Six Super Sophs from Northern Michigan
In uncertain times you can count on one thing; this crop of sophomores is going to make basketball in Northern Michigan a good watch in the next few years. 1. Evan Solomon 6-3 2022 Charlevoix This excellent lead guard first caught…
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Continue ReadingIn uncertain times you can count on one thing; this crop of sophomores is going to make basketball in Northern Michigan a good watch in the next few years.
1. Evan Solomon 6-3 2022 Charlevoix This excellent lead guard first caught my attention at the Ferris St Exposure camp early in the fall. I’ll be honest I was impressed, but I did not see this type of year coming from him. Led a resurgence for a historic program as the Raiders were 18-3 and getting ready for a District final game at the time the season was cancelled. Kicked things off with a strong 17 point game in a early season victory over Highland conference champion Manton and didn’t look back. Averaged 18.2 points per game to go along with 5.2 rebounds. In my opinion the second number is perhaps more impressive as it shows an aggressiveness and physicality that you don’t often see from young guard prospects. Averaged 2.5 assists as well. An increase in this number should be the next step in his development as he probably will be recruited as a point guard in the long run.
2. Jaden Borseth Jaden Borseth 6'3" | CG Ewen-Trout Creek | 2022 State MI 6-3 2022 Ewen Trout Creek Small school, remote location, big time game. Nearly averaged 20 per game and as a Freshman and surpassed that number as a Sophomore. Posted 24 points per game to go along with 8.1 rebounds. I would say he is a pretty safe bet to notch a double-double average in his last two seasons. While Foster Wonders Foster Wonders 6'5" | SF Iron Mountain | 2021 State MI is busy producing an all time UP career, this young man is nipping right at his heels. If Dollar Bay ever decides to let another team from the UP make the Breslin, downstate fans should be in for a treat. Should also be noted that this a very experienced underclassman, as he suited up for the Panthers as an eighth grader as well.
3. Cole Jenema 6-7 2022 Cadillac Upside and length are the words for the day with this prospect. Very skinny, but extremely long. Also possess a high level of athleticism and skill not often seen in players his age. Averaged 10.1 points per game to go along 7.2 rebounds. While the numbers are impressive, they only tell part of the story. Played on a balanced team that were co-champs in a deep Big North conference. Often played at the top of a 1-3-1 zone and wrought havoc with long arms and defensive instincts. Matched up well against fellow 2022 standout Peyton LaCombe in the Vikings late season victory over Ludington. As his offensive game develops and catches up to the defense, college coaches will definitely want to keep an eye on this young man.
4. Joshua Burnham 6-3 2022 Traverse City Central If you want to know who the best athlete on this list you can stop right here. Already holds multiple BCS offers from big time programs so his future is most likely not on the hardwood. However don’t sell his basketball skill set short. Played well in his matchups against #3 on this list, particularly in the Trojans home victory. Central split with Cadillac and shared the Big North conference title. Is an adept finisher who plays high above the rim. Likes to get out in transition as was evidenced by his game sealing dunk against Petoskey. Not usually a fan of geographical player comps, but in this case it works. Reminds me a lot of Max Bullough who was an good basketball player for Traverse City St Francis, before becoming a star linebacker at Michigan St.
5. Mason Travis 6-0 2022 Elk Rapids Away from the bright lights, Northern Michigan unleashed there own set of Ball brothers this year. Junior Preston and Freshman Spencer were catalysts in a mini resurgence for the Elks this year. However leading the charge was this heady young point guard. Travis is a point guard all the way with a steady handle who does an excellent of setting his teammates up. Is also a capable scorer as he averaged nearly 10 points per game on a balanced and deep squad. Finished out the regular season with a strong game in a road victory against Lake City. The Elks return the majority of their squad so this will be a prospect and program to watch in the next few years.
6. Trevin Winkle 6-3 2022 McBain Northern Michigan Christian Not a getting a lot of notice thus far, but trust me this young man can really go. Played out of position for a team that struggled in a tough Highland Conference. That did not keep him from averaging 17 points per game and 7 boards. Averaged three assists a game and is an excellent passer out of the post. Plays with his head up and displays sound court awareness. Perhaps most impressive was shooting 86% from the free throw line. Had an excellent game in a tough home loss against Houghton Lake and their all state senior post Trent Ordiway early in the season. While the Comets did not have the best record they were riding a three game winning streak into a district final before the cancellation. It would have been nice to see a regional matchup against Frankfort’s Jack Stefanski Jack Stefanski 6'6" | SF Frankfort | 2021 State MI This prospect with good bloodlines should make NMC a program on the rise in Division 4.