Michigan’s Top Shooters: Part 1
In today’s game of basketball, the ability to shoot the ball means more than it ever has. It’s no secret basketball has evolved into a three-point happy game – in order to compete at the highest level, teams have to be able to shoot at a high level from beyond the arc. Players who can make these shots are becoming more and more valuable as the rules of the game shift to favor skill over athleticism. Let’s take a look at some of the top shooters around the state:
Rashad Williams (Wayne Memorial, 2018) – You would be hard-pressed to make a logical argument as to why Williams isn’t one of the top shooters in the state. Many have compared his game to that of Steph Curry’s – which says enough by itself. He’s lights out off the dribble or the catch from anywhere on the court. He’s capable of hitting step-backs, fade-a-ways, or with a hand in his face. Simply put, there aren’t many shots Williams can’t hit. He also has that explosive ability to catch fire and hit upwards of 7,8,9 threes in a single game.
Jack Ammerman (Ann Arbor Skyline, 2018) – Ammerman is as pure of a shooter as they come. He’s got a smooth shot with great mechanics – fundamental stans would love it. When watching him shoot, it’s clear that he’s put a ton of time and effort into his jumper. Ammerman has a legitimate case to be the best catch-and-shoot player in Michigan, regardless of class.
Rocket Watts (Old Redford Academy, 2019) – In terms of shooting, Watts is very similar to Williams. There are few shots he can’t hit and he has a plethora of moves in his arsenal. He’s capable of getting hot and knocking down 4,5,6 threes in a matter of seconds. Watts has earned national recognition as an elite shooter – there’s no questioning his ability.
Drew Pedersen (West Ottawa, 2018) – Pedersen’s game is similar to that of Jack Ammerman’s. An elite catch-and-shoot player, he will make you pay if he’s left open. Unlike Ammerman, however, Pedersen has a very unorthodox shooting motion; however, I believe his shooting motion actually helps him get shots off over tight defense. He’s not just a spot-up shooter either, as he’s capable and willing to hit pull-up jumpers as well. The strongest part of Pedersen’s game is running off screens for a catch-and-shoot, very similar to the way JJ Redick would.
Tariq Shepherd (East English, 2019) – Shepherd is one of many super-talented guards at EEVP. He’s small and doesn’t play above the rim – but he’s lethal because of his ability to shoot the basketball. He’s got a super quick release which allows him to get his shot off over much bigger defenders. He can hit off the catch or the dribble, as well as hit step-backs and contested shots. Shepherd is another guy that can get hot and hit multiple threes within a matter of minutes.