Conference Preview: OK Red

<p>The OK Red is stacked with talent yet again as prime-time players will look to make a name for themselves throughout the season. Hudsonville returns the most talent from a team that went 11-1 in conference play a season ago, but will face a conference slate that has no slouches. Expect excellent guard play to swing the balance in the conference this season as a number of Division I and II prospects will face off on a weekly basis.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>All-Conference First Team:</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Justin DeGraaf</span></strong></p> <p>6'7" Forward</p> <p>Hudsonville, 2020</p> <p>Justin may be the most intriguing player in the OK Red this season. After living in Hudsonville through 6th grade, Justin moved to Indiana and played the first three seasons of his high school career with Indianapolis-based high school Center Grove. At 6'7", Justin brings a unique skill set to a Hudsonville team that is looking to defend it's OK Red title and make a deeper run in March.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Jamoni Jones</span></strong></p> <p>6'1" Guard</p> <p>East Kentwood, 2020</p> <p>Jamoni will look to lead East Kentwood to another deep playoff run, following a junior season that ended in a narrow defeat in the quarterfinals. Armed with a strong handle and numerous offensive moves, Jamoni has the ability to break down just about anybody who tries to guard him. Jamoni's recruiting is also heating up, as he recently received a Division I offer from Northern Illinois University.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Max Perez</span></strong></p> <p>5'11" Guard</p> <p>Hudsonville, 2020</p> <p>Max plays the point guard position as smooth as anyone in the area, and that play is often reflected in his teammates as well. His shot selection is rarely in question and he has the ability to speed up or slow down the game, given the circumstances. So far during his recruitment, Max has received interest from just about every NAIA school in the midwest and a number of Division II schools.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Stone Smeenge</strong></span></p> <p>6'3" Wing</p> <p>Hudsonville, 2020</p> <p>Stone is yet another talented senior from Hudsonville who is primed to have a big season. At 6'4", Stone has the length and athleticism to be a true two-way player for the Eagles. Stone stays active on the defensive end, causing havoc and producing fastbreak opportunities for the Eagles. On the offensive end, Stone's chemistry with teammate Max Perez is evident and makes Hudonsville's offense hard to stop when both are hitting their shots.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Tanner Weigerink</span></strong></p> <p>6'7" Forward</p> <p>West Ottawa, 2020</p> <p>Tanner will be a main source of offense this season for a West Ottawa team that is looking to improve on a 5-7 conference record from a year ago. Tanner is a knock down shooter from the mid-range, and also has a number of post moves he uses to get buckets in the paint. Tanner's transition game is underrated as well, as he has shown the ability to finish tough shots in transition.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Second Team</strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">TJ Barnes</span></strong></p> <p>6'0" Guard</p> <p>Grandville, 2021</p> <p>TJ began to make a lot of noise as only a sophomore a season ago, tallying several 20-point games. TJ has a high IQ and displays that efficiently on the offensive end with his pace of play. TJ rarely forces shots and often puts his teammates in great positions to score. Expect TJ to compete as one of the premier guards in a conference that is loaded with talent in the backcourt.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Aiden Heishetter</span></strong></p> <p>6'10 Forward</p> <p>Rockford, 2020</p> <p>Aiden is an imposing presence in the paint, standing at a true 6'10" and his skill set has rounded into form as well. Aiden's post moves are his strength and he also serves as a dominant force on defense. He will look to help Rockford breakthrough the log jam of the middle of the OK Red, after the Rams finished with a 7-5 conference record from a season ago.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Blake Pedersen</span></strong></p> <p>5'7" Guard</p> <p>West Ottawa, 2020</p> <p>Blake returns for his senior season as the starting point guard, looking to help West Ottawa improve on a 5-7 conference campaign from a season ago. Standing at 5'7", Blake may not be the most physically opposing player, but his defensive tenacity makes up for it, as he torments opposing guards at will. Blake also has a nice step-back jumper and isn't afraid to let it fly from deep.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #ff6600;"><strong>Owen Ross</strong></span></p> <p>6'5" Forward</p> <p>Grand Haven, 2020</p> <p>Owen will look to anchor a Grand Haven team that finished tied for second in the OK Red a season ago. Coming into his senior season for the Bucs, Owen is a true big and uses his 6'5" frame accordingly. Owen has a number of back-to-the-basket post moves, and can also attack the lane from the perimeter. Owen has the same mentality on the defensive side, as he defends the paint and alters shots on a regular basis.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="color: #ff6600;">Adonis Vashon</span></strong></p> <p>6'4" Wing</p> <p>East Kentwood, 2020</p> <p>Adonis is a 6'4" guard that stretches the floor effectively, which only results in positives for the Falcons. Adonis is one of the more lethal three-point shooters in the area and doesn't need much time to get his shot off. When he's in a groove on offense, it's easy to see why Adonis and teammate Jamoni Jones combine to be one of the most dangerous backcourts in West Michigan.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>