Five Possible Statement Games at the Showcase

Jonathon Gilbert February 3, 2022 @ 01:42 PM

After a pandemic influenced and pared down event last year. The Red Hawk Showcase returns in full force with a different name and location. But one thing that hasn’t changed is it’s usual deep and talented field. This field features plenty of big name talent. However it also provides a platform for lesser known or younger players to make a statement. Following are five that could seize this opportunity. [player_tooltip player_id="1214781" first="Jahvair" last="Pauldo"] 6-5 2023 Detroit Henry Ford The opening game of the Showcase (aka Red Hawk Classic) has always provided a stage for unheralded players. From Avery Hudson (Wayland/Davenport) to Jake Van Tubbergen (Holland West Ottawa/Grand Valley St) the opening game has frequently served as a recruiting springboard. Nobody really jumps off the page in the East Kentwood/Detroit Henry Ford contest. But I was very impressed with Pauldo’s play this summer. Played well with Hoop Intensity. In that role he did a lot of the dirty work down low. Allowing [player_tooltip player_id="985669" first="Damaryon" last="Fishburn"] to have a huge weekend at the Rumble in the Rapids. I haven’t caught Pauldo yet this year. But I am intrigued to see how he looks in a more featured offensive role. [player_tooltip player_id="863933" first="Genesis" last="Kemp"] 6-7 2022 Grand Rapids Union (pictured at top of article) It’s understandable that Kemp has flown a little under the radar. After getting a fair amount of attention for running with Emoni Bates early in his career. He has bounced around a little. Has found a good spot with a talented Grand Rapids Union squad in need of some size. Kemp has plenty of it along with eye opening length. This makes him a natural plus on the defensive end. The offensive game showed growth this summer. But defensively is where he has a chance to make his mark on Saturday. Williamston features the rare player with more length than Kemp. 6-10 Western Michigan commit [player_tooltip player_id="863935" first="Max" last="Burton"] will be a tall task with his varied inside/out offensive attack. If Kemp can hold Burton in check while doing some things offensively he could really “reopen” some eyes statewide. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/15990D0C-92B1-4841-AA6F-133322C19CE7-rotated.jpeg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1254223" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/15990D0C-92B1-4841-AA6F-133322C19CE7-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1223497" first="Nathan" last="Johnson"] 6-5 2024 Grand Rapids Christian The somewhat rebuilding Eagles program has drawn the short straw in taking on Orchard Lake St Mary’s. If Christian is going to pull the upset they will need to match St Mary’s top level Division 1 talent. This fits Johnson to a tee. Long and explosive in the open court. Johnson could serve as a counter balance to the St Mary’s duo of [player_tooltip player_id="787651" first="JaVaughn" last="Hannah"] and 2025 uber 2025 recruit Trey McKenney. While they are extremely good. They play more of the physical game with their sturdy builds. If Christian can get the game out in transition Johnson’s athleticism could thrive. Johnson is more than just fast break threat. Showed a solid all around game this summer with UTS Elite on the national stage. Johnson could be the tip of spear in a deep 2024 class for the Eagles. Jajaun Walker 6-2 2022 Benton Harbor The vaunted Tigers program features one of the top backcourts in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="863960" first="Trucel" last="Singleton"] and 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="987285" first="Grant" last="Gondrezick"] garner most of the headlines. But in a earlier Showcase event at Cornerstone. Walker seized the moment garnering the game MVP with 24 points in a victory over Flint Carman Ainsworth. Returns back to the same court with an equally tall task. Doesn’t possess the flashy game of his counterparts but is skilled and plays his role well. If he shows out again against a Detroit Edison squad that always features good guards. Walker can firmly plant his flag as one of the more underrated guards in state. [player_tooltip player_id="1111924" first="EJ" last="Ryans"] 6-3 2024 Grand Rapids Northview In the aforementioned showcase event that Walker made his name. [player_tooltip player_id="1140922" first="Chas" last="Lewless"] (Detroit Catholic Central) staked his claim as the top point guard in a very deep 2024 class. Ryans has a chance to answer on the same court. Northview is undefeated behind a deep rotation led by Belmont commit [player_tooltip player_id="787685" first="Kyler" last="Vanderjagt"]. However I think Ryans is the engine that makes this machine hum. Has excellent size for either the 1 or 2 guard positions. Also plays with a maturity uncommon for a player his age. Will be matched up with a similar albeit older prospect in Brother Rice’s [player_tooltip player_id="987273" first="John" last="Blackwell"]. If Ryans can get the better of Blackwell on Saturday his already high ranking could take off.