Michigan boys HS bball: 10 players you will be happy you worked hard to see

Most of the best teams and players in the state are readily accessible with a vast array of showcases.

Yet, some of the state’s most talented players don’t get to play in the big showcases or compete regularly in a big area.

Here’s a list featuring 10 players who won’t always be easy to see but will be well worth the trip.

Garrett James, 6-4, Port Huron

Tremendous shooter who doesn’t get the eyes or attention he deserves - at least during the high school season. He’s a summer darling who torches nets and uses his build to get to the line. Port Huron has a lot of basketball talent right now, so James should start getting some long-overdue college offers this winter.

Jaxon Jurmu, 6-0, Marquette

Unless you live north of Cadillac, you may not have even heard of Jurmu, but the U.P. darling showed this summer that he’s the real deal. Jurmu is a physical presence who is a great ball-handler, team leader and shooter. He, and teammate Jacob MacPhee (6-6) could help Marquette enjoy a historic run this season.

Michael Lindquist, 5-10, Greenville

I first saw Lindquist at the Hope College summer camp, and he had current Hope players nodding their heads at his skill. Lindquist was a smooth guard with a great mid-range jumper and fearless getting to the basket. He displayed solid speed and an unrivaled feel for the game. Greenville is kind of in no-man’s land, so Lindquist might not get the attention he deserves, but he’s definitely a player people should try to watch.

Mason Parker, 6-1, Troy

Fantastic player signed with Rochester University. Troy is rarely in major showcases, so you have to be local to see him play. He’s another fearless guard with creativity around the basket and a nice outside shot. Parker is an overall underrated player on a Troy team that has a couple other intriguing pieces. For those who only go to the showcases, you are going to have to work a little harder to see Parker this season.

Joshua Jay Johnson, 5-9, Chippewa Valley

A short, but strong lead guard who doesn’t shy away from traffic. Chippewa Valley is playing Rochester Adams in a showcase this season, but overall, it takes a little extra work to see this team play. Johnson is a blast to watch, as he zips through defenders and uses his strength around the basket. College offers should be just around the corner.

Gavin Grondin, 6-1, Kingsford

Grondin plays for a school with little basketball history, and it’s up in the U.P. Most people just won’t have the opportunity to see him in person. That’s too bad because he’s an elite shooter and scorer with a knack for hitting clutch shots. Kingsford has the chance to become just the second U.P. school to reach the Breslin Center in either Division 1 or 2 since 2000 (Menominee in 2008 was the other).

Gabriel Njenga, 6-7, Big Rapids

Long, athletic, fast-improving wing with great upside and exciting to watch. Big Rapids isn’t that far away from major areas like Grand Rapids and even Lansing, but Big Rapids just doesn’t get in a lot of state-wide showcases. Njenga is still developing his offensive skills, but he could be a great college player with a little more weight.

Jalen Kampen, 6-4, Parchment

Parchment is a small school north of Kalamazoo that doesn’t have a deep history in basketball, but does have a well-respected coaching staff. Kampen has already signed with Ferris State as an elite scoring wing with dynamic athleticism. Parchment is a bigger school than one would think, playing in Division 2. Parchment versus Schoolcraft is always a great game to watch.

Keyshawn Summerville, 5-11, Lansing Sexton

Even though Summerville has D1 college offers and Sexton has won multiple state titles in the last 15 years, they just don’t get in a lot of showcases, making it tough to see them play if you live outside the Lansing area. Summerville is one of a strong trio of guards on this team. They have Breslin Center upside if the frontcourt can come together.

Noah Holt, 6-5, Detroit Voyageur

Holt burst on the scene this summer entering his sophomore season. He impressed coaches, even earning an offer from Greg Kampe at Oakland University. Voyageur doesn’t play in very many showcases, but Holt will definitely be a player to keep a close eye on over the next few years.