Michigan Preview: Dynamic Duos
After previewing the best front and back courts, it became apparent that there are some excellent teams whose attacks do not fit neatly into these categories. With the era of “Big Threes” ending in the NBA, dynamic duos are becoming…
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Continue ReadingAfter previewing the best front and back courts, it became apparent that there are some excellent teams whose attacks do not fit neatly into these categories.
With the era of “Big Threes” ending in the NBA, dynamic duos are becoming en vogue. Here are five teams with impressive tandems.
1. Iron Mountain– Marcus Johnson (G) and Foster Wonders (F) The distinction of being only duo on this list that nearly carried their team to a state championship earns the top spot. Johnson continued his winning ways by quarterbacking the Mountaineers to a semi final appearance on the gridiron. He is not the biggest point guard, but highly competitive with an intelligent floor game. Put simply Wonders is a generational prospect for the UP. If you haven’t seen him yet you are missing out on a special talent. You have two years to catch him as he is the only 2021 prospect on this list. Proved himself at the highest level on the EYBL circuit this summer. Class C? Division 3, UP? It doesn’t matter, this young man is a legit big time basketball recruit.
2. Forest Hills Central– Jimmy Scholler (G) and Mitchell Wilkinson (F) Scholler is a special player who doesn’t pass the initial eye test. Once the game starts his unique talent is readily visible. Just a straight gamer who is equally adept at getting his teammates involved as he is getting his own shot. Not sure if he is a point guard or two guard, but I am quite certain it’s not that important. Scholler is just a basketball player. Andy Bronkema and Ferris State are getting a steal. It will be interesting to see where Head Coach Kyle Carhart slots the 6-4 Wilkinson. He has a solid versatile skill set that complements Scholler well. Displays an improving perimeter game but often played inside last year as the Rangers were not the biggest of teams. FHC will have more size this year which should allow Wilkinson to expand his game
3. Kalamazoo Central– Trevon Gunter (G) Justin Davis (C) Gunter has the rare mix of an extremely strong and sturdy frame to go along with a feathery outside shot. When he gets his broad shoulders squared up you can book it. Also sports a quick release making him even more lethal from behind the arc. Davis is the rare high school big man who does not need much physical development. Well put together post who can get out and run in the open court. Athletic enough to play above the rim and isn’t going to get pushed around. Will need to show more of an offensive game to attract a high level of college interest. However he is not that far off as the physical tools are already there in abundance.
4 Grand Rapids Catholic Central– Devon Boyd (G) Mykel Bingham (F) Boyd will be the full time point guard for a talent laden program. Takes the reins from Austin Braun (Grand Valley St) Boyd is good enough to keep the GLIAC train going, already holding an offer from Northern Michigan. In the AAU season formed a potent duo with the above mentioned Justin Davis for MBA. As far as the regular high school season, will be teaming with the polar opposite. Bingham is extremely skinny but also equally long. Listed at 6-7, you can add at least 3-4 inches to that due to his massive wingspan. As you would expect from the length, Bingham excels defensively. Especially as a shot blocker. Also runs and finishes well in transition. With his physical profile a big senior season could shoot Bingham up recruiting boards.
5.Grand Blanc– RJ Taylor (G) and Ty Rodgers (F) Everyone listed thus far have been upperclassmen, so let’s give some attention to the “kids”. Taylor had a great summer playing up two, that’s right TWO grade levels for Parallel 45. Conducted a clinic in point guard play at the Brawl For Ball in July. It will interesting to watch how he adjusts in his first taste of varsity action. He will be attempting to crack the rotation on a loaded Bobcat squad that is playing an extremely aggressive schedule. Part of that loaded roster is Rodgers. In a normal class he would easily be the top overall prospect. A top 50 national recruit, he gets lost in the shuffle a little with a certain someone from Ypsilanti. Rogers is an elite athlete who plays high above the rim. Ball handling and an outside shot are areas for improvement. However it should be noted these improvements would allow him to boost his draft stock and not his recruiting status. Not completely necessary, as he is already a major blue blood level college prospect.