Prospect Spotlight: Ethan Erickson, Forest Hills Northern, 2021
I recently caught up with Ethan Erickson, a 2021 guard out of Forest Hills Northern. We discussed his development, his goals for the ongoing season, and how his recruitment has progressed in his junior season. Before you read his thoughts,…
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Continue ReadingI recently caught up with Ethan Erickson, a 2021 guard out of Forest Hills Northern. We discussed his development, his goals for the ongoing season, and how his recruitment has progressed in his junior season. Before you read his thoughts, check out his highlights below and my thoughts on what makes Ethan stand out from other guards in the state.
Ethan’s Strengths
Shooting
Above is a clip of a 30-point performance Ethan had this past summer. In this clip, Ethan shows he’s a smooth-shooting guard who can space the floor effectively and doesn’t need a lot of space or time to get his shot up. A big thing I’ve noticed while watching Ethan this season is he can shoot efficiently both off the dribble and in spot-up situations. Having that versatility with another year to develop and grow will serve Ethan well going forward.
In the season opener against East Kentwood, Ethan maneuvered through ball-screens in Forest Hills Northern’s half-court sets all game, finding different spots all over the court to get his shot up. Ethan’s ability to knock down shots in congested lanes, coming off high ball-screens and in isolation sets are further advanced and more refined than other guards in the junior class I’ve seen so far.
Finishing
At first glance, Ethan is a bit undersized, albeit for a junior. However, this hasn’t discouraged him from attacking the rim when Forest Hills Northern needs a bucket. Ethan has flashed the ability to break his defender down off the dribble with a quick jab step or crossover, slashing in the lane, contorting his body and finishing at the rim with tough-angled shots in and around the paint.
When Ethan attacks the paint, not only does he pose a threat to score, but also to facilitate to his teammates for open shots on the perimeter. Having this slashing ability forces the defense to decide how they wish to defend Ethan. If defenses play him tight, Ethan’s proved he can blow by guards with an assortment of moves. On the other hand, if defenses sag off, Ethan will more likely than not knock down a perimeter jumper.
In-game Demeanor
It’s without question that Ethan plays with confidence. In the three games I’ve watched, he’s been the most aggressive player on the court. That being said, he asserts himself in a controlled manner, meaning he doesn’t force shots or waste possessions to get his. The edge that Ethan plays with, it’s almost as if he’s trying to prove someone or something wrong.
For Ethan, having confidence in his shot is consistent game-in and game-out. However, he can take his game to the next level by having confidence in every aspect of his game. Whether that be on the fast break, on the defensive end, or moving without the ball, Ethan has shown his in-game IQ has developed throughout the years. Before his time is done, I’d expect Ethan to be one of the more cerebral players in the area.
Q&A
What part of your game have you worked on the most leading up to your junior season? What aspects of your game are you focusing on developing the most right now?
I have worked the most on my mid-range game over the offseason. Getting stronger and becoming a scorer instead of just a shooter are aspects of my game I’ve worked on as well. The most thing I am focusing on right now is becoming stronger and faster, as well as improving my range as a shooter.
What are your primary strengths as a player?
Some of my strengths I say are my shooting, ball handling and I have a high IQ of the game.
You’ve shown you can score off the dribble, from the perimeter, and you have a crafty way of finishing shots in the lane. What specifically do you think has allowed you to become as talented a scorer as you are?
My teammates are the most helpful thing I have in scoring because they are always setting screens for me and getting me open so I have opportunities to score.
How have you adjusted to the added pressure of knowing that you’re near the top of every opposing team’s scouting report?
I usually play with a chip on my shoulder every game because of the fact that there are people everywhere that still doubt me. But it makes it a lot harder when you’re focused on the most.
What are some of your goals both personally and team goals for this season?
My team goals are to win the conference and win districts. My goal for myself is to prove to people that I am more than just a shooter.
What memories stick out to you the most during your high school career?
Winning a district championship as a freshman and going 20-0 in the regular season as a sophomore.
After the season opener, you mentioned how tight-knit of a junior class your team has. Can you explain the level of on-court chemistry you guys have and the bond that has been developed over time?
We bond together really well and really like being with each other off and on the court. I think we need to get more used to each other because we haven’t played all together since 8th grade.
Turning to recruiting, what are you looking for in a program/school when making the decision of where you will play in college?
My recruitment is really open and a few GLIAC have put interest in me and invited me on visits. I look for a school that the system that they play fits me as a player.