<p>The 2021-2022 Michigan high school basketball season was a special one. Michigan proved to have an array of talented players and the competition and quality of play was very high. Today, we will honor a Prep Hoops Michigan Player of the Year and Honorable Mentions for the class of 2024.</p>
<h2>HONORABLE MENTION</h2>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1300936" first="Uchenna" last="Amene"] (PG, Southfield Christian)</strong></p>
<p>Amene is a dynamic guard that showed explosiveness out of the backcourt. </p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1223488" first="Ayden" last="Davis"] (C, Onsted)</strong></p>
<p>Davis had that next level post game this year. He was a force in the lane for Onsted.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1140922" first="Chas" last="Lewless"] (PG, Detroit Catholic Central)</strong></p>
<p>Lewless is a high IQ lead guard with the skill set to match. He looked like a potential top 100 type guard this season.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1112377" first="Tyler" last="Ode"] (SF, Saginaw Heritage)</strong></p>
<p>Ode is a menace off the wing. He excelled in the open floor and might be the best finisher in the class.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1111925" first="Anthony" last="Ribel"] (SG, Traverse City Central)</strong></p>
<p>Ribel has been turning heads since last spring and that didn’t stop this season. He led TC Central to a terrific season with his ability to score from multiple spots on the floor.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1111924" first="EJ" last="Ryans"] (PG, Northview)</strong></p>
<p>Ryans slips under the radar a bit sometimes, but this young man was a big part of Northview’s trip to the semifinals. He’s so dependable with the ball and makes smart decisions on the court.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1356947" first="Shane" last="Rykse"] (SG, Schoolcraft)</strong></p>
<p>If you watched the state playoffs you know exactly why he’s on this list. Rykse sent a loud message this season. He could be one of the better pure scorers in this class.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1223489" first="Dontez" last="Scott"] (PG, Summit Academy)</strong></p>
<p>Scott took on a new and even bigger role this season. As the year went on, he became more and more comfortable. The waterbug guard got it done in a big way this season.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1112302" first="Xander" last="Wedlow"] (PF, University Prep)</strong></p>
<p>Wedlow has become a beast under the rim. He gets off the ground quick and finishes strong, making the rim pay the price.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1112299" first="Jaxson" last="Whitaker"] (SG, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer)</strong></p>
<p>Whitaker looked like a spring and summer must see for college coaches with his play during high school season. He’s an advanced scorer that does it in a disciplined manner.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1112346" first="Landon" last="Williams"] (PG, North Farmington)</strong></p>
<p>I’ve always been really high on Williams game and was really excited with his play this season. Even being surrounded by high level guards, he managed to let his game shine. Williams might have also been one of the most improved players in the state.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1140335" first="MJ" last="YEAGER"] (CG, Sainaw Nouvel)</strong></p>
<p>Yeager had to be on this list. He was a bona fide sniper from behind the arc this season. I think they had to keep a fire extinguisher near the nets.</p>
<h2>PLAYER OF THE YEAR</h2>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1112374" first="Durral" last="Brooks"] (PG, Grand Rapids Catholic Central)</strong></p>
<p>Grand Rapids Catholic Central may have lost a classic state championship game, but that doesn’t in slightest bit negate what he and his team did this season. Throughout the year, the defending champs were considered number 1 or 2 in Division 2. That’s a lot of pressure on a sophomore point guard. But in [player_tooltip player_id="1112374" first="Durral" last="Brooks"] fashion, he handled the pressure like a champ and let it make him even better as a basketball player. In leading GRCC to the title game, Brooks showed off his multi level scoring that includes one of the better mid range games in Michigan, and probably beyond. He has college ready strength and toughness. Even better, as strong as he is physically, he’s even stronger with his mental game. Brooks had an incredible season and deserves to be named Player of the Year. Just think, the best is yet to come.</p>
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in