Peyton’s Place: Ludington Nets Upset in Zeeland
As a talent evaluator it’s always rewarding when you see a early hunch develop before your eyes. I watched Peyton LaCombe’s first varsity game in Cadillac last year. While he received spot time off the bench I was blown away…
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Continue ReadingAs a talent evaluator it’s always rewarding when you see a early hunch develop before your eyes. I watched Peyton LaCombe’s first varsity game in Cadillac last year. While he received spot time off the bench I was blown away by how well he ran the floor for his size and touch around the basket for such a young player
He continued to contribute off the bench as Ludington made it all the way to the Breslin Center last year. After a big summer with the Illinois Wolves I expected LaCombe to break out in a more featured role. He fulfilled that prediction in big way by leading Ludington to a huge 57-53 non conference victory against a very good Zeeland East team.
Ludington
Peyton LaCombe 6-7 2022 LaCombe did it all for the Orioles. All the skills mentioned above were present. He even ran a little point when it was needed. He is truly a gazelle in the open court but was only able to show it off a few times in this slow paced game. Most of his points came off of put backs, and broken plays. This is aided by good hands and a soft touch. As he develops his game, will need to develop a “go to” offensive move. Ludington doesn’t necessarily run plays for him right now, but they don’t really need to. Extended his range to hit two critical threes. If that is going to be a consistent part of his game opponents are going to be in trouble. Active and long defensively. Adjusted well to playing with foul trouble. Had a huge late blocked shot to seal the contest. Finished with 15 points and nine rebounds against what is arguably one of the best frontcourts in the state. Has a chance to be a generational prospect for a program with a pretty good history.
To read more about Peyton LaCombe click here https://prephoops.com/2019/07/fab-five-of-northern-michigan-in-fort-wayne/
Jake Plamondon 6-5 2021 If LaCombe is the flashy foreign car of the Oriole frontcourt, Plamondon is the diesel pick up truck. It might not be the prettiest but he gets the job done. A traditional old school post all the way, but don’t let the eye test fool you. Plamondon is light on his feet and has good hands. He is aggressive and hard nosed, but plays under control. Possesses a soft touch and knows how to use his wide frame. If he chooses to focus on basketball could be an interesting small college big man prospect. Scored 11 timely points against an imposing front line.
To read more about Jake Plamondon click here https://prephoops.com/2019/09/five-from-the-gridiron/
Brayden Porter 5-10 2020 The Robert Horry of the Ludington program. If the Orioles need a big three he’s going to take it. Had two big ones in the 15-3 run to close out the first half. Including one at the buzzer to take the lead. Lives behind the arc and Coach Thad Shank does an excellent job getting him good looks. Plays with the swagger and confidence of a player who has played in plenty of big games. Played with West Michigan’s Finest in the AAU season. Finished with 9 points on three 3’s. Not the biggest prospect, but if a small college coach is looking for a guard who is well schooled defensively and not afraid of the moment they should give this young man a look.
Zeeland East
Trip Riemersma 6-3 2021 I have written it before and I will write it again, this is David Kool incarnate. Just a straight bucket who doesn’t overwhelm you with any specific offensive skill. Scores proficiently at all three levels. Not afriad of contact and lived at the rim and the line in the second half. Seeing him in regular season action it was striking how competitive he was. Hit a big three late to keep the Chix in the game. Finished with a game high 25 points, but clearly was not satisfied with the loss.
To read more about Trip Riemersma click here https://prephoops.com/2019/07/brawl-for-the-ball-under-the-radar/
Nathan Claerbaut 6-10 2021 Did little to dissuade my belief that he will be one of the elite big men prospects in the 2021 class. Displayed an extreme soft touch that was automatic within the paint. Ludington clearly wanted to pull him out from under basket defensively. Claerbaut showed good mobility chasing around Peyton LaCombe, but also protected the rim with plenty of blocked shots. As with most young bigs will need to add weight and could extend his game a little beyond the paint. That is nitpicking a little as there are a lot of positive things for a college coach to work with. Finished with 17 points.
To read more about Nathan Claerbaut click here https://prephoops.com/2019/10/blue-chip-prospects-from-the-bank/
Brandon Claerbaut 6-5 2021 You don’t often highlight a player with 5 points but the second part of the Zeeland Twin Towers had a good game. Many of Nathan Claerbaut’s buckets came off of some very nice hi-low assists. Showed deep range on a 3. As the stat line shows could stand to be a little more assertive on the offensive end, but there are much worse things to be labeled than unselfish. Hitting a few more shots to keep defenses honest will make the Chix already potent post offense that much more difficult to defend.
To read more about the Zeeland East frontcourt click here https://prephoops.com/2019/11/michigan-preview-top-5-frontcourts/