8 standout players from The Invite at Calvin University

GRAND RAPIDS - The annual showcase at Calvin University presented by the AAU team The Storm, was a success Saturday, as eight of the top Grand Rapids-area teams faced off against each other.

A day of close games, including an overtime thriller ignited the crowd, with a top-10 matchup between Rockford and Grand Rapids Northview capping the night.

Here are 8 players who really stood out during the event:

Kaden Strong, 6-0 Sr., Grand Haven

Strong lived up to his name Saturday, having his way with GR Christian defenders, bursting through the lane and finishing through traffic for 24 points in an upset victory. Strong is a well-built guard who can get to the basket and hit 3-pointers. Signed with Grace Christian, Strong could put up elite numbers in college.

Carl Thompson, 6-3 Jr., GR Christian

Thompson poured in 22 points Saturday, mostly in the fourth quarter, as he tried to rally the Eagled back from a double-digit deficit. Thompson showcased his athleticism and skill, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Grand Haven’s spirited attack. Thompson is smooth getting to the basket and lethal from 3-point range. He’s the complete package and a future D1 college player.

Brogan Sherd, 6-0 Jr., Unity Christian

Sherd ignited Unity’s stale offense in the fourth quarter and overtime, scoring 10 of his team-high 13 points in those frames. Sherd is a tremendous 3-point shooter who got hot at the right time to help Unity get its second straight overtime victory, this time against GRCC.

Zay Larthridge, 6-4 Jr., GRCC

Larthridge looks like a future D1 or D2 college recruit as a good-sized wing with great 3-point shooting range. Larthridge poured in a game-high 17 points showcasing a versatile scoring profile. If anything, he was a bit too unselfish in the second half and probably should have called his own name more often. He’s a potentially special player.

Keane Hinkle, 5-11 Sr., Byron Center

Hopefully D3 college coaches in the area were in attendance to give this kid an offer after torching the nets for 22 points. Hinkle is a great shooter from mid-range and beyond the arc. He’s an explosive guard who seemingly never missed in this game - a win over South Christian. Hinkle will start seeing offers pour in if he keeps producing like that.

Davis Kemper, 6-8 Sr., South Christian

It blows my mind that Kemper doesn’t have double-figure offers. He’s a 6-8 wing who knocked down six 3-pointers Saturday en route to a game-high 22 points. Kemper was unconscious from beyond the arc in the second half, giving Western Michigan commit Carson Vis (21 points) a bona fide second scorer. Kemper needs to be on D2-D3 college coaches’ radars this winter.

Dylan Gross, 5-9 Jr., Rockford

Gross doesn’t always get the attention he deserves on a deep, talented Rockford roster. But Gross’ timely bickets and spirited defense helped the Rams remain undefeated with a big win against Northview. Gross scored 12 points and led the team emotionally by always making big plays at the right time. The Rams should be pretty balanced scoring this season, but Gross’ ability to stretch the defense will be key.

Cameron Ryans, 6-4 Sr., GR Northview

With Power-5 offers already on his resume, Ryans lived up to the hype Saturday, scoring a game-high 22 points in an efficient manner. He will play guard in college, but his ability to dominate in the paint and on the perimiter make him almost unguardable in high school ball.