West Side Revival
The Great Lakes State features basketball talent at every nook and cranny. Often times, the Detroit Metro area overshadows the west side of the state. We’re currently seeing a change in the landscape of Michigan high school basketball. The west…
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Continue ReadingThe Great Lakes State features basketball talent at every nook and cranny. Often times, the Detroit Metro area overshadows the west side of the state. We’re currently seeing a change in the landscape of Michigan high school basketball. The west side is increasing its number of top notch players and the amount of depth in that half of the state has drastically increased in recent years.
It’s important to give credit to some of the players leading the charge in western Michigan. Here is a look at 8 upperclassmen who are playing a role in the west side revival in Michigan:
Ryan Corner (2020, F/C, Allendale)
Corner is quickly developing into a force and an elite post player in Michigan. He has loose and fluid movement for a kid his size. Corner can bang in the post, but isn’t afraid to step out and bury a jumper.
Reece Hazelton (2020, G/F, Glen Lake)
Hazelton is a uniquely talented player. He can play inside-out or outside-in depending on his matchups. Hazelton is tough on the glass and can defend multiple positions.
Carlos Johnson (2020, SF, Benton Harbor)
Johnson has been a star since before his high school career began. I firmly believe he’s a top 100 talent nationally. Johnson plays with a controlled aggression and has a well rounded game to go with it.
Jamoni Jones (2020, PG, East Kentwood)
Jones plays like he’s hungry. He wants to eat and he does. Jones is a downhill player that’s difficult to stop in the open floor. He has good hip movement that keeps defenders off balance.
Jarvis Walker (2020, PG, Muskegon)
Walker is one of the highest IQ players in Michigan. He just gets it. Walker always seems to know the right play to make and delivers. He’s a strong player that can be physical but can also finesse a defender on the perimeter.
Kobe Bufkin (2021, PG, Grand Rapids Christian)
Bufkin has turned himself into a soon to be top 50 prospect in the country. Quite honestly, he has the potential to be recruited by any and every school at the next level. The fluid lefty is a gym rat and one of the most dedicated athletes you can find.
Ethan Erickson (2021, SG, Forest Hills Northern)
Erickson just keeps getting better. You can tell that he’s been in the gym fine tuning his craft. Erickson has a nice jumper and is a scoring threat no matter where he is on the floor.
Trip Riemersma (2021, SG, Zeeland East)
Riemersma has a ton of potential. He has nice size at the 2 which allows him to play over and shoot over many defenders. Speaking of shooting….Riemersma is a SNIPER. A defender can’t give him an inch from behind the arc.