Under the Rotation Prospects

<div> <div>A popular categorization in recruiting is the “under the radar” moniker. I’m going to attempt to go even a little deeper than that this week. We’re going to highlight some prospects that are “under the rotation”. My definition of that are prospects that are a part of deep and talented programs who in some cases were playing JV basketball last year. If they continue their development from this summer they could all have the potential to break out in the coming season.</div> <div> </div> <ol> <li><strong>Kingsley Perkins 6-7 2021 Ann Arbor Huron</strong>   After this summer I’m starting to think playing time will be one of the tougher opponents Coach Waleed Samaha faces this year. It seemed like every court you stumbled upon contained a player from Huron (REACH, AABA, Common Bond) Perkins ran with the Michigan Warriors this summer. He is the type of athlete that you do not need program to identify. Perkins posses a long, lean, and impressive frame. How often can you be a top 50 recruit in your class but only the third or fourth ranked player on your own team? These are the embarrassment of riches the River Rats (what a great nickname) have. While possessing impressive length Perkins has both the thickness and toughness to be a true post. More importantly he is also on a team that should allow him to highlight these abilities.</li> <li><strong>Tyrone Rios 6-1 2020 Mount Pleasant</strong>   The Oilers rode a deep rotation to 18-1 regular season. Much of attention is paid and justifiably so to the tandem of <strong>Mason Wojtusik</strong> and<strong> Joe Ostrowsky</strong>. When I saw them defeating an equally deep Orchard Lake St Mary’s team Rios was coming off the bench. His versatile game was readily apparent as he did a lot of the dirty work and effectively guarded multiple positions. This summer with his Champ Sports AAU team, he showed an expanding offensive game providing a glimpse that he can be much more than a jack-of-all trades defender. Rios showed off the trifecta of an improved handle, explosive first step, and an increasing level of assertiveness. Rios is setting himself up for a huge senior season. Mount Pleasant’s dynamic duo could evolve into a triple threat.</li> <li><strong>Elliott Grashuis 6-4 2021 Grand Rapids South Christian</strong>   Depth is nothing new for the Sailors so Grashuis will have to battle to get some time on what will be one better teams in Class B. He began that task by having a good summer with an Impact Elite AAU (IE) team featuring many of his South Christian teammates. He is predominantly left handed at this point offensively and that will need to be improved. However defensively is where Grashuis stood out this summer. With quick well schooled feet and a long wingspan he was very effective when placed at the top of a diamond press. This was especially apparent in Fort Wayne as this defensive performance almost saved IE from elimination against the Oakland County Ballers. If South Christian Head Coach Jeff Meengs (who also served as the IE travel coach) chooses to use Grashuis in this manner he could be a real weapon to go along with the Sailors traditionally long front line. This will be an intriguing prospect to watch develop.</li> <li><strong>Luke Scherler 6-7 2021 Clarkston</strong>   It only takes a cursory view of rankings and college rosters to know that Clarkston has featured some extremely deep rosters recently. Perhaps lost in the shuffle is this young big man. Scherler showed a soft pair hands and good mobility with the North Oakland Wolfpack this July at the GRBA Nationals in Fort Wayne. Filled the lane and ran the court well with lightning quick summer team running mate <strong>Bennie Crenshaw</strong>. Bigs that run well with good hands don't grow on trees. Will get some quality experience in practice defending seven-foot teammate <strong>Matt Nicholson</strong>. If he can get run on a loaded Clarkston team this year Scherler could open some eyes.</li> <li><strong>Joshua Mayhue 6-3 2021 East Kentwood</strong>   The Falcons got hot in March and reached the MHSAA quarterfinals. They return the vast majority of their rotation. Mayhue was not listed on Varsity when I saw them defeat Detroit County Day at the Redhawk Showcase. After viewing Mayhue with the Grand Rapids Storm this summer he should have the opportunity to earn some time on an athletic and deep squad. Mayhue capped off his summer with a strong performance at the Ferris State Exposure Camp. Mayhue displayed a well rounded game. While his versatility is a strength, at this time he lacks one particular skill that stands out. He is in a good spot to develop his game next to standout point guard<strong> Jamoni Jones. </strong>Jones will demand much of opposing defenses attention. If Mayhue can use this year to incubate his ball handling and shooting ability this could be breakout prospect for 2021.</li> </ol> </div>