All-OK Conference: Third Team
Welcome back to my end-of-the-season countdown of the All-OK Conference teams. Yesterday, I released my honorable mention list, which featured 17 athletes from across the OK Conference. These next five guys landed on my All-OK Conference Third Team. Be sure…
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Continue ReadingWelcome back to my end-of-the-season countdown of the All-OK Conference teams. Yesterday, I released my honorable mention list, which featured 17 athletes from across the OK Conference. These next five guys landed on my All-OK Conference Third Team. Be sure to stay tuned for my second and first-team later this week.
Jacob Bonnett Jacob Bonnett 5'11" | SG Forest Hills Central | 2022 State MI , Forest Hills Central 2022″
Jacob was arguably the area’s best floor general, although he played off the ball for a large contingent of the season. His ability to thrive in both roles helped Forest Hills Central to a successful 14-6 season. Jacob is one of the quickest guards I saw in person this season and made a living by blowing past his man and penetrating opposing defenses for high-percentage looks. His shooting stroke also made Jacob a threat from the perimeter and an even tougher task to guard. What stood out most about Jacob is his ability to make his teammates better. Heis presence seemed to bring a level of steadiness to the Rangers, and instilled confidence in those around him.
Carson DeHaan, Calvin Christian 2023″
Carson was the main contributor on one of the best teams in the state in Division 3, leading Calvin Christian to an outright OK Silver title and undefeated record in the league. I witnessed Carson drop 25 points in the second half of Calvin Christian’s huge win on the road against Godwin Heights. Carson can fill it up from just about any spot on the floor and has the handle and essence of smoothness to match. His length is the main contributor to his success on both ends of the court and should be just one of the reasons why he’ll be a top player to watch in his senior season.
Javion Otten Javion Otten 6'4" | SG Kenowa Hills | 2023 State MI , Kenowa Hills 2023″
No athlete made a bigger leap in one season than Javion Otten Javion Otten 6'4" | SG Kenowa Hills | 2023 State MI . Javion went from a widely unknown prospect to one of, if not the most intriguing prospect in the 2023 class from West Michigan. His ascension can be contributed to his next-level athleticism which jumps off the page, and the motor he shows on a nightly basis. Javion doesn’t need much space to leap and finish above the rim. He also uses that athleticism to hawk rebounds on both ends of the court. What impresses me most about Javion is that he knows he’s going to face a double-team or some other type of shaded help-side defense on every possession, and yet it doesn’t matter. Javion has helped Kenowa Hills form the foundation of a program building in the right direction and it won’t be long before programs at the next level come knocking.
Simon Neuhaus Simon Neuhaus 6'5" | SF East Grand Rapids | 2023 State MI , East Grand Rapids 2023″
Simon came into the season with lofty expectations and met those with multiple 30-point performances and leading East Grand Rapids to a 9-9 record. The junior Pioneer has as deep an offensive bag as any player in his class from the area, showing he can score in the post, off the dribble, and in isolation sets on a game-in and game-out basis. One aspect he’s taken the next step in is his ability to pass out of the post. Simon’s ability tends to suck the defense in, which he’s turned into easy looks for his teammates on the perimeter. Keep an eye out for Simon and East Grand Rapids to make a run at another district championship this March.
Genesis Kemp Genesis Kemp 6'7" | SF Grand Rapids Union | 2022 State MI , Union 2022″
After spending last season with Ypsilanti Prep, Genesis came back to the west side of the state and made an immediate impact for a Grand Rapids Union team that continues to evolve and get better each week. In nearly every game, Genesis is the most talented player on the court both physically and skill-wise. He has the quickness and strength to take anyone one-on-one and get quality looks. Defensively, he has the chops to be the type of defender that is highly coveted at the next level. Currently, Genesis has several junior college offers. Whatever program can land Genesis is getting an absolute steal.