Emerging 2023’s from the OK Conference
With two weeks left in the MHSAA record season, underclassmen have stepped up into large roles for their teams across the state. Below are 10 sophomores from the OK Conference who have made the biggest impact on their teams thus…
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Continue ReadingWith two weeks left in the MHSAA record season, underclassmen have stepped up into large roles for their teams across the state. Below are 10 sophomores from the OK Conference who have made the biggest impact on their teams thus far. You can also see some of the impact freshmen in the area here.
Jakhary Towns Jakhary Towns 6'1" | SG Godwin Heights | 2023 State MI , G, Godwin Heights
Jakhary burst onto the high school hoops scene last year as a freshman and has since then continued his rise as not only one of the best guards in the area in the 2023 class but in the entire state. As a sophomore, Jakhary is averaging 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Jakhary is one of the most feared shooters in the state, which is evident by the amount of double-teams, faceguards, and rover defenses he faces on a nightly basis. He gets his jumper off in a hurry and can heat up and rattle off a quick 10 points if you give him the opportunity. Jakhary’s also an excellent ball-handler, and can routinely escape a trap or full-court press.
One big difference I’ve noticed from his growth over the course of his career is his ability to get his teammates involved off the dribble. As a freshman, Jakhary was most comfortable in catch and shoot situations, and this year he’s shown he can break down defenders and find the open man with consistency. Jakhary is beginning to gain national attention on the recruiting scene, and it won’t be much longer until he’s a well-known name outside of the Grand Rapids area.
Kaden Brown Kaden Brown 5'10" | PG Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2023 State MI , G, Catholic Central
Kaden Brown Kaden Brown 5'10" | PG Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2023 State MI has taken the reigns to the Catholic Central offense and looks like an established veteran doing so. There’s an element of smooth to Kaden’s game that’s undeniable. Whether the Cougars are trailing, leading big, or in a close battle, Kaden’s on-court demeanor never seems to change. Kaden has shown the ability to consistently breakdown his man and get into the paint for high-percentage looks, which has been the backbone of his game thus far. Catholic Central isn’t a team that necessarily needs Kaden to be a high usage guard at this point, however, if need be, Kaden has the tools and mindset to do so. Expect Kaden’s name to be frequently mentioned during Catholic Central’s upcoming playoff run.
Damarie Thompson Damarie Thompson 5'10" | PG Godwin Heights | 2023 State MI , G, Godwin Heights
Damarie is a thrasher, first and foremost, who plays with a sense of fearlessness. He’s still developing physically and is often outsized by opponents, but you couldn’t tell by the way he plays. As a freshman, Damarie was called up midway through the season and was a solid third/fourth scoring option for the Wolverines. Into his sophomore campaign, Damarie is now one of the go-to playmakers alongside Jakhary Towns Jakhary Towns 6'1" | SG Godwin Heights | 2023 State MI . He’s also a leader defensively who can make life hard on opposing guards due to his quick first step.
Jordan Briggs Jordan Briggs 6'0" | PG Muskegon | 2023 State MI , G, Muskegon
Jordan Briggs Jordan Briggs 6'0" | PG Muskegon | 2023 State MI is another guard that has exploded onto the scene and is without question one of the top guards in the 2023 class in the state. Jordan plays with a mean streak and seems to intimidate and overwhelm opponents. His ability to create his shot off the dribble and knock down pull-up jumpers is far more advanced than most sophomores. He’s also developing into a solid playmaker out of pick-and-roll sets, often finding teammates for easy scores at the rim. Muskegon will be in good hands for the foreseeable future with Jordan at the helm.
Harrison Sorrelle, G, Grand Haven
Harrison is a lanky prospect that can play multiple positions for a solid Grand Haven team. He has the quickness and playmaking to play in the backcourt and the length and physicality to guard wings and forwards alike. He’s shown flashes of being a playmaker that can drive through a crowd and finish contested shots. Defensively, Harrison’s length causes problems and creates turnovers and transition opportunities for Grand Haven. Once he fills out he’s going to be a real problem to match up with.
Tyran Thomas Tyran Thomas 6'4" | SG Northview | 2023 State MI , G, Northview
Tyran has been one of my favorite players to watch this year regardless of class. Playing for a very deep and talented Northview team, Tyran Thomas Tyran Thomas 6'4" | SG Northview | 2023 State MI isn’t the primary scoring option or even the secondary option. That hasn’t affected Tyran, who always brings a ton of juice to the floor when he’s inserted into action. Tyran has proven to be a reliable rebounder who does a great job of using his athleticism to high point balls off the miss. His hustle is also seen in transition opportunities as he’s usually one of the first guys down the court. As he continues to develop and mature, Tyran will become more involved in Northview’s offense, but for now, he’s a coach’s dream because he knows his role and plays it perfectly.
🤫💪🏾@HoopsNorthview @SportsWildcats @Strongbball @BankHoops @FOX17Blitz @PrepHoopsTate @PrepHoopsMI @MaxPreps @LexingtonElite @westsidereport1 @HankampScott @6deepbasketball @FOX17Zach pic.twitter.com/K7Kll3ojqR
— Tyran Thomas (@TyranThomas4) February 24, 2021
Charlie Deutsch Charlie Deutsch 6'4" | SG Rockford | 2023 State MI , Rockford
Charlie has played a perfect role for a Rockford team that looks to be on the verge of an OK Red title. He is a threat from the perimeter and helps spread the offense effectively. Charlie has a knack for making heads-up plays, whether it’s stepping into passing lanes to force a turnover, or playing timely help-side defense, Charlie seems to be in the right place at the right time. He’s also not afraid to get on the floor to make the hustle play.
Javion Otten, G, Kenowa Hills
There’s a lot to like about the lanky sophomore guard from Kenowa Hills. Javion is one of the Knight’s consistent contributors and he does so by using his length and athleticism on both ends of the court. Offensively, Javion has a crisp jumper that extends beyond the perimeter. His dribble-drive is effective and continues to progress. In the video below you see a glimpse of his handle and his ability to put the ball on the floor, collect his dribble, spin, and convert at the rim. Defensively, Javion creates turnovers with his length and spacing. Javion is also a reliable rebounder and does a good job of cleaning up the glass on both ends.
Shawn Foreman Shawn Foreman 5'11" | PG Comstock Park | 2023 State MI , G, Comstock Park
Shawn is one of the better ball-handlers I’ve seen live this year. His ability to dribble out of a trap is a valuable asset as is his willingness to get downhill in a hurry. He’s got good size for a sophomore and should continue to develop physically in the next two seasons. He is especially effective at drawing contact when driving through the paint. As he continues to polish his game, he’ll be a reliable piece for Comstock Park for the next two seasons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tnig2B1jJmg
Drew Caswell Drew Caswell 5'11" | PG East Grand Rapids | 2023 State MI , G, East Grand Rapids
I caught the East Grand Rapids-Northview game last month and was surprised that the Pioneer’s lead guard was a sophomore. Drew’s command of the offense and confidence he displayed was reminiscent of a senior leader and something that he’ll be able to hang his hat on as he continues to develop. Drew has a good-looking jumper that extends beyond the three-point line and he has a solid handle on the ball. I was also impressed with the motor that he plays with on the defensive end as he was able to create problems for Northview’s talented guards.