The Showcase: Next Generation and New Names

<p>While the headliners were as advertised at the star studded Showcase at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids. The event also provided a glimpse into the future as some young players stepped up in a big way. Additionally a few upperclassmen who might be a little radar also used the platform to announce themselves. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Next Generation</b></span></p> <p><b>Sharod Barnes 6-2 2025 Orchard Lake St Mary’s </b>Teammate <b>Trey McKenney </b>gets a lot of national 2025 buzz. And deservedly so. Barnes showed on Saturday that he belongs in the same rarified air. The “home” Grand Rapids Christian squad got off to a red hot start. Barnes showed excellent composure for a young player and led the charge to get the Eaglets back into the contest quickly. Even more impressive did it primarily on the defensive end. Had multiple steals that helped stem Christian’s early momentum. Converted defense into offense quickly after said turnovers. Appeared to be a good shooter with a soft touch. Especially in the mid range. Drove hard to the basket with no fear. Showed versatility and a tight handle by sliding over to point when [player_tooltip player_id="1181896" first="Kareem" last="Rozier"] went to the bench. St Mary’s did not miss a beat. That is saying something for his future positional development considering Rozier’s outstanding play. At the beginning of the season I named St Mary’s as the top backcourt in the state. After upcoming mass graduation loss. McKenney and Barnes might be able to keep that title next season as well. If not the next three. They are just that good. </p> <p><b>Jah Hatchett 5-9 2025 East Kentwood </b>Along with [player_tooltip player_id="1214779" first="Marshaun" last="Flakes"] (see below) led a spirited defensive comeback that came up just short against Detroit Henry Ford. Really came alive late in the contest as the score tightened up. Wanted the ball in his hands during crunch time. Also showed a knack for absorbing and finishing through contact. Both of these characteristics are uncommon in a player so young. Going forward size could be an issue. But has the type of physical game that could overcome it. Led the Falcons with 15 points. Along with Flakes should be a part of one of the top backcourts in West Michigan next season. </p> <p><b>Jaylan Ouwinga 6-7 2024 Grand Rapids Christian </b>Christian started out absolutely on fire behind the arc against the heavily favored Orchard Lake St Mary’s. As the game slowed down and moved inside. Ouwinga held up well and kept Christian in it for a bit. Really neutralized St Mary’s big frontline. Forcing them to do it from the perimeter. Protected the rim with his length.  Collected a few impressive blocks. Also showed his athleticism with two tip dunks. None of this was surprising after watching him with MBA 2024 this summer. What was surprising was his perimeter confidence and the ability to stretch the floor. Hit two deep threes with a smooth and easy release. Finished with 13 points. With <b>Christian Humphrey-Rembert </b>departing to a prep school this could be the top post prospect on the west side in the 2024 class. </p> <p><b><u>New Names</u></b></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1214779" first="Marshaun" last="Flakes"] 6-1 2023 East Kentwood (pictured at top of article) </b>Hatchett’s more experienced backcourt partner did it on the defensive end on Saturday. You’ve heard the cliche “he’s a one man press break”. Flakes was a “one man press” unto himself. Lost track of how many steals and deflections he accumulated at the front of the Falcons press. Had a personal 5-0 run to start the second half. Plays with his head up and passing was his first option after steals. Finished with 10 points but it easily could have been more. Most impressive offensive play was a killer hesitation dribble drive down the baseline to draw a foul. Coming off a good summer on the Prep Hoops Circuit with B3 Athletics. Another big summer could see him rise up recruiting boards. </p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="1076029" first="Antwon" last="Davis"] 5-7 2023 Detroit Henry Ford </b>Speaking of Kentwood suffocating press. Henry Ford eventually figured it out and won the contest thanks to the composed play of this point guard. Along with <b>Anthony</b> <b>Figures</b> Davis showed off an extreme amount quickness and shiftiness with the basketball. At 5-7 Davis is a fearless penetrator. But it was his outside touch late that allowed the Trojans to escape with the two point victory. If a college coach can look beyond size. This is a well coached tough as nails point guard. Coach Ken Flowers has won a lot of games (and a state championship) with point guards who fit this profile. </p>