Four Standouts From the 45
It is tough to get noticed at times for prospects residing North of the 45th Parallel. Here are four Northern Michigan prospects who represented their region well this past weekend at the Prep Hoops 250 Expo in Grand Rapids. …
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Continue Reading- Merik Hodgins 5-9 2020 West Branch Ogemaw Heights There is a lot to like in this lead guard prospect. The flashy ball handling catches your eye at first. He appears to have good control and is both willing and effective in finding teammates. Hodgins also posses a trigger quick perimeter shot and is not shy from deep range. The quick left handed release combined with creative ball handling allows Hodgins to get his shot off nearly at will. These skill sets are needed to offset positional size concerns. Very good grades as well. Going way back in the time machine for a comp. The hair and flair bring to mind a smaller Nash Pater who led Coopersville to a Class B Final appearance in the early 21st Century.
- Drew Hess 6-1 2021 Mio I have written rather extensively on Hess for this publication. If you been reading you know this young man can really shoot it. Additionally Hess has the hardware to back up my observations. On this particular day the shot did not appear to be falling. However this allowed Hess to continue to show his ever expanding floor game. Placed on a team with some extremely quick guards, Hess’ athleticism fit right into the fold. As I’ve noted before if Hess can continue to expand the rest of his game to go with his lethal outside range; he could follow the path of numerous former Thunderbolts (Jay Smith, Graham Brown etc) to success at the next level.
- Cory Deer 6-4 2021 Gaylord The 2018-2019 Gaylord squad had high hopes with a huge roster led by Grand Valley bound Blake Charboneau. Injuries and suspension played a large role in the Blue Devils ten win campaign. This was a difficult situation for a Sophomore to get his feet wet. I do not remember much from Deer in the games I attended. That was not the case at 250 Expo. Deer is an impressive looking athlete with a strong wide frame. I will avoid the puns that his last name provides and just say that this young man runs very well in the open court. Deer was aggressive defensively and did not mind mixing it up under the basket. Deer also knocked down a outside shot when defenses sagged off him. This young man has some work to do to refine his game, but athletically has a good slate to work with.
- Ethan Tornga 6-5 2020 Ellsworth Gauging Northern Michigan bigs is often difficult due to the diminutive front lines they face. This is especially true as Ellsworth is a very small Class D district. Tornga had a productive Junior season averaging 15.6 points to go along with nearly ten boards for the Lancers. Stepping up a bit in competition Tornga acquitted himself quite well against the size at the 250 Expo. He played well off fellow post Cooper Craggs (Detroit Catholic Central). He showed ability and quick feet as both a weak side rebounder and defender. Not the most fluid looking athlete but gets up and down the court very well. One interesting note; I have seen him listed as tall as 6-7 and as short as 6-4 (this event). I’m going to give him 6-5, but do note if he grows a few more inches or I am just wrong that could have a large of bearing on his standing as a prospect. Coaches in need of mobile willing big with an excellent academic profile should seek this young man out.