Prep Hoops Sophomore ID Camp: Up North Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As August ends, I'll wrap up the coverage of the Sophomore ID camp with for the "home" team. By home, I mean my region of origin in Northern Michigan. The 2029 class in Michigan has a chance to be a special group. While the top of class is outstanding, the reach of excellence seemingly extends throughout the entire state. Including Northern Michigan. Following are five that caught my eye, I left out some players that I already covered from the camp. I would encourage you to check the site archives for those players</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2802595' first='Mikey' last='Bauman'] <strong>6-2 Traverse City St Francis I</strong> frequently write about breakout spring and summers. I did not see Bauman much in the warmer months, so the growth could have happened there. That being I said, he is in the midst of a breakout fall. Began two weekends ago at the Bank Hoops Underclassmen camp. Wasn't any different at the Prep Hoops event. A physical scoring wing who plays under control. Exhibits good pace and balance on penetration. Puts up a lot of shots but not bad ones. Isn't going get bodied off his line on penetration. Isn't an overwhelming vertical athlete but makes up for it with well schooled footwork. Uses good pivot control to get out of trouble and create unique finishing angles. Played varsity last year at St Francis and at times did not look completely ready (no shame there) That will not be the case this year. With such a leap one might wonder if he has topped developmentally. I don't see that happening here, as Bauman puts in a lot or work and is in good developmental programs both in regular season and grassroots play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2873740' first='Hudson' last='Worm'] <strong>6-2 Frankfort (pictured </strong>Grouping Worm and Bauman together is a little tough. As they are remarkably similar player. Both are power guards with nearly matching physical dimensions. They both also love play and compete outside of the region at the highest levels as well. Bauman might be a little bigger, but Worm's smaller and more elastic frame makes him more explosive at the rim and in transition. Don't read that to think Worm is small though. Has a strong upper body that can absorb contact on penetration. Good enough ball handler to make me wonder if he could slide over to the point. Right now, he is wired to score. I am impressed with how comfortable he is in the mid-range. After a brief lull, Worm (and others) could lead a Panther resurgence this year at Frankfort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2872569' first='Ryder' last='Girven'] <strong>5-10 Brethren</strong> As this and previous lists show. There is a plethora of wing options in Northern Michigan within in the 2029 class. Who is the top point guard? That is more of a sparse field. Girven who plays at a school that is well off the beaten path, made an early case in the month of August. Isn't very big. Has a slender build to go with the sub six-foot frame. However, makes up for it with good handling and deep range from the perimeter. Plenty of quickness but will probably need to find an even higher gear if he is done growing. Like seemingly every player in this class, competes hard doesn't back down from anyone. If wants to know how to succeed at his height in the region. Few could be better to learn from his high school coach <strong>JJ Randall </strong>(Bear Lake/Alma College standout) While there is some development left to go. Girven is off to a good start with three years left.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2873742' first='Nathan' last='Wells'] <strong>6-1 Boyne City</strong> A physically advanced forward with a strong athletic frame. I also saw him play well early in August at the Saginaw Valley St elite camp. My only question with Wells is long term position. Not sure if I see the perimeter chops of the other players with similar size on this list yet (with yet being the key word here) Not sure he will get the vertical size to compete on the block at 6-1. He earned mention on Sunday by competing hard on both ends of the court. Also has long arms that help him play taller than his listed height. If the ball handling and deep shooting come in a greater measure. Could be a matchup nightmare on the wing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3728107' first='Tyler' last='Ribel'] <strong>5-11 Traverse City St Francis </strong>A player falling into a bit of the "brother" trap early. Two older brothers who were standout players at Traverse City Central and West respectively. Ribel is a much different as a prospect. Not an unusually tall point guard (Anthony) or an explosive wing scorer (Owen) Tyler is a smooth shooter who stays in motion off the ball. He will need some physical development but has the deep range to keep defenders honest. Gets open by staying in constant motion off the ball. Has some intangibles and plays like a player who grew up around the game. St Francis is a rebuilding program that is deep with prospects. Especially in the backcourt. It might not pop this year for Ribel. However he definitely showed some long term potential on Sunday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->