GottaGetIt Hoop Classic: 8 Standout Players from the annual event

The GottaGetIt Hoop Classic delivered another great Saturday of six high school basketball games, providing fans with great teams, players and performances.

Here are eight players who impressed at The GottaGetIt Hoop Classic:

Jeremiah Cook, 6-1 So., East Kentwood

The home-town hero belied his youth while putting up 29 points to help his Falcons upset Detroit Renaissance. Cook has put together quite a few high-scoring efforts in his first year as a starter. He has garnered attention from some major colleges like Purdue, and performances like this explain why. He’s a well-built guard who excels at getting to the basket, but he can also knock down some 3-pointers. Could be a future Mr. Basketball contender.

Jordan Sigmon, 6-1 Jr., Detroit Renaissance

The electric junior with several high-major D1 offers put his game on full display Saturday, scoring 30 points and creating numerous turnovers on the defensive end. He was aggressive with the ball and is super quick with his first step. His mid-range shot is nice and an asset, but his 3-point shot is very flat and needs some work. Overall, Sigmon is an elite prospect with a high motor who will likely play point guard at the next level.

Keane Hinkle, 5-11 Sr., Byron Center

Hinkle is now four-for-four in thoroughly impressing me at showcases this season. He has the quickest release I’ve ever seen from long range and he makes them with striking regularity. Despite his height and slight frame he’s a beast on the boards, almost always out-battling bigger players. Hinkle is a superstar who likely will be a tremendous player at the D2 college level.

Jake Bascom, 6-6 Jr., Rockford

Talk about a special player, Bascom shredded the De La Salle defense. He scored a game-high 26 points in just three quarters as the starters were rested after that, already up over 30 points. Bascom has the best post moves in the state. His footwork is phenomenal and he almost always finishes at the hoop. He’s tall and long and has an offer from Ferris State. A more reliable jump shot would likely give him D1 consideration.

David Williams, 6-2 Sr., Brother Rice

Williams is a stud. He’s a tall, physical point guard who can get to the basket and his 3-pointers. He’s also a great facilitator living up to his point guard name. Williams has been suspiciously quiet on the recruiting front, which baffles most who watch him play. He could be a JUCO candidate with D1 upside. He led the team with 15 points against Muskegon.

Brady Swartz, 6-6 Sr., GR Northview

Swartz is known as a 3-point shooter, but he tallied 20 points without hitting one from beyond the arc. Swartz might have had the dunk of the season. Fellow star teammate Cameron Ryans threw a high-arching alley-oop from close to mid-court and Swartz came soaring out of nowhere to emphatically throw down a thunderous dunk. He’s committed to Western Michigan and might help put more people in the seats and wins on the schedule.

Markus Blackwell, 6-2 Sr., Warren Lincoln

Incredible player who can score from anywhere on the court. He’s a clutch shooter who almost single-handedly led a comeback against GR Northview. Blackwell has signed with Eastern Illinois where he could be a bulk scorer from Day 1. Blackwell is a smooth athlete who can play on the wing or be a score-first lead guard. Very impressed with his poise and passion for the game. He scored a game-high 29 points in the loss.

Jayce Branson, 6-4 Sr., East Lansing

Branson is one of the best athletes in the state, but also knocked down some contested 3-pointers in a big win against a Trey McKenney-less Orchard Lake St. Mary’s squad. He’s much more well-rounded than years previously and has emerged as a dangerous option on the wing opposite Saint Louis signee Cameron Hutson.