The Invite: Super Six Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In its second iteration. The Invite hosted by the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] organization delivered an exciting four game regional slate. Especially in the main event. An instant classic with a buzzer beating three for Grand Rapids Northview. Following are a six pack of standouts from the action packed day </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1111924' first='EJ' last='Ryans'] 6-4 2024 Grand Rapids Northview </strong>To the victors go the spoils. Author of one of the more dramatic moments of the early high school season. Ryans confidently sunk a three as time expired before being mobbed by his student section. Finishing with 13 points, so much of what Ryans does not show up in a box score. As always the pass first point guard got Northview into its sets quickly. Even more important Saturday as The Invite utilized a shot clock. Crisp set up passes also played a hand in the hot shooting performance of [player_tooltip player_id='1300933' first='Brady' last='Swartz'] and younger brother [player_tooltip player_id='1588161' first='Cameron' last='Ryans'] The Western Michigan commit played with the exposure you would expect from a four year starter. The Broncos are getting a unique prospect whose game could really take off in the MAC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112374' first='Durral' last='Brooks'] 6-2 2024 Grand Rapids Catholic Central </strong>What can you say about Brooks that been written before? How about this— can someone make a strong Mr Basketball statement while losing a game. I think you know the answer to that question. When you watch four games in one setting. Brokks' elite athleticism really pops. Just moves at a different speed than most high school opponents. Coming off a hesitation simply explodes to the basket. Gets from zero to sixty in a hurry. Forced Northview to change how they guarded off picks. You couldn't switch on him. As the slightest opening was exploited with accelerating penetration. As Northview adjusted so did Brooks. Showed off an improved mid range game with a handful of confident jumpers when drives were cut off. However the athleticism and sheer competitiveness will always be his calling card. Reflected on ATO with four tenths of a second on the clock. With that amount of time everyone in the gym knew where the in-bounds lob was going. Didn't stop Brooks from simply rising above the pack to go and get it. The Michigan commit did everything possible to pull out the victory. Including six straight points at the end to tie it up. Finished with an event high 31 points, an early Mr Basketball statement, and everything but a victory. After watching for the last four years. I have a feeling he would rather have the victory. That is part of what makes him a special player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300933' first='Brady' last='Swartz'] 6-5 2025 Grand Rapids Northview </strong>The breakout performer of the event. Arguably has played in the shadow of his teammates and even his older brother in the past. That will not be the case after Saturday's performance. With his pedigree and past performances. The excellent outside shooting was expected. What was not expected was the open court explosiveness. Had the gym the buzzing with a two handed flush early in the contest. Outside of the highlights was a very efficient and mature approach in half court sets. Gets to his spots easily and rises above defenders with his 6-5 frame. Has smooth and effortless release with no wasted motion. Finished with a team high 28 points in the dramatic victory. Even carrying Northview at times early in the contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1356986' first='Cameron' last='Regnerus'] 6-8 2024 Grandville (pictured) </strong>The Grand Valley St commit might have posted the best single half of anyone in the event. Came out with an aggression in the third quarter that allowed Grandville to defeat a pesky Unity Christian squad. Had three big dunks in the third quarter alone. I lost count of how many in the game. Established a “no fly zone” at the rim with six blocks and who knows how many “bothers”. Heading to the next level. I think he will be an above average rim protector the moment he steps on campus. Also owned the glass with 13 boards. The length and explosiveness allows him to cover so much ground on the court. Can catch well outside of the paint and get to the rim with simply a power dribble. Rounded out the stat line with 24 points. The Lakers are getting a good one to stay close to home. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223499' first='Jake' last='Vermaas'] 6-2 2024 Grand Rapids South Christian </strong>While Regnerus is going to playing at the field house in Allendale. Vermaas is going heading just past it to play under the lights at Lubbers Field as a wide receiver. However before he shifts his focus exclusively to the gridiron. He reminded the region that he can play with anyone on the hardwood as well. Let's be clear 2025 standout [player_tooltip player_id='1300920' first='Carson' last='Vis'] is going to be just fine in the long term. That being said he didn't have his best outing Saturday. Vermaas stepped into that void in a major way. I wouldn't expect any less from the uber competitive point guard. Scored in a wide variety of ways. All while playing a heady floor game and getting teammates involved. Finished with 28 points in the victory over a Rockford squad whose strength was in the backcourt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223497' first='Nathan' last='Johnson'] 6-5</strong> <strong>2024 Grand Rapids Christian </strong>Like the first player on this list. Johnson's contributions to the Eagles might not jump off a box score. However he had an excellent all around game to get a win against a good Hudsonville squad. Is an elite athlete who lives above the rim. That was especially evident on the defensive end of the court. Johnson had two huge blocks that kept Husdsonville from gaining momentum to mount a second half comeback. One was an especially impressive highlight reel chase down rejection in transition. Out in transition is where he excels offensively. Simply glides and bounds from end to end. Uses a huge power dribble to get from block to block quickly. Is more than just an athlete though. Is a good ball handler with an improving outside shot. Finished with 11 points and as previously mentioned an eye opening five blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->