The Expo: Team 3 and 4 Evaluation Briefs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eighty plus upperclassmen from all over the state of Michigan descended upon Grand Rapids for The Expo presented by Prep Hoops Michigan. Following are brief evaluations from teams 3 and 4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team #3 </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2826080' first='Justin' last='Harper Jr'] <strong>6-0 2028 Concord</strong> Bulky guard contributed to winning on a squad loaded with strong guards. Has a wide frame that helps him guard larger players on the defensive end. Showed his ability to pick his spots offensively. Important skill for the regular season. As he plays in a deep and talented state championship winning backcourt with the Hornets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2974484' first='Timothy' last='Ewing'] <strong>6-3 2027 Pontiac</strong> Caught this player last year at the Expo when he was listed with Detroit Cass Tech. Similiar performance this year, just slightly bigger and more explosive athletically. Was on a team loaded with guard, so Ewing was forced to channel the post portion of his game. Made plays at the rim and out in transition often. The Expo doesn't do athletic combine testing. If it did, I'm fairly certain Ewing would test as one the better athletes in the field. Lateral quickness, strength, and good elevation are staples of Ewing's game. Consistently made plays above the rim. Should have an opportunity for big year on a Pontiac squad that features good guard play. A recent transfer should allow him to play more on the perimeter which will most likely be his spot at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2847583' first='Artis' last='Williams'] <strong>5-9 2028 Muskegon Reeths-Puffer</strong> I believe this was my first time catching this player. Came away quite impressed. Good ball handler who played with mature pace. Quick first step and accelerated to the rim with force. Particularly effective with the use of a strong pump fake. Also showed the ability to keep defenders off balance with a stop and go abilities in transition. Type of point guard the Rocket program has been producing of late in the <strong>Marvin Moore </strong>(Kalamazoo College) mold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2527220' first='Jayden' last='Fomby'] <strong>5-8 2028 Utica Ford </strong>Having Fomby on a squad with other speedy guards wasn't exactly fair. Even amongst this grouping, Fomby was able to show his near elite quickness and change of direction ability. Competed hard on both ends of the court. Accumulated steals and turned defense into offense quickly. Finished at the rim despite not having ideal size. Does it by hanging in the air and contorting his body into unique angles. Also has a lanky build that helps him play taller than his listed height. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2454031' first='Zameir' last='Clayton']<strong> 6-2 2028 Benton Harbor</strong> I try to not be too affirmative in an event with such a expansive field. That being said, this was my MVP for the day. Simply put, there is just not much this player did not do. You want high flying dunks, there were plenty. How about heads up and creative passing. It was there in spades. I would not label Clayton a pure shooter at this point in his development. However, there is nothing off mechanically and if you leave him open, he will knock shots down. An elite athlete with a skillset bordering on that status as well. A high level competitor as well. Did not seem to take a play off... or a game for that matter. With some no shows, he stepped in with other teams that were short a player, and always seemed to be on the court. With his talent level, you can sometimes see a player get casual. That was not the case here. Still only a junior, Clayton is one of the more underrated players in the state. With a big regular season, I don't believe that distinction will hold much longer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2891308' first='Deshawn' last='Brister'] <strong>5-9 2027 Benton Harbor</strong> A late sign up to the camp. Brister fit in well on a team loaded with talented point guards. Good ball handler who knew what to do with the ball. Didn't dribble into trouble. Played with his head up and was a good passer. Showed good elevation in the mid-range. Was also able to fall away on his shot. This allowed him to get it off despite the lack of ideal height. Part of deep backcourt at Benton Harbor where shots and time might be hard to come by. If he gets the opportunity. There is the talent present to possibly be a late bloomer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team #4 </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2623017' first='Carter' last='Yiirs'] <strong>6-0 2027 Pickford</strong> The Upper Peninsula prospect was perhaps the player who made the farthest road trip. Yiirs was improved in a return appearance at the Expo. Didn't do anything too flashy. Was a calm and composed shooter. Especially in the mid-range. The composure was especially evident in the 5-on-5 portion of the camp. Took a bit of hand grenade pass as the play clock was winding down. Hit a three at the buzzer without hesitation. Plays winning basketball and is reflected in his squad's regular season record. Should be ready to take a bigger role with talented Pickford squad that loses some production from last year's undefeated unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2803468' first='Benjamin' last='Perez']<strong> 6-1 2028 Adrian</strong> Strong and physical guard with a big frame. I though he played better in the 3x3 portion of the camp. Where he was able to impose his size against smaller guards. Much more than just a bully ball guard though. Showed a smooth effortless release on his shot. Range extended to well beyond the three point line. Should a form a nice inside out duo in the next two years with fellow camp participant [player_tooltip player_id='2802855' first='Zion' last='Thurman'] for the Maples.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2539734' first='Jake' last='Goodnough'] <strong>6-5 2028 Milford</strong> Full disclosure, I saw Goodnough play a lot this spring and summer with Inspire U in grassroots basketball. Consequently, I did not necessarily see anything new. Just confirmation of a burgeoning stretch four skillset. Fundamentally sound and is going to play within what the game allows. In Saturday's up and down format. That meant a lot of kick out corner threes. Showed a smooth and effortless release from beyond the arc with little wasted motion. More than just a shooter though. Has a strong projectable frame and isn't afraid to mix it up down low.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2539881' first='Trent' last='Hawke'] <strong>6-4 2027 Mason County Central</strong> I live not too far from this Northern Lakeshore Division III school. I have seen Scottville (that's what we call it) play before. Hawke is either new to the program or vastly improved. As I do not remember seeing him play. I would lean towards the latter. The lefty made plays in the post and away from the basket. While he has perimeter capabilities. Was comfortable in the post and did not shy away from contact. Showed a well schooled up and under post move for a score on the block. Not going to be confused with point guard. But also showed good ball handling ability. Perimeter shot is hard to block with a high release point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2627100' first='Aiden' last='Burk'] <strong>6-2 2027 Lutheran Westland</strong> Burk had a strong day after a slow start. Made winning plays. Good post entry passes that set his teammates up nicely (see below) Has good size for a backcourt prospect. Versatile enough to play both backcourt spots. Didn't to play much point with his squad on Saturday (see below) Showed toughness and grit by appering to play through an injury. Had a strong spring and summer playing with the Michigan Tar Heels. Could be poised for a big senior season in a wide-open Division IV.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3765094' first='Sean' last='Reese'] <strong>6-4 2027 Walled Lake Western</strong> Detroit area forward with a bit of a throwback game had a strong day. Was very comfortable with his back to the basket and scored often in the post. Did this with patience, After a deep catch, did not rush a shot up quickly. Methodically showed a nice drop step and the ability to finish over both shoulders. Established deep post often despite a wiry frame. Might seem small for a post. However I saw him play very well against a huge frontline from Frankenmuth in the summer. The soft touch around the basket extended out to the mid-range. Part of an underrated senior group at Western that could surprise in the upcoming season. Could be late blooming small college prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2140537' first='Tyree' last='Burton'] <strong>5-11 2027 Kalamazoo Central (pictured) </strong>One of the breakout players in the camp for this particular scout. Electric with the ball in his hands. Got wherever he wanted with a tight handle. Able to score but played with his head up and was a willing passer. Knew how to play in pick and roll situations. Good live dribble passer. Good enough shooter to keep defenders honest on the perimeter. There should be a lot of opportunity in a Maroon Giants program that loses a ton of production from last year's squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2383976' first='Braylin' last='Shaw'] <strong>6-0 2028 Detroit UD-Jesuit</strong> Though playing at a high-profile program. I believe this was my first time catching this player. I came away quite impressed. Long and lanky build helped him play much bigger than six feet. Evident with a pick six steal and easy dunk in the 5-on-5 scrimmages. Accordingly turned offense into defense quickly. Good ball handler and obviously knows how to play. Stayed in motion off the ball and cut with purpose. Making him a solid playmaker both on and off the ball. The Cubs are in the midst of rebuild. With Shaw and fellow camp participant [player_tooltip player_id='3772916' first='Oreese' last='Collins'](6-4) it could be a short down period.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->