyond the arc. While he was often set up nicely. Was much more than just a standstill marksman. Has a well-schooled trigger quick release. Has a sturdy build but is light on his feet with good lateral quickness. Moves well off the ball and could already be classified as movement shooter. Good enough ball handler to play the point in a pinch. Didn't need to this past weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2539724' first='Demetrio' last='Dockery'] 5-11 Muskegon </strong>A late add to the [program_tooltip program_id='2077029' first='Parallel' last='45'] roster for the weekend. Fit in seamlessly. Leading his squad to quarterfinal appearance. Physical guard with a bit more quickness than you think at first glance. Used his powerful drive game to lead his team in scoring in pool play. Including a 26-point outing against a talented Storm National squad. More than just a scorer though. Plays with his head up and knows how to set teammates up. Has dealt with injuries early in his career. Could be rounding into form as he becomes an upperclassman. Earned time last year in deep Big Red backcourt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2758277' first='William' last='Whyms'] 6-5 Muskegon </strong>The other half of the Big Red duo that gave [program_tooltip program_id='2077029' first='Parallel' last='45'] 16U a jolt into the quarterfinals. Whyms is a bouncy and long four man who simply lives above the rim. Had multiple impressive finishes. Still quite skinny but seemed to be playing with improved strength and aggressiveness on the weekend. Wasn't just seeking out highlights. Fought hard down low and was major presence on the glass. Put up 19 pints in his teams aforementioned win over a strong Storm National squad. Showed intriguing potential when he took his game out to the perimeter. The highlight being a buzzer beating three to defeat the [program_tooltip program_id='2077023' first='Michigan' last='Mustangs']. Will need to become a better ball handler to play on the wing. That being said, with the elite elevation. I like him more in the post long term.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2442240' first='Jacob' last='Ayers'] 6-3 Spring Lake</strong> I have been impressed with this prospect since catching him at a Prep Hoops Freshman showcase two years ago. He has gotten bigger and stronger since then but has maintained his outside shooting touch. One of the few Michigan players running with an out of state club. Ayers had a good weekend with Indiana Game. While the shooting is always there. Appears to have made improvements as passer. I was particularly impressed with his play on Friday evening in a showcase game against the School Days Foundation. With a new coach in Spring Lake. His role and statistical output could improve as a junior. Will also have a full spring/summer of testing on the Under Armour Circuit as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2029 </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2958185' first='Garrett' last='Olson'] 6-5 Fruitport </strong>This past weekend could have been one of the few chances to catch this intruiging forward in the spring/summer. Olson is trending towards being one top player in his class... in baseball. When you see the long lefty play basketball you can see why is has so much upside as a pitcher. Good athlete who plays above the rim with force. Appeared comfortable in the post with a [program_tooltip program_id='2075987' first='UTS' last='Elite'] squad that won a Gold championship in the 15U division. Showed a soft touch around the basket and ran the court fluidly. With Lillmars (see above) the future for the Trojans is very bright. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2547358' first='Bryton' last='Nostrant'] 5-11 Alpena </strong>I'm cheating a bit here on a few fronts. Notice I didn't specify which Lakeshore in the title. Additionally, this player will most likely not reside on the shores of Lake Huron much longer. It is not some state secret, but until it is official. I will list this player from Alpena. I cheated because he forced me to. His 32 point Sunday outing in the 16U Gold final was one the best performances I saw all weekend. By the end of the close loss, he was getting the full ball denial treatment from D Rice Elite. Had it all working. Deep range on the perimeter, penetration, and a creative finishing package at the rim. Appeared much faster than last spring/summer as well. Did I mention he did this all while playing up a division? Wherever he ends up next year, someone is getting a major addition to their program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->