City Rankings: Grand Rapids Area Top Prospects 2022
Several sophomores from the Ottawa Kent Conferences made a name for themselves this past season as key players to watch as they continue to develop in their careers. Below, I’ll break down the top 10 prospects from around the Grand…
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Continue ReadingSeveral sophomores from the Ottawa Kent Conferences made a name for themselves this past season as key players to watch as they continue to develop in their careers. Below, I’ll break down the top 10 prospects from around the Grand Rapids area in the 2022 class.
#1 Kyler Vanderjagt Kyler Vanderjagt 6'4" | 195 lbs | SF Northview | 2022 State MI | 6’4″ SF | Northview
Kyler continues to gain momentum as not only one of the top prospects in the area in the 2022 class, but also nationally, drawing interest from several major Division I programs. Kyler has a sturdy 6’4″ frame with the skill set of a guard who can manufacture his own shot off the dribble. As a sophomore, Kyler was the go-to guy to get a bucket for Northview, and he can do so in a number of ways. Kyler’s main strengths are slashing and finishing in the paint, showing he can convert tough buckets off a dribble drive. Kyler also has a smooth jumper, which should only get better as he enters his junior season.
#2 Jack Karasinski Jack Karasinski 6'5" | SF Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022 State MI | 6’5″ SF | Catholic Central
Karasinski is a promising wing with a skill set that produces efficient scoring opportunities with regularity. The first thing that stands out is how effective his mid-range jumper is. Karasinski gets good elevation on his jumper, and he’s shown the ability to knock down off-balanced or otherwise contested jumpers from the mid-range with efficiency. Karasinski plays with a high motor from the jump to the buzzer and is constantly out on the break in transition. His ability to score off the dribble is continuing to evolve as well, adding another layer to his game. Expect Karasinski to be one of the most sought after recruits the Grand Rapids area has to offer from the 2022 class.
#3 Brady Titus Brady Titus 5'10" | PG Tri-Unity Christian | 2022 State MI | 5’10″ PG | Tri-Unity Christian
Titus is arguably the areas best ball-handler, which was evident as he was a one-man press break for Tri-Unity this past season, making opposing defense’s look foolish when they attempt to trap him in the backcourt. He has a quick first step and is deadly when he goes left. He has a nice pull-up game from the mid-range and is effective in getting his teammates open looks off dribble drives.
#4 Genesis Kemp Genesis Kemp 6'7" | SF Grand Rapids Union | 2022 State MI | 6’5″ SF | Catholic Central
The second prospect from Catholic Central on this list is 6’5″ small forward, Genesis Kemp. Kemp features a smooth jumper that extends beyond the perimeter, and he can also score in the mid-range. He’s a lanky swingman who can guard multiple positions. The prototypical three and d comes to mind when watching Kemp play, however, expect Kemp to be much more than that for the Cougars in the next two seasons.
#5 Owen Worthington Owen Worthington 6'4" | SF Grand Haven | 2022 State MI | 6’3″ SF | Grand Haven
After watching a short segment of Owen’s film, it’s clear that the strong point of his game is his ability to knock down perimeter jumpers. However, after diving deep into his game, I believe the biggest intangible that Owen presents is his seamless ability to play multiple positions on both sides of the court. Standing at 6’3″, Owen is still developing into his frame but has shown not only the length and physicality to bang with posts, but also the quickness to lock up guards in the backcourt. This versatility was mirrored on offense, as Owen displayed an impressive array of assists for a sophomore.
#6 Jalen Charity Jalen Charity 6'4" | Guard Grand Rapids Northview | 2022 MI | 6’4″ G | Northview
Jalen was recognized as one of the OK White’s top performers, landing on the league’s Honorable Mention list. Jalen is a 6’4″ guard with a solid skillset that will continue to develop as he matures. Jalen has a strong handle and can break his man down with a number of moves. Jalen’s shot extends beyond the perimeter and he’s shown that he can facilitate at a high level. Expect Jalen and fellow classmate Kyler VanderJaagt to be the key pieces in Northview’s offense this upcoming season.
#7 Kobe Haglund Kobe Haglund 6'3" | PG West Ottawa | 2022 State MI | 5’9″ G | West Ottawa
The sharp-shooting lefty from West Ottawa can give you nightmares if left open. An even bigger problem presents itself when guarding Kobe is that he doesn’t necessarily need to be open to give you fits. Kobe has one of the quicker releases I’ve seen in the area, and he can shoot it from spot-up or off the dribble. On the defensive side, Kobe can get in your shorts for a full 84 feet, causing turnovers, or frustration at the very least. I’d expect Kobe to take a big leap forward entering his junior year.
#8 Maurice Sain Jr | 6’3″ G | Muskegon
Maurice is another guard from Muskegon ready to establish himself as one of the must-watch prospects in the area. Maurice briefly played with the Big Reds varsity this past season but made the most of the opportunity given to him. Maurice is a lanky guard/wing prospect that can play the 2-4 efficiently on offense and can guard multiple positions on the defensive end. Maurice has a smooth jumper and the confidence to knock down his shot in a variety of ways.
#9 Caden VandenBerge Caden VandenBerge 6'5" | SF Forest Hills Eastern | 2022 State MI | 6’5″ SF | Forest Hills Eastern
Caden is physically advanced for his age, which he fully used to his advantage in his sophomore season. Standing at 6’4″ 185, Caden was most active in the paint and around the basket, grabbing boards and finishing tough second chance opportunities on a consistent basis. Caden has also shown an advanced passing ability both in transition and in the half-court. Caden could be one of the most intriguing prospects as other facets of his game continue to develop with his already established physical presence.
#10 Jalen Overway | 6’7″ F | Holland Christian
Jalen certainly didn’t look like a sophomore this past season, as he made a habit of bullying opposing bigs on a nightly basis. The 6’7″ forward has a solid foundation of post moves that he uses to get quality shots up. As he continues to develop, so will his footwork, which will add another layer to his game. Expect Jalen to earn more recognition around the area next season.