Prep Hoops Live: Mitten State Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm getting old... now that's an intro for you. Let me try that again. I've been covering the Prep Hoops Live events for quite some time. Due to a usual paucity of Michigan teams. I generally settle in for the live events and prepare to cover players from other states. That was not the case this year as a strong contingent of Michigan prospects played well this weekend outside of Chicago. Following are eight that that caught my eye spanning virtually the entire geographic region of 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='3556528' first='Parker' last='Smith'] <strong>6-2 Ann Arbor Pioneer</strong> <strong>(pictured) </strong>A "jack of all trades" prospect who frankly did not standout in Saturday action. However, came alive Sunday in a win over fellow Michigan squad Shoebox Elite (see below) Finished with 20 points after second flurry to help his squad pull away. Did it in an old school manner i.e. no three point shots. Has a well-developed and athletic frame that he used to carve out space near the basket. With quick elevation played much bigger than 6-2. Part of Pioneer unit coming off a quarterfinal appearance. Played some fifth quarter ball with that unit and should have a bigger role this year. If he plays (heard some baseball rumblings) could form a nice 2028 duo with 6-6 [player_tooltip player_id='3555171' first='Julian' last='Kessenich'] who impressed on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3555174' first='Jude' last='Shafer'] <strong>6-4 Ann Arbor Skyline </strong>Heading across town but staying with the same club team. Shafer is the opposite type of prospect of Smith. While productive, the long lanky prospect is more of a upside play. Fundamentally sound and moved very well off the ball. Getting multiple buckets off of backdoor cuts. You don't see that often for a player with his size. Returned the favor often, as I would describe him as an above average passer. Finished strongly at the rim despite a slender build. Light on feet with excellent lateral movement that aided the previously mentioned off ball game. Finished with 14 points in the victory over Shoebox Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3564605' first='Treyton' last='Selbig']<strong>6-3 Perry </strong>First time extensively this prospect and came away impressed. Has a strong frame and is wired to score. Good shooter from beyond the arc with the size to get his shot off over most defenders. Not the most explosive athlete vertically but is still young. Played with a completive fire and a bit of an edge. That is not necessarily a bad thing. This helped him compete down low where he played at times out of necessity. Good enough ball handler to play the point in a pinch. Finished with 22 points in a loss to a strong YMCA Prodigy team (see above) Also put up 19 in a victory over Southwest Michigan's [program_tooltip program_id='2269794' first='United' last='Persuit'] Playing at a small Lansing area school, you could tell he is used to doing a lot for his team. This versatility, along with improvements athletically could help him find a spot at the next level in a few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2871496' first='Kalen' last='Hester'] <strong>5-10 Flushing</strong> While Selbig played down low and in the mid-range, Hester was Shoebox Elite's explosive point guard. Fast and has excellent change of direction ability. Accelerates quickly when coming off ball screen. Can certainly score but appears to be traditional pass first point guard who plays with his head up. Good live dribble passer with a simple flick of the wrist. While slightly undersized, the Flint area guard has a lot to work with while he waits for his frame to catch up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2029</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3557878' first='Anthony' last='Gatewood'] <strong>6-3 Berkley</strong> Long and wiry post who lived around the rim for a strong [program_tooltip program_id='3562948' first='Hoops' last='High'] squad that went undefeated on the weekend. Fluid athlete who ran the court well. I didn't see much outside of the paint. However, he seemed to know/play his role well, meaning it could be in there somewhere. He is also quite young so he still has plenty of time to develop. Really stood out in his squad's close opener against Illinois Tigers. With a new coach at Berkely it will be interesting see what his role looks like in the upcoming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3557345' first='Zachary' last='Casey'] <strong>5-11 Detroit Country Day</strong> Part of a heavy contingent of Yellowjackets participating not only for [program_tooltip program_id='3562948' first='Hoops' last='High'] but at multiple live events all over the Midwest. Casey is left-handed combo guard who was also a part of the potent [program_tooltip program_id='3562948' first='Hoops' last='High'] attack. Played mostly on the wing in my viewings. At times showed the ball handling to slide over to the point. Good shooter who hit two threes in his squad's second victory against Chicago Lockdown. Comes from strong basketball bloodlines so the developmental environment is present. Also part of a deep Country Day 2029 class. He will be pushed there as well. Needs to get stronger and more assertive with the ball in his hands. Has plenty of time though and is in a good spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2896869' first='Connor' last='Asgaard'] <strong>6-0 Escanaba</strong> From the far Southeastern corner of the state to the Upper Peninsula. Asgaard led Green Bay area Team 1848 to an undefeated weekend. Asgaard is a strong and physical guard who seemed very comfortable in the paint. Don't misread that statement. He is a guard all the way. With good ball handling and perimeter shooting skills. But he knew what do when got near the basket. Created space with a wide lower frame and clever use of his shoulders. Good ball handler but didn't need to play the point this weekend. Should form a strong 2029 for the Eskymos with fellow 1848 teamate 6-5 [player_tooltip player_id='2873467' first='Karl' last='Warm']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2759311' first='Landon' last='Davey'] <strong>5-9 Gladstone</strong> Where Asgaard got by with perimeter physicality. Fellow 1848 guard and UP product Davey was smaller and accordingly craftier with the ball in his hands. Good ball handler and used it often on penetration. Didn't force things though and knew how to pick his spots and play within the offense. Kept defenses honest with a pure outside shot. Seemed to go both left and right on drives evenly. Will definitely need to get bigger and stronger. However, the intangibles and scoring moxie are already present in full measure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->