West Michigan Top Prospects of 2023 (20-16)

Yesterday, I posted the initial segment of my 2023 prospect rankings from West Michigan. Be sure to check that out and my 2022 list if you missed that. Today, I broke down prospects ranked 16-20. Check back in tomorrow for prospects ranked 11-15.

16. Brant Goodpastor, Hamilton

Brant showed he's one of the better shooters in the 2023 class as he consistently knocked down perimeter jumpers for the Hawkeyes in his sophomore campaign. His fundamentals are sound and his release point is as consistent as it gets. His ability to knock down jumpers at such a consistent clip helps spread the floor and sets his teammates up with quality looks. Brant has also displayed great speed in transition and the willingness to make himself available for outlet passes off a missed shot. Brant has all the tools to step in and become Hamilton's lead guard for the next two years. Given his level of play he displayed in the opportunities given to him thus far, I fully expect that to be the case.

17. Sam Mendendrop, 6'3 G, South Christian

Sam is one of my picks from the 2023 class to have a huge junior season and rise in the rankings. This is primarily due to his frame and the natural length that causes mismatch problems for teams. Defensively, he has the length to guard multiple positions and the lateral quickness to stay in front of smaller guards. Sam showed a bit of his potential in a district semifinal against Godwin Heights, where his imprint on the game was seen in all three facets of the game. Playing for a loaded South Christian team this past season, Sam wasn't relied upon to fill up the stat sheet, however, I think that will change next season as he should be one of the Sailor's more consistent contributors.

18. Arjun Taylor, G, East Grand Rapids

Arjun flashed a ton of potential in his sophomore year at East Grand Rapids, stepping up for the Pioneers in big moments throughout the second half of the season. He's a hard-nosed guard that isn't afraid to get on the floor after a loose ball and has the defensive chops to lock up opposing guards. Arjun uses his body well in transition opportunities and does a good job of drawing contact and getting to the line. Arjun also showed nice shooting from the perimeter, which is something that he'll be called upon to do more often in his junior season.

19. Shawn Foreman, G, Comstock Park

Shawn proved to be one of the best guards in the OK Silver as a sophomore, earning all-conference honors and leading Comstock Park to a 7-7 record. Shawn has been one of the better ball handlers from the west side since he entered high school and he has continued to refine his craft in the offseason with the Grand Rapids Thunder. Shawn's ability to drive and kick to open teammates is the skill set that has set him apart from other guards in the area. He does a great job of breaking down the defense and hitting his teammates with timely passes. Defensively, Shawn's quickness can create problems for opposing ballhandlers.

20. Kaden Bird, G, NorthPointe Christian

Kaden just might be the best shooter in the area now that Ethan Erickson has graduated. He'll definitely have all the opportunities to make his case as he'll be a focal point for a NorthPointe team that finished in third place in the OK Silver and should be one of Godwin Height's top challengers in 2021. Kaden excels in spot-up and off-the-bounce shot opportunities, which makes him that much harder to defend and gameplan against.