Prep Hoops Freshmen Showcase: When Sides Collide

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the process of cleaning out the notebook and wrapping up the coverage from the Prep Hoops Freshmen Showcase. It becomes apparent that some strong performances slip through the cracks. I try my best to keep it from happening, but these are large events loaded with good players. It happens every year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I surveyed some players that were missed. I realize that it was a somewhat even split between players from the east and west sides of the state. Following are six standout performances with three from each region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2439709' first='Lucas' last='Jasinski'] <strong>6-2 Wayland</strong> First caught this player in April with a [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] 2030 squad that was playing up an age group at the Storm Classic. More than belonged against older players as the physicality is what first catches your eye. I don't know much about this player beyond the hardwood. But I would not be surprised if he excels in multiple sports. At this point in his development looks like a 2/3 combo who put consistent pressure on the basket. That being said, the ball handling and intangibles are present to possibly even play the point long term. I think he can already guard positions 1-5 as he took on the challenge of guarding some of the biggest players in the camp. Extremely bright future and long-term potential for this prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3729755' first='Day'Ari' last='Lashley']<strong> 6-2 Muskegon Mona Shores</strong> (pictured) First stumbled upon this player covering the 17U division at Prep Hoops event in late May. Where he helped his squad take down an EYBL [program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family'] that was playing up a grade division. While his opponent was playing up a grade, so was Lashley. He was the best player on the floor by a healthy margin that day. I have continued to be impressed into the fall through two prospect camps in August. Lashley is electric will the ball in his hands. Covers a lot of ground with big bounding steps. Also uses jump cuts and power jump stops to careen around defenders near the rim. If that doesn't work, is already a next level leaper who finishes above the rim with ease. Big strong hands and already controls and palms a basketball. This is a more important physical trait than you would with think when it comes ball handling and limiting turnovers. It is hard to have an early riser for a 2030 class that has yet to be ranked. But Lashley would certainly fit the bill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3574168' first='Davion' last='Boards-bey'] <strong>5-8 Battle Creek Central</strong> When I first caught Lashley (see above) He was playing with the Battle Creek Balldawgs. I don't recall this players performance from that day. Perhaps he was not there. But do recall his play from this past Sunday. Very quick with the ball in his hands. Attacked the basket without fear despite not being the biggest prospect. Didn't seem to favor a side and was good driving to both the right and left. Part of strong group of young guards looking to revive the Central program. There is more of an opening as a talented 2029 guard just transferred to Kalamazoo Central. Keep an eye for this player if the Bearcats to make some noise in the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3688018' first='Jeremiah' last='Coakley'] <strong>6-1 Farmington</strong> Moving over to the east side of the state. Coakley was hyper charged scoring wing with a good frame. Competed hard on both ends of the court. Used strength and force to finish through contact on more than one instance. Also got out in transition quickly. Played well in the 3-on-3 portion of the camp as well as the scrimmages. Part of young group at Farmington with a bright future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3736138' first='Ethan' last='Willis'] <strong>6-2 Southgate Anderson</strong> Knew next to nothing about this player coming into the camp. In fact, having scouted out of state quite a bit. When I saw the name "Anderson" as a school, my first thought was that a player from Indiana has signed up. Don't believe I have ever covered a player from the downriver Detroit school... but that should change here. At 6-2, kind of a "jack-of-all-trades" type prospect. Versatile and not entirely sure of what his standout skill was. However, he had a knack for being around the basket with scoring opportunities. Quick elevation and got the ball up to the rim quickly. Lanky frame helped play taller than his listed height. Long term I would surmise he will be a rangy wing. Right now though he excelled on the block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3615577' first='Dezmond' last='Holifield'] <strong>6-0 Belleville</strong> We will wrap up wuth a unique prospect. Holifield is a wide bodied and strong player who competed hard down low against "taller" players all day. Notice I highlighted taller there. As I am not sure anybody played bigger. Light on his feet and got up down the floor quickly. Also showed good hands and decent ball skills. Will certainly have to keep getting taller to compete on the block. This was a freshmen camp, and it is definitely on the table for a player this age. Could also keep improving his quickness and become a bully ball wing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->