Monday Morey Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a nice vacation, I ventured back into the gym catching some summer league action at Morey Courts in Mount Pleasant. Following are five standouts from Monday night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2437038' first='Ian' last='Roberts'] <strong>6-3 2027 Beaverton</strong> (pictured) Coming off a big spring with a strong REAL Select squad. Roberts' two performances were vastly different. He was impressive in leading his squad to a win over Sanford-Meridian. One of the top shooters in the state, he did not force things in this contest. He waited for the offense to open up and he came alive late. While it is fun to watch and definitely fits the three-ball new school paradigm. His game isn't complex. Patiently wait for the defense to relax. Drain a few deep bombs. When the defense adjusts to run him off the line. Blow by and score with his size in the mid-range. Few in the state do it better. Against a very strong Mount Pleasant squad, this tack didn't work as well. Despite this, didn't pout or go into hero ball mode after his team was overmatched. Should be lined up for big senior season statistically. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McCoy Hicks 5-10 2027 Manton</strong> Coming off a big gridiron campaign, Hicks was putting in some extra work on the hardwood. The quick and slender lefty played well against Beal City's physical and bruising backcourt prospects (see below) They can't bump you off your spot on penetration if they can't stay in front of you. That was Hicks' strategy on Monday night with a handful of transition leak outs. Ran the point last year for the Rangers. With some personnel changes this year, will move more off the ball in the coming year. That should allow the three-year starter to use his speed to put up a better statistical profile. While football is his most likely next level destination. Could have a big senior year that could open up some options. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2847256' first='Grady' last='Gatrell'] <strong>6-4 2029 Beal City</strong> Full disclosure, my son competed against this player in middle school. Consequently, Gatrell has been on my radar for quite some time. While he was very good in leading the Aggies to a quarterfinal appearance as a freshman. I thought he was trending as a prospect towards the gridiron with his advanced physical profile. While it is still very early as an underclassman. I don't exactly feel that way after Monday night. Appeared slimmed down and fully formed as a perimeter playmaker. Didn't need get his points within the flow of the offense or exclusively in the post. Created opportunities himself off the bounce and via penetration. Probably the best all-around I saw all night, and there were some vgood athletes present. If he can continue to develop, he might have some tough (but good) decisions to make on what sport to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3669649' first='Kaden' last='Kjolhede'] 6-4 2029 Mount Pleasant</strong> Gatrell's teammate on a talented Real Select 15U squad. He has more length and vertical explosion than Gatrell but is similar in physical advancement. Doesn't play like an underclassman at all. Made plays under pressure that you don't often see from a player this young with uncommon poise. Able to find an open teammate after falling to the ground and keeping his dribble alive. Ordered his steps quickly after difficult catches in transition. Easy elevation and finished well above the rim. There is a lot of upside here. Is also in an excellent developmental program and is going to get coached hard. He seemed to handle that well on Monday night. Another name to know in Michigan's exceedingly (I'm running out of adjectives) deep 2029 class...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3669648' first='Jakob' last='Dodge'] 6-6 2029 Saranac</strong> So let's add another name to that long list. I first caught this player with a very talented West Michigan Premier squad in Fort Wayne. He wasn't getting much run in the limited action I saw, but the potential is readily apparent. Sturdy and mobile athlete on a legitimate 6-6 frame. On Monday night showed much more to his game. A fluid athlete who ran the court very well. Gets off the ground quickly for his size. Had a nice tip dunk that was waved off due to basket interference. While to point getting taken off the board isn't ideal. it shows the extent of his elevation. Uses this on the defensive end as well and was a deterrent at the rim. Knows what to do with the ball and seemed to have good hands for a young post prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->