Michigan’s Top Shooters: Part 3
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 three of “Michigan’s Top Shooters”:
Marc Vieau | Cadilllac NewsDenver Cade (Buckley, 2018) – Cade is without a doubt one of the top shooters in the state. He’s versatile as a shooter, as he has the pure catch-and-shoot jumper to go with a variety of pull-ups, step-backs and fade-aways. He’s got good mechanics and a quick release that allows him to get the shot off while contested. Cade has that explosive ability to get hot and explode for 6,7,8+ threes in a single game.
Ryan Wade (Ann Arbor Skyline, 2019) – Wade is one of many snipers on a talented Skyline squad. The southpaw made a living bombing threes this summer playing for 1Nation. One tournament this July he played up an age group with the 17u and throughout the tournament you consistently saw him come in the game off the bench and knock down 3-4 threes within a matter of minutes. He’s got an ideal basketball body as he’s already 6’2″-6’3″ and has good length, both of which allow him to get his shot off when contested. He’s got a pure jumpshot with great mechanics and a quick release – it’s clear he’s put plenty of hours into his shot.
Drew Lowder (Ann Arbor Pioneer, 2019) – Lowder is one of the best players in the state, let alone shooters. A huge part of what makes him so good is high-level shooting. Lowder is another guy who can hit any type of shot from any place on the court. He really excels at mid-range pull-ups and step-backs. I’ve seen him hit these shots countless times. Lowder is the type of player who can get hot and take over the game by bombing threes – a skill that is super valuable in today’s game of basketball.
Colten Nelson (Sacred Heart Academy, 2019) – Nelson is as pure of shooter as they come. He’s got good mechanics and a quick release – his shot just has a smoothness to it similar to that of a Steph Curry. As a sophomore, Nelson averaged 20 points per game with a playstyle that relied heavily on shooting the three ball. Given his quick release and 6’3″ frame, he can get his shot off on most defenders. He also has the range, as he can hit out to several feet behind the three point line.
Lamar Norman (Godwin Heights, 2018) – While Norman is certainly a well-rounded scorer who can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways, it’s important not to understate just how good of a shooter he is. He’s as explosive as they come in terms of getting hot from deep – it’s very common to see him explode for 6,7,8+ threes in a single game. He’s capable of shooting any type of shot – catch and shoot, pullup, fade-away, step-back, you name it. Also, he’s got a lightning quick release which helps him get his shot off over even the best defenders.