Storm ID Camp: 2030 Great Eight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second annual ID Camp put on by the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] featured three two hour sessions for 15U through 17U divisions. Spoiler alert. The first class highlighted will the first one up in batch of new rankings that will roll out in November. Consider this list of eight to be a bit of a primer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It might not be as deep as the banner 2029 class, but it is "big". I mean big in the literal tape measure sense. The list below highlights this. Some skilled big bodies to go with some advanced smaller guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2844069' first='Jackson' last='Huffman'] <strong>6-8 Hillsdale Academy</strong> (pictured) If you check the archives of this site. You will note two outstanding prospect camp performances in the very same gym for this player within a two-month span. What happened between that time frame? Oh, I don't know, something minor like trying out for the US National Team. The meteoric rise continues for this highly fluid and elite dexterous player. After playing up in 15U basketball last season. Huffman did double duty in the 16U and 17U sessions. Did not seem to tire and remained one of the top players on the floor. Just not many holes in his game. Full disclosure, I first saw this him as a very young player. With his bloodlines I thought he would be a big wing. The scary part is he still might be. However, as he continues to grow. He looks like he is going to be a major matchup nightmare as a dynamic stretch four. Too skilled with too much footwork and touch for bigs in the post. While also showing the ball handling and movement to get around players on the perimeter. Elite athlete who runs the court and is an exciting finisher in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2876124' first='Kamani' last='Moore Walker'] <strong>5-10 Muskegon</strong> Like Huffman, Moore-Walker played in all of the recent showcases in this very same gymnasium. Looked vastly improved in a short period of time as well. However Moore-Walker doesn't have a national team tryout cite. What he does have is extensive varsity fall league experience with one of the top teams in the region. Now looks to be playing decisively on penetration and with better pace. Was always quick with the ball. But didn't dance around accumulating empty calories waiting for a driving lane develop. If it was there, he took it and hit it quickly. If it wasn't, he kept the ball moving. Appeared to be shooting the ball better on Sunday as well. Part of a crowded and talented backcourt with the Big Reds. It will be interesting to see what type of role he can earn this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3669326' first='Elijah' last='Dorsey'] <strong>5-10 Grand Rapids South Christian</strong> Very similar evaluation to Moore-Walker. A smaller point guard with a well earned rep who is still improving. Dorsey might not be a quick as the player listed above (it's quite close) But he has a bigger upper body and shows near elite change of direction ability. Is left handed and that might help him on bit on penetration as it is a slightly different look for the defender. Hyper competitive in this setting. Attacking the basket with purpose and force. Locked in and got after it on the defensive end. Good court vision allowed him to be a willing and creative passer. Seemed to excel at passing off the live dribble. Especially with his left hand. Once again similar to Moore-Walker, will be part of deep and talented backcourt with the Sailors this season. His role development this year will be intriguing. With or without a big role. This is a name to know in the 2030 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2824509' first='Cristiano' last='Contero'] <strong>6-2 Okemos</strong> Unlike many of the other players, I did not catch this player until recently at the presenting organizations Fall League. As he did on that Sunday, the Lansing area... gua...for... let's just go with "bucket" continued to impress. I hesitate to use the term "natural" scorer. As he has obviously put in a lot of work. That being said, he makes scoring so smooth and easy. The definition of the Wooden axiom of "hurry but don't rush." Excels at getting to his spot in the mid-range and rising quickly over defenders with sudden elevation. When I first caught him in Fall League action. On Saturday against fellow 2030 prospects, the physical advancement stood out. Has a strong upper body and explodes to the rim with eye opening elevation. I continue to hold that this could be a special player in the 2030 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DeSahn Baker 6-8 Grand Rapids West Catholic</strong> With the positionless player at the top list non withstanding. After an early injury knocked out a contender. Baker was pretty comfortably the top post prospect in the camp. Has extreme length that helps him play closer to 6-10. Runs the court fluidly and with purpose. In drill stations showed a soft touch around the basket. Good hands and made difficult catches throughout the day. Slender build but did not shy away from contact. Will get stronger but the physical mindset is half the battle. Did seem to get frustrated when he didn't get the touches he wanted. That is getting a little picky though for such a young player. A young who might have to most long-term upside of any player on this list. Should form a dynamic 2030 duo with wing [player_tooltip player_id='2743229' first='Kenyon' last='Rembert'] in the next four years for West Catholic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2749837' first='Carter' last='Buchholz'] <strong>5-10 Hudsonville</strong> Played well at recent Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. Unlike other players on this list. I don't believe I caught this player in Fall League action. On Sunday, continued his momentum. Probably the best shooter on this list. Has deep range and trigger quick release. Despite the shooting acumen. Is a point/lead guard all the way. Plays with the confidence and swagger you need at that spot. Good ball handler who got to the basket often. Will need to get a little better finishing around the rim as he ages. Has the outline of a crafty finishing skillset. But will probably need to add a more elevation if stays a sub six-foot prospect. At a school that is turning into "Point Guard U". Buchholz could be the next one up for the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3718435' first='Grady' last='Hiller'] <strong>5-10 Manton</strong> While he earned notice for his play at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. I thought the Northern Michigan point guard played better in this setting. Played with more confidence and shot the ball well from beyond the arc. Good stop and start ability and played well in pick and roll situations. Smallest player on this list and will need to get bigger. Especially in the upper body to absorb contact on penetration. Unlike the other players on this list. Playing at a rural locale, he should get ample opportunity to develop on the court as a freshman. There is some strong talent coming up behind him with the Ranger program as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will Zabriskie 6-6 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central</strong> We will save the "z" for last. But certainly not least. Has size you can't teach. With a thick upper body and broad strong shoulders. Also has a naturally wide lower base. Didn't seem mind contact at all. Put it all together and you have a player who is not going to get pushed off his spot after establishing deep post position. Has the look of an old school bruising post man. Dig a little deeper and you see a player with middle school sprinting track and field records. Numbers don't lie, the straight ahead speed is certainly there. The eye test says he might need to get quicker laterally. As he is not a lanky long limbed athlete. Also might need to quicker in getting the ball up the rim. However, there is reason scouts in that other sport value the 40-yard dash time. If the short burst quickness is there it can eventually be tapped into. I will certainly be watching to see how this player develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->