CAAC Blue: Upperclassmen To Watch
The CAAC Blue is one of the better conferences in Michigan. However, there are a few guys that could light up the conference. Here are my upperclassmen to watch this year.
Brandon Johns (East Lansing, 2018)
Johns is ranked as Prep Hoops’ No. 1 prospect in the state of Michigan for the class of 2018 and for good reason. He is one of the most complete players in this class. He uses his size to get to the basket and shoot over shorter defenders very well, but he also rebounds, keeps his teammates involved and can step out and knock down an outside shot when he needs to. One of the biggest concerns for Johns has been his lack of competition in the CAAC. It’s one of the better conferences, but he’s such a good player that at times the game can look a little easy. He should be on the all-state team and could win Mr. Basketball.
Jordan Henry (Okemos, 2018)
Henry is one of the more underrated prospects in the class of 2018. He was a unanimous selection to the All-Conference team last season, and should be one of the more prolific scorers in the conference this season. His game reminds me a little bit of DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors. Henry is really good from mid-range, attacks the basket, finishes really well and isn’t afraid to step outside and knock down some shots from beyond the arc. If it weren’t for Johns, Henry would be the talk of the league. He’s still a great player and certainly deserves more recognition.
Artavious King (Holt, 2018)
Holt was one of the better teams in the conference last season, and King had a lot to do with it. King is ranked as Prep Hoops’ No. 134 overall prospect in Michigan for the class of 2018, but he might be a little underrated. He is a very good player inside and out, but he can really be defined as a slasher. He likes getting to the basket and is one of the better finishers in the conference. His ability to knock down shots and finish at the rim should strike fear into any opponent Holt may face this year.
Luke Smith (Grand Ledge, 2018)
Like Henry, Smith should be one of the better scorers in the conference this season. He has the ability to blow up at any given moment, which is scary for any team on the schedule. He is a guy you gameplan for, but still can’t contain. He was a Class A Honorable Mention All-Area selection last season, but if he can lead Grand Ledge to a nice year, Smith could find himself on the Class A All-Area team this year. Smith will likely be one of the best shooters in the conference and should not be left open on the outside, because he will make teams pay.