Michigan’s Top Shooters: Part 2
In today’s game of basketball, the ability to shoot the ball means more than it ever has. It’s no secret basketball has evolved into a three-point happy game – in order to compete at the highest level, teams have to be able to shoot at a high level from beyond the arc. Players who can make these shots are becoming more and more valuable as the rules of the game shift to favor skill over athleticism. Let’s take a look at some of the top shooters around the state:
Here’s part two of “Michigan’s Top Shooters”:
Christian Knox (Ann Arbor Skyline, 2019)- This year’s Skyline squad will be loaded with shooters, Knox included. The small guard is as pure of a shooter as they come – great mechanics, smooth shot, quick release, etc. He’s capable of shooting off the catch or dribble and has a really good mid-range pullup. Knox is a player who can get hot and hit multiple threes in a matter of minutes.
Drew Knickerbocker (Lapeer, 2018) – Knickerbocker is has the build of a prototypical three-and-d player. At 6’5″, he’s got the height to get his shot off over most defenders, especially when given the fact that he gets good elevation on his jumper. He has great mechanics and can hit from anywhere. Knickerbocker’s ability to shoot over defenders allows him to be able to hit shots from anywhere on the floor.
Jiovanni Miles (Novi, 2019) – Miles is one of the top 2019s in the state and a huge part of that is a result of his ability to shoot the ball at a high level. Miles is definitely a bomber – something that’s very valuable in today’s game of basketball. He has solid mechanics and gets great elevation on his shot, which allows him to get his shot off over even the best defense. In addition to this, Miles has good range, as he can hit out to several feet behind the three point line. As far as the types of shots he can hit, he’s got almost everything in his arsenal including step-backs and fade-aways.
Quinn Blair (Divine Child, 2018) – The William and Mary commit is similar in build to Knickerbocker. Blair stands 6’6″ which, given his solid body/strength, allows him to play the 3 or the 4. He is a three-and-d guy who can play on the perimeter or down low. He excels at shooting off the catch but is not limited to just that – he’s a threat to pull-up off the dribble. Blair also has a nice post fade jumper, which is a move he can use when he’s guarded by smaller or weaker defenders.
Zach Goodline (Coloma, 2019) – Goodline is one of the most prolific scorers in the state regardless of class and huge part of his scoring ability comes from the three point shot. He’s not the typical spot-up, catch-and-shoot player you’d think of when you hear the word shooter – he’s more of a Steph Curry, Kyrie type shooter as he’s great at hitting step-backs and fade-aways. He’s dangerous anytime he has the ball in his hands out to several feet behind the three point line.