Season Preview: UP North Fab 44 Part 3
In this article:
When I began this four part process I stated that the start of the season was beginning to come into focus. Due to the new February start (hopefully) I thought I would slow things down a bit on the rollout.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWhen I began this four part process I stated that the start of the season was beginning to come into focus. Due to the new February start (hopefully) I thought I would slow things down a bit on the rollout.
As the recent delay shows it is readily apparent that much of the 2020-21recruiting process is going to be done via Zoom meetings and Hudl highlights. Consequently, I thought it would appropriate to do a more comprehensive list of Northern Michigan recruits to hopefully aid this process.
It is a vast region geographically so it’s a challenge. I have included the UP and the Lakeshore/Interstate 10 corridor. That’s a lot land and a lot of players. I’ve decided to do four equal installments of 11 to get to the Fab 44. Other editorial notes. Due to the recruiting focus I’ve decided to exclude some good players who are going to focus on other sports at the next level. Examples would be players like Traverse City Central’s Joshua Burnham and Carson Briggs (Western Michigan FB) Players will also go in reverse order, but the tiers are more important for college fit.
22. Gavin Miller 6-3 2021 Leland Multi sport standout for the Comets also excels in soccer. Apparent in athleticism not often seen at the Division 4 level. Already a 1,000 point scorer. Miller averaged 18.9 points per game to go along 7 rebounds. Caps off his well rounded game with 2 assists and steals per game respectively.
21. Kaiden McGillis 6-3 2021 McBain Above the rim athlete who will lead a very balanced and deep team that could be the regions best regardless of class. Averaged 12.1 points per game and 6.5 boards. While not active in AAU was very impressive in a summer exposure camp put on by Mid Michigan CC. Coming off a very good season on the gridiron. A strong year and deep playoff run could put him on the radar of college coaches.
20. Jaden Borseth Jaden Borseth 6'3" | CG Ewen-Trout Creek | 2022 State MI 6-3 2022 Ewen-Trout Creek The rare 1,000 scorer before becoming an upperclassman. Has played a lot of basketball already as he was able to play on the varsity as an eight grader. Averaged 24 points and 8 rebounds per game in his sophomore campaign. The Panthers sent Jake Witt to Michigan Tech a few years ago (since transferred to Northern Michigan to play football) Borseth hopes to keep the GLIAC tradition alive for this small school.
19. Ty Lotterman 6-3 2021 Marquette Lanky swing man prospect will be one half of the new dynamic duo (replacing Iron Mountain) in the Upper Peninsula. Well rounded all around floor game. Averaged 14.5 points per game to go along with 5 rebounds. Looked good in a loss to a strong Traverse City Central team before being sidelined by an injury.
18. Jacob Mueller 6-7 2021 Charlevoix Extremely long and skilled stretch four prospect. A little under the radar as he has not been very active on the summer grassroots scene. Good shot blocker. But perhaps a bit too active as he has been in foul trouble when I have caught him. That being said there are worse things to be labeled than overly aggressive on defense. Bouncy and mobile. Weight and an improved outside shot could make this young man a steal for a small college program.
17. Preston Ball 5-11 2021 Elk Rapids Not the flashiest of lead guard prospects but gets the job done. Checks all of the cliche boxes. Coach’s son, and plays like it. Four year varsity player, and plays like it. Averaged 14.8 points per game to go along with 2 assists and steals respectively. Stats might not jump off the page and he plays in a deep backcourt with his younger brother 2023 Spencer Ball Spencer Ball 5'9" | CG Elk Rapids | 2023 State MI and #27 on this list Mason Travis. Has played a lot of high level basketball and was very active on the AAU circuit with Parallel 45/Bank Hoops.
16. Evan Borr 6-6 2021 Cadillac Tall and lanky small forward is the second of three Viking on this list. Borr has deep range from the perimeter. While he doesn’t have the quickest release, helps that he is left handed. At his size not necessarily a post prospect, but has the mobility and quickness to pull it off on the wing. Three year contributor for the defending Big North champions. Excellent academic profile make this prospect a sleeper for a coach willing to take a chance.
15. Justin Nelson 6-8 Iron River West Iron County One of the top big man prospects in the Upper Peninsula. Averaged 17.1 points per game to go with 11.5 rebounds. I don’t care where or what level you level you play at, averaging a double double for an entire season is impressive. Topped that off with 4.1 blocks per game as well. With his remote location I have been getting some calls from college coaches.
14. Shawn Bramer Shawn Bramer 6'2" | SF St. Mary's Of Lake Leelanau | 2023 State MI 6-2 2023 Lake Leelanau St Mary (pictured above) Plays at a small parochial school but there is nothing small about his game. Doesn’t possess the prototypical guard build. Stocky frame with broad shoulders that you don’t usually see on an underclassman. Averaged 18.9 points per game to go along 6.5 rebounds. Not a lot of wasted motion and plays very efficiently. Evidenced by shooting 48 percent from the field and 42 percent from beyond the arc.
13. Dylan Cragg Dylan Cragg 6'4" | SG Grayling | 2022 State MI 6-3 2022 Grayling Big time athlete who passes the eye test. Backs that up with a high level of production. Averaged 16.5 points per game to go along with 5.5 rebounds. A lot of bounce in his legs and has the ability to play above the rim. Not just an athlete as I saw him get hot from three more than once this summer. Stood out with a good Grand Rapids Storm squad.
12. Demarcus Lee 5-11 2022 Big Rapids Hands down the fastest player in the region and I don’t think it’s even that close. Next level speed but plays under control and is efficient in the half court. Battle tested as he played and started with the Cardinals since his freshman year. Like Cragg had a good summer with the Grand Rapids Storm. Proved he has the speed and ability to play with anyone. A consistent outside shot and a little more size could catapult him up recruiting boards.