Michigan Preview: Top 5 Frontcourts

As the High School basketball season gets ready to tip off here are my top 5 Frontcourts. However these are going to come with some major caveats.  These caveats come in the gigantic form of Ypsilanti Lincoln, Benton Hatbor, and Waterford Mott. When you have a generational talent like Emoni Bates and senior standouts such as Carlos Johnson and Isiah Jackson you are going to have a good froncourt. I kind of wanted to skew a little more towards the collective. That’s not say that these players do not have good running mates because they do. Without further ado  Clarkston- Similarly to the Orchard Lake St Mary’s backcourt; this is a high quantity group anchored by a Big Ten talent. Skilled seven footers do not come along often, and Matt Nicholson (Northwestern) is one of those rare commodities. After a good summer on the EYBL circuit with the Family, Chris Collins snagged this big man. As far as the rest, let’s just say practice is going to quite a war for playing time. I’m just going to list the guys I’ve seen. Please note some of these guys might not even play, this program is just that deep. Juniors Luke Scherler (6-8) and Blake Kosin (6-6) are skilled four men who should complement Nicholson well. They were a good duo for the North Oakland Wolfpack this summer. Conner McKeoun (6-3)  has the size and skill to hold down the three position. 2022 Football standout Mike Dipillo (6-6) might be the best overall athlete of the bunch. I am well aware I am leaving out some other big bodies. You should be getting the picture, second year head coach Tim Wasilk has plethora of skilled young big men to choose from.  Ann Arbor Huron- With a deep backcourt I’m going to count versatile 6-5 wing Julian Lewis as part of the River Rats frontcourt. That elevates this young groups ranking a bit as Lewis is one of top overall recruits in the 2021 class. Senior Mike Robinson (6-7) is the elder statesman of the bunch. Robinson is not a traditional post with his lanky and skinny frame. However the depth of this frontcourt allows him to display his all around game. The closest thing to a true 5 is Kingsley Perkins (6-7). Perkins possesses an impressive physical frame. Displayed an improving skill set in a good summer with the Michigan Warriors. Head coach Waleed Samaha gets twice the fun with 6-7 twins Jackson and Bennett Den Houter. This is a young group, but also very talented  Detroit Edison- Another high quantity frontcourt. This guy group is anchored by Bryce George. A little undersized as a 5, but makes up for it with impressive strength and vertical athlectism. George transferred into the program last year, so he should benefit from a full year on the court. He has plenty of experience at the 5 as filled that role in AAU with the Program this summer as well. Raynard Williams is the swing man of the group. Williams shows the athletic ability to both play and defend the three position, but also has the strength and tenacity to play on the interior. Similarly to Clarkston, practice is going to be interesting due to the sheer amount of big bodies present. Seniors Thaddeus Powell and Colby Cathy combine with David Hughes (2021) and Calvin Marshall (2022) to create an impressive amount of depth. All of the players listed are in 6-5 to 6-7 range.  River Rogue- The defending Class B finalist loses a whole bunch from last years team. What do they do return is in the frontcourt and it’s impressive. Legend Geeter (6-7) only knows winning thus far in his short career with back-to-back trips to the Breslin Center. His game should extend out to the perimeter through both natural development and necessity. Karvon Stigall (6-5) is Geeter’s unheralded running mate. There is a big wildcard in the Panther frontcourt, with big being the operative word. Seven foot sophomore Marquise Davenport is probably the largest prospect in state. I only list him as a wildcard as I have yet to see him participate in game action. In this case the old adage is true—you can’t teach size, and Davenport has plenty to go around. Another relative unknown that could impact this ranking is the transfer of Brett Darby Jr. from Ohio. The son of the late Panther point guard legend, Darby Jr is not a point guard. Standing around 6-5 Darby is more of a self described stretch 4. River Rogue’s most recent renaissance has been led by guards, its future is in this young frontcourt group.  Zeeland East- There a little bit of projection here as I expect this young group to develop within the season. The featured piece is 6-10 Nathan Claerbaut. This young big man dealt with injuries this summer. Appears ready to break out in a big way after a healthy fall on the exposure circuit. I would not be surprised if Claerbaut is top center recruit from the 2021 class by the end of the year. The four will be manned by twin brother Brandon Claerbaut (6-5). Beyond familiarity, this duo should complement each other well. They have the ability to form a potent high low duo. Athey Dykhouse should provide some girth to this skinny bunch. Even though he is clearly a guard prospect I’m including Trip Riemersma in this group. If you’ve seen him play you know why. Shows the aggressiveness and physicality to do the dirty work down low if his team needs it. New Head Coach Jeff Carlson has a lot to work with here.