Each year, the Tom Izzo Shootout brings top teams from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. Through two days of action, here are a few players that stood out. Ypsilanti defeated Dublin Jerome (OH) for the final. The final four consisted of Detroit East English, Skyline, Dublin, and Ypsi.
Jaren Jackson Jr. 6’8″ 2017 Foward Park Tudor (IN)- Jackson, the son of long time NBA journeyman Jaren Jackson Sr., was given the center stage of attention by the Michigan State coaching staff, tracked in almost every game Park Tudor competed in, including every game on Sunday. Jackson has a soft touch with his back to the basket with either hand, particularly his right, if the shot was within five feet it was pretty automatic. He deflected multiple shots from the weak-side on defense, and with his long arms rebounded at a high-rate. He’s not a jump-out of the gym player, or possesses superior strength yet, but it doesn’t seem he has formed any bad habits as a young big man. Jackson will certainly reel in more high-major offers in addition to the ones he already has.
Foster Loyer 5’10” 2018 Point Guard Clarkston- The rising sophomore class is guard-heavy, and Loyer seems to be at the top. Even with a drastic change of faces compared to three months ago, Foster still played his style of play. Which is with great pace, toughness, and awareness. He is a two-end competitor. Loyer will set-up teammates before he does himself, but when he takes an open shot, book it. Although the team graduates a multitude of seniors, Loyer is one member of dangerous trio, 6’4″ returning swingman Tabin Throgmorton, and 6’3″ wing 2017 transfer Dylan Alderson via Davison.
Darian Owens-White 5’11’ 2017 Point Guard River Rouge- Darian, son of legendary Renaissance head coach Mark White, has seemed to inherent a strong sense of understanding for the game. Owens-White is a pass-first point guard by nature, however, was a one-man wrecking crew for Rouge all weekend long, more often than not serving as the team’s leading scorer, finishing one game with over 3/4s of Rouge’s points. Darian is a plus mid-range shooter, creating space off the bounce with either hand through various crossovers and step-backs. Not overly flashy or quick, he just knows how to play the game. On defense he is rarely found out of place, nor does he gamble. Owens-White also had the trait of leadership all point guards need, he is the perfect leader for a young Rouge team moving forward.
Ronquavious Southward 5’10” 2017 Point Guard Saginaw- Qua lives by the three, and for him his perimeter jump shot was falling much like it has been during the Spring AAU circuit. Southward has a smooth, fluid, and consistent release when he pulls the trigger. Many of which came off the bounce situations, either a high pick-and-roll or pull-ups. However, Southward has improved vastly on becoming a playmaker for others. With re-addition of 6’7″ Algevon Eichelberger to “The High” and burly 6’4″ 2017 forward Henry Speight via Carrollton, Ronquavious will have plenty of weapons at his disposal this upcoming season.
Josh Long 6’5″ 2017 Forward Detroit Western- The Cowboys lose a significant amount size from their state championship team, and Long will have to fill that void. A true workhorse in the paint, Josh will be intriguing to college coaches because of his proven interior dominance, even against larger, sought after bigs. Built like a wing who happens to play power forward, Long compensates with above the rim quick bounce athleticism. Defensively coaches will not have fear if he has to switch on pick-and-rolls because he has the feet to stay in front of ball-handlers, and with his length Josh is still capable of defending low-post opponents, to go along with rebounding at the same time. Not a pure back to the basket of game offensively, but completes entry passes with power around the rim. Has the potential to perhaps even play some on the wing as he looks comfortable handling the ball on occasion.
Karmari Newman 6’3″ 2016 Combo Guard East English- Newman has received various mid-major offers in the past month, and might be on the verge of higher suitors in coming weeks. He’s always been a volume knock-down shooter, the question was what’s after that? In a few games, Karmari took the reigns as the primary ball-handler and decision maker, showing nice vision, and even whipped a few nice passes to interior teammates. If he continues to display this versatility to his game, Newman might double his offer status by August.
Corey Allen 6’2″ 2016 shooting guard Ypsilanti- Allen already has the physique of a college level guard, now it’s time to put the pieces together. Corey does not shy away from taking shots, he has great range on his jump shots, and has developed into a quality shooter. But he’s also starting to become a three-level scorer, he has great body control when attacking the basket, particularly in transition, in addition to some elbow jumpers.
Ryan Stevens 6’2″ 2016 point guard Lowell- Matt Beachler isn’t the only shooter for Lowell, the quarterback for the Red Arrow football team is also dangerous from beyond the arch. In one game, Lowell made 11 three-pointers, and four or so were from Stevens, including three in less than a minute. Very good decision maker off the pick-and roll, will get the ball where it needs to be. Competes with a swagger and edge on both ends. Small school lock for sure.
Micah Rosser 6’2″ 2016 combo guard East Kentwood- Very smooth and athletic off-guard, excels either scoring or creating in the open court. Still an overall work in progress on the offensive side of the floor, but did hit some spot-up three pointers. As he adds strength, Rosser could develop into a lock-down dual-guard defender.
AJ Jackson 6’7″ 2016 forward Detroit Renaissance- AJ isn’t just a space eater, he has skill to his game. A division one football recruit, Jackson has stellar hands, footwork, and is deceptively quick off the floor. With his soft-touch up to the three-point line, Jackson stretches out other bigs which opens driving lanes for Renaissance’s guards. Good passer from the low-post as well, challenges shots without fouling. Dual-sport star in the future?
Brandon Wade 6’1″ 2018 point guard Ann Arbor Skyline- Brandon continues to sky as one of the top 2018 point guards in the state. He has such a high IQ and feel for the game at such a young age. He is the epitome of finding a pass to shot ratio all lead guards much have. Plays with passion, and is starting to add strength, speed, and athleticism to his game.
The Prep Ball Report 
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