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Add commentMichigan HS Bball Scrimmages: 4 Impressive Teams From MSA Fieldhouse
Former Grand Rapids Union head coach Brandoen Guyton hosted a fantastic scrimmage Saturday at MSA Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids.
Games were constantly being played on five courts as some of the state’s best teams met for a very early-season clash. Even though some teams were still down a football player or two, the games were competitive and offered good insight into what to expect during the regular season and playoffs.
Here are four teams that really stood out at the event:
Rockford
The nation’s alleged east-coast bias extends to Michigan, as the teams on the west side of the state usually aren’t given enough credit for their overall ability. Let's stop that right now. The Rams are legitimate state title contenders. Led by super junior Jake Bascom (6-5) who gobbles up points from all over the court. Bascom is joined by his freshman brother Josh Bascom (6-3) who was extremely lively and skilled as a scorer and passer throughout the day. Both have offers from Ferris State.
Lucas Pitsch is a 6-7 menace who can put the ball on the floor, shoot from outside and block shots. He looks poised for a breakout year. Starting point guard Michael DeKuiper (6-0) is a steadying presence who committed to Calvin University. Dylan Gross (5-9) is a fantastic shooter who can also handle point guard duties. Watch out for freshman Eli Wolfe (6-0), who also has an offer from Ferris State. He was cold Saturday, but he’s an explosive talent who will make an immediate impact. The Rams easily defeated Hamtramck and Grand Ledge before taking on East Lansing in what could have been a preview of the D1 state finals matchup.
Grand Rapids Christian
Last season’s D2 state runners-up lost their entire starting lineup. Most of the time that would end a school’s chances for the next season. Not for the Eagles, however, who replenished their talent pool with an all new starting lineup of next-level players. Tyler Davis (5-11) is a smart point guard with a great feel for the game. He’s solid in every aspect and makes plays on both ends of the court. Carl Thompson (6-4) looks special. He’s an effortless athlete with a tremendous outside shot. He has a lot of similarities with former Eagle Kobe Bufkin.
Ador Mawut (6-3) is springy and bouncy around the rim with a nice mid-range jumper. He plays above the rim snagging rebounds and throwing down dunks. Connor Johnson (6-7) is an intriguing junior. He can shoot, rebound, and uses hsi solid frame to score in the paint. His foot speed needs work, but he could make a big impact this season.
Byron Center
I watched the Bulldogs face off against East Lansing. Both teams had a key starter out because of football, but this was a spirited game. Byron Center led almost the entire game, until East Lansing caught fire midway through the fourth quarter. Camden Karel (6-9), a Bowling Green signee, showed improved aggressiveness in the paint and a nice touch from beyond the arc. Now the senior leader, Karel should get consistent double-doubles this season, even if he’s double teamed most nights.
Cassius Bont (6-2) will play college basketball. He’s a great athlete and fierce competitor. He was very upset they let the game slip away, and this was just a scrimmage. I like that mentality. Keane Hinkle (5-11) is a great outside shooter with surprising bounce. Grand Rapids-area college coaches need to take notice of his improved game. Jaden Bowman (6-5) has the chance to be this team’s final piece of the puzzle for a long postseason run, but he has to make more of an impact on the offensive end than he has throughout his high school career. Bowman is athletically gifted, he just needs to be more assertive with the ball.