Jennings' June Notebook

<p>My coaching and officiating travels took me to the following places this June: D Zone Shootout at Macomb Community College, Stockbridge High School, The Cage in Swartz Creek, Saginaw Valley State University, Charlotte High School, Petoskey High School, and Hillsdale College. Here are 2 players from each class that caught my attention.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2027</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Probably the best big man I saw in person this June. Cooper is an atypical modern HS post player, he not only thrives with, but seeks out contact. Whether it be on the glass, in the paint, or at the rim, Bryson plays with extreme aggression and physicality. He will be playing next season at The Winchendon School in Massachusetts.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Peyton is one of the better shooters I've seen in person recently. He is strong in both catch-and-shoot as well as off-the-dribble situations. The strength he possesses allows him to get separation to shoot despite attracting lots of defensive attention. Also, I can say with confidence, the college 3-point line won't be an issue. It will be interesting to see his development continue as the main man for Battle Creek Pennfield.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2028</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">One of the few players in the article that I've seen play in-person before this summer, Trey has made big improvements over the past few years and not just to his game. It seems as though he's grown a few inches and put on some weight, which is particularly helpful as he navigates driving lanes. A willing and able passer, Selbig is a threat with the ball in his hands. Aside from passing and scoring, Trey also moves well off the ball and is an above-average rebounder for a guard. As a bonus, I will always notice players who are respectful towards officials.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">With all due respect to the other seven players in this article, and the hundreds I saw play in June, [player_tooltip player_id='2759317' first='Braden' last='Fralick'] was the most fun to watch. I can't believe he's only a rising junior. An intriguing guard, Braden has no problem getting by almost anyone with the ball because of his unique combination of speed and strength. Those same attributes coupled with his competitiveness make him a solid on-ball defender as well. A key piece on a Petoskey squad loaded with shooting, the two-way guard should have a monster junior season.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2029</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">It's pretty sweet that Rockford has the depth to send a sub-varsity group to play varsity teams in June. This iteration was led by Jake, a high-motor guard that is extremely competitive. Very crafty getting to and finishing around the basket, Lundberg has the skill and balance to be an inside threat from the guard position. He doesn't take defense off either, oftentimes picking up the main ball-handler on the opposing team.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">A coach on the court is best how I would describe West. His communication, in particular, stood out to me over the course of watching him play. The willingness of an underclassman to organize and lead conversations with teammates is extremely impressive. In addition to his leadership qualities, West can also shoot and handle the ball well. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2030</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Not only does Austin not look like an incoming freshman on the court, he doesn't play like one either. A true wing that can handle the ball, finish through contact, play the passing lanes on defense, and do so much more. However, my favorite thing about Ockerman has to be his effort. Anyone even semi-involved in the Michigan High School basketball scene already knows about this kid, but you'd never know it by watching him play. He is nationally ranked, yet plays like he's trying to earn a spot on the team. How hard Austin plays, paired with his size and talent, makes him, in my opinion, the best player in Michigan's class of 2030. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Not known for their basketball recently, Owosso has themselves a gem in [player_tooltip player_id='3685885' first='Landon' last='Hulik']. The kid is a confident, resilient shooter that can also attack the basket. His basketball IQ makes him a threat on both ends of the court. Maybe not the best athlete on their current roster, but has the most basketball skill. Depending on how he's used, Hulik could put himself on the radar in the Flint Metro League this upcoming high school season.</p>    <p></p>

My coaching and officiating travels took me to the following places this June: D Zone Shootout at Macomb Community College, Stockbridge High School, The Cage in Swartz Creek, Saginaw Valley State University, Charlotte High School, Petoskey High School, and Hillsdale College. Here are 2 players from each class that caught my attention.