2K24 Classic: Early Game Standouts

In its 10th year and fourth different location in the Grand Rapids area. The 2k24 Classic has grown into a two weekend event. Although I was not able to attend last weekend's triple header. I was able take catch all six games of Saturday's deep and talented slate.   Following are five standouts from the first three games of action.   [player_tooltip player_id='1793652' first='Corey' last='Sadler'] 5-10 2026 Detroit Cass Tech For those who only follow the hardwood. Enjoy Sadler's talents while you still can. The sophomore is trending towards being a top 20 recruit nationally in football. Despite that, is also putting together an impressive basketball resume as well. Came off the bench for a state championship team and is taking on a more featured role this year. You don't have to squint hard to see the football talent. Is a heat seeking missile on the defensive end. With good instincts and quick hands. You can see why he is a possible blue chip defensive back. Showed the accompanying grit while appearing to play through an injury. Stuffed the stat the the tune of a near triple double. Finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.   [player_tooltip player_id='1437579' first='Macari' last='Moore'] 6-3 2025 Ann Arbor Huron Moore is the type of player that is both fun to watch, and difficult to scout. I don't want to be negative so we will get the “difficult” stuff out of the way. What position is he? While Huron does not have a traditional point guard, I don't know if I would categorize him as a point. At this juncture of his development, I wouldn't say he is a knock down shooter either. Additionally he doesn't have the long slender build of slasher. So what is he? A stone cold basketball player is what he is. Has a “good hard” gear that other players simply don't seem to have. However this penchant for aggression did get him in a bit trouble on Saturday. Spent virtually the whole game in foul trouble. That being said, it didn't really seem to slow him down at all. Played the virtually the entire second half and overtime in spite of it. Is right handed but seemingly drove exclusively to the left. Showed an explosive spin move that created space on much of his penetration. Was more than just a bully ball driver though. Moved well off the ball. Used a back cut to get an easy two. Hit a baseline three after getting open off of a hammer action set. Obviously well schooled to go along with the physical gifts and effort. Topped it off by showing a clutch gene and sealing the game at the line. Turned in the singular performance of the event. Finishing with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.   [player_tooltip player_id='1300933' first='Brady' last='Swartz'] 6-5 2025 Grand Rapids Northview Swartz continued the momentum on what been an absolute explosion of a campaign. Started off the game with huge dunk down the baseline and didn't really let up from there. Is a true three level scorer already as a junior. Huron is a tenacious and deep defensive squad. Swartz handled the waves and different looks that sent at him through most of the game. Had 19 points in the first half. Did appear to slow ever slow slightly near the end. However that is really splitting hairs on what is developing into an elite Midwest prospect. Capped off a week in which he collected two offers (one Division I) with a career high 35 points and 10 rebounds. The developmental arrow on this player continues its nuclear ascension.   [player_tooltip player_id='1437546' first='Darryl' last='Thompkins'] 5-9 2025 East Kentwood (pictured) His backcourt mate [player_tooltip player_id='1438849' first='Jah' last='Hatchett'] gets a fair amount of deserved attention. However, don't forget there are two standout juniors in the Falcon backcourt. Thompkins repeatedly got EK out into transition opportunities with efficient look ahead passing. As Kentwood began to expand their lead. Warren Lincoln answered with heavy pressure from their standout backcourt. Didn't faze Thompkins at all. If anything the increase in tempo was more his pace. Found the seams in pressure defense easily. Showed good body control on one particular runner. Put it up softly with his right hand while all of his momentum was going hard to the left. Not very big, but the type of player who uses it to his advantage. With a low center of gravity and a thick frame. Isn't the type of point guard that is going to get pushed off his spot. When the backcourt duo is firing on all cylinders as it was Saturday. East Kentwood looks borderline unbeatable. That was the case as the Falcons easily took care one of the top teams in Division II.   [player_tooltip player_id='1825126' first='Christian' last='Humphrey-Rembert'] 6-9 2024 East Kentwood I've already noted East Kentwood's cadre of backcourt talent. One thing they do not have an abundance of is size. It took a little bit, but once Humphrey-Rembert began to protect the rim. Warren Lincoln's chances of comeback were pretty much extinguished. Had several impressive blocks in the second half. A few of them were on the weak side and well out of his guarding area. Also got out transition quickly. Had a highlight reel finish off a lob on the break. That in a nutshell , is why is skill set so tantalizing for college coaches. Not many 6-9 prospects can protect the rim and change ends of the court that quickly. Briefly committed to Howard. He should be able to find a home at the next level with both his physical and academic profile.

In its 10th year and fourth different location in the Grand Rapids area. The 2k24 Classic has grown into a two weekend event. Although I was not able to attend last weekend's triple header. I was able take catch all six games of Saturday's deep and talented slate.