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Add commentMichigan boys basketball preseason: Top 25 juniors
We will be rolling out Michigan high school basketball preview stories over the next few weeks, leading up to the 2024-25 season.
Story & rankings by: Alec Brzezinski
Cameron Ryans, 6-4, Grand Rapids Northview
His versatility stands out. He can dominate in the paint, shoot from deep and run an offense. He has a power-5 offer from Iowa State, where he would likely have to lock down a spot on the wing. Ryans is a physically dominant player against other high school players. He is the frontrunner to win the 2026 Mr. Basketball award. He’s very competitive and consistent - perhaps one of the most consistent players in the state.
K.J. Torbert, 6-2, East Lansing
Electric guard, who like Ryans, is very consistent and versatile. He will be a point guard at the next level, but can play multiple positions for the Trojans. Father of former MSU Spartan Kelvin Torbert, but K.J. is a vastly different player. Torbert is explosive on the break, and he can break down a defense in the half court. He has super-star upside.
Carlos Medlock Jr., 5-11, Wayne Memorial
Quick, aggressive guard who plays with confidence and determination. Great leader who makes his teammates better. He can shoot from any level, but his main strength is getting to the basket for a finish or foul. His dad played at Eastern Michigan, and that might be Medlock Jr.’s floor. His height isn’t really a problem because he’s so strong and quick.
Jaylohn Allen, 6-1, Wayne Memorial
Yeah, the Zebras have an elite junior backcourt. Allen is more of a shooter than Medlock. He likes to rise above defenders for a mid-range pull up jumper. Extremely athletic, Allen uses his long wingspan to create turnovers. At his current height, he might have to play point guard at the D1 college level, but that shouldn’t be a problem.
Jordan Sigmon, 6-1, Detroit Renaissance
Aside from OLSM’s Trey McKenney, Sigmon has the most impressive college offers in the state. Sigmon is a dynamic guard whose high school numbers take a small hit playing alongside Lance Stone. Once a senior, Sigmon might show the state just how amazing he can be. Offers from Alabama, LSU and Vanderbilt speak to his tremendous upside and potential.
James Martin, 6-3, Muskegon
One of the best athletes in the state, and maybe unanimously the best dunker (Warren Lincoln’s Da’Marrion Bozeman might have a say, though). Martin is a terror in transition who looks like he could be a point guard at the next level. His half-court offense still needs to prove, but he has elite upside on both ends of the court.
Keyshawn Summerville, 5-11, Lansing Sexton
The best player to don a Sexton uniform since winning back-to-back D2 state titles when NBA hoopers Denzel Valentine and Bryn Forbes were on the roster. Quick guard with great handles and a solid all-around shot. He’s good at creating looks for others, and he’s deceptively strong considering his lithe frame. He’s a player who continues to improve every year.
Isaiah Theodile, 6-7, Kalamazoo Central
Theodile flies a little under the radar on a rebuilding Maroons squad, but he has serious game. He’s a comfortable mid-range shooter with solid handles and a great overall basketball I.Q. He’s grown in height and strength since his freshman year and now looks poised to rise into Mr. Basketball nominee consideration. He has a handful of D1 college offers.
Jake Bascom, 6-5, Rockford
The type of player every high school coach dreams of in the post. Physical frame, long arms and tremendous footwork, there are no weaknesses in his game. Bascom really took a step forward last season, and he looked even better this summer. Amazing scorer on the block and from mid-range. Incredible rebounder and blocks shots with regularity.
Xavier Pendergrass, 6-7, Lansing Waverly
He was, perhaps, the MVP of the BCAM event at Grand Valley this summer. He hit 3-pointers, showcased improved post moves, threatened to shatter glass with his thunderous dunks, and he rebounded ferociously on both ends of the court. Waverly is a sleeping giant with a plethora of intriguing young guards and two great posts.
Tristan Comer, 6-6, Freeland
Two-sport star who could play D2 basketball or football with the chance at D1 in both sports. Great 3-point shooter and feel for the game. He took over this summer after teammate Wilson Huckeby’s injury. A one-man wrecking crew with an intriguing mix of physicality and finesse. A potentially special player who might make two Breslin Center trips before he graduates.
Braylon Frantz, 6-1, St. Clair
Although he plays way off the normal high school basketball grid, Frantz is worth a trip to watch one of the most dynamic guards in the junior class. Terrific on or off the ball, as he wears down defenders with great shooting and driving ability. Might be two inches away from D1 consideration.
Jacob Pleyer, 6-3, Watervliet
Speaking of off the radar, Pleyer plays for a small southwest Michigan town even life-long Michigan residents might not have heard of. Pleyer is a dynamic lead guard who can shoot lights out from beyond the arc and mid-range. His ball-handling is steadily improving. If his play-making skills can reach his elite shooting, he could become a D1 recruit.
Wilson Huckeby, 6-4, Freeland
Elite shooter with long wingspan and the ability to create his own shot. Has the ability to rise over defenders and hit shots in bulk. He could become an elite wing. He might need to get a little stronger, especially on defense, but right now, his length makes up for it. Freeland has had an influx of talent over the past five years, and Huckeby could end up the best of them all.
Julius Wilson, 6-2, Warren De La Salle
Athletic and tall potential point guard. He’s one part - and the youngest - of a four-headed guard attack leading the Pilots, so opportunities can be limited. He’s a major breakout candidate for the 2025-26 season, but he should take another step this winter, too. Wilson is a solid shooter with a quick first step getting to the basket. Very promising as a defender.
Alex Jamison, 6-2, Port Huron Northern
He’s the type of player you want taking the last shot. Extremely dependable and smart. He has an uncanny feel for the game - especially for a high schooler. He doesn’t have D1 athleticism, but he checks every other box. Great shooter from 3-point range and mid-range. Willing to do the dirty work most star players wouldn’t. He could be a 1,000-plus point scorer at the D2 college level.
Jacob Plamondon, 6-7, Maple City Glen Lake
Looks like he should be on a Big Ten roster. He may never reach those heights, but D1 is well within his reach. He’s a physical presence who can shoot 3-pointers and put the ball on the deck. He completely dominates Northern Michigan D2-4 competition. He could average 20 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks a game this season. A true superstar with unlimited upside.
Grady Eklund, 6-4, Pewamo-Westphalia
Where does Pewamo, a small school in the rural, northern part of Lansing get all this talent? It seems like Pewamo is an annual threat to reach the Breslin Center. Eklund is an athletic wing who can also lead the offense, if necessary. Great shooter, who has improved his strength. He became a fast-riser with some spectacular performances this summer.
Cole Charter, 6-5, Clarkston
Charter is a tall, rangy point guard with a solid overall skillset. His name has been suspiciously quiet on the recruiting circuit considering his measurables and upside. Charter is a breakout candidate on a team ready to show just how great they can be.
Jaden Garwood, 6-5, U of D Jesuit
Known as a great shooter, and he’s proven that over the summer. He looked more comfortable and free in the offense this summer, which points to a bigger role during the regular season. He has D1 college upside. He just needs to gain consistency and continue developing the more aggressive pursuit for buckets he displayed in summer camps.
Jaquon Stennis, 6-8, Old Redford
Extremely tall with point guard skills. His versatility allows him to play and guard multiple positions, but he seems to prefer the perimeter. He could be an elite, tall point guard if he can improve his court vision and 3-point shot over the next two years. He’s a player who oozes potential but needs to put the work in to take the next steps.
Derek Thomas, 6-3, Lansing Waverly
One of, if not the most, fascinating players in the state. Thomas might even be shorter than his listed height, but you would never know watching him. He’s easily the most pure post player in the state, using his intelligence to always be in the right spot and seemingly never miss any type of shot around the basket. A fantastic, under-sized post presence.
Keandre Burtin, 6-7, Warren Fitzgerald
He looks the part of a future D1 prospect, and his game definitely took a step forward this summer. Crafty and versatile scorer who plays well above the rim and has added a nice jump shot. His strength and height should give defenses fits this winter on a quietly loaded Fitzgerald roster.
Asher Suardini, 5-10, Detroit Catholic Central
Tremendous leadership and ball-handling skills make him one of the best pure point guards in the state. Suardini can knock down shots from all over the court. His pacing is impeccable. He always plays within himself, setting the tone for the entire game. A rising overall prospect, who has taken some impressive recent D1 college visits.