I.P.S. Super 80 I

9/20/09

Inside Prep Sports

Lansing, MI.- For the fourth consecutive year, many of Michigan's best high school basketball players proved their talent on the hard court at Inside Prep Sports' Super 80 Camp. Eighty players from across the state's mitten descended upon Court One in Lansing and participated in intense drills and competitive games. The coaches who assisted and instructed the Super 80 ranged from the college level, former Michigan State players, and high school coaches with championship rings.

A special thanks goes to the players, parents, coaches, scouts, and all others that participated in I.P.S.' Super 80.

Here's an evaluation of eight of the best players and some key match ups from Sunday's action:

6'2 2010 shooting guard (Oak Park) Jalen Crawford- A true delight for Grand Valley State, Ferris State, Northwood, and other college coaches in attendance as his athleticism, jumper from the perimeter, and understanding of the game that has developed since his sophomore year at Inside Prep Sports' Camp in 2007. His lift on the jumper was unparalleled on Sunday and efficiency in the mid-range was near equal.

6'8 2010 power forward (Detroit Loyola) Jevon Harden- The transfer from River Rouge has a solid chance to qualify for division one programs next year and they are waiting. He's gained strength over the last few months and it shows while he was able to dominate the post more often than not in the games on Sunday. He was amongst the best in the low post and showed a soft touch on the offensive end as well as the ability to contest shots on the defensive end.

5'10 2011 point guard (W. Ottawa) Jorddan Myrick- Myrick drew raves from east side high school coaches in attendance in that only see the Central Michigan verbal commit once or twice a year. I.P.S. on the other hand, has watched him many times since his eighth grade year and was happy to see him produce on the same level as the best point guards in the state's 2011 class on Sunday. His decisions to dish to the open man were effective and a staple for other underclassmen in attendance to learn from.

6'5 2011 forward (Gull Lake) Trent Messer- Messer is one of Michigan's biggest sleepers in the 2011 class. On Sunday, he ran the floor well and gobbled up passes, which he converted into buckets on the left and right side. His tough play, rebounding, slick play in the paint should gather looks from division one programs across the nation. Messer is a player that mid-major programs should take a serious look and take in Gull Lake's open gyms during this open period.

6'6 2011 power forward (Romulus) Justin Moss- He has the strength of a division one post player now and is more versatile than one might expect from a player of his size. Moss runs the floor well and is a solid finisher around the hoop and in the paint. Improving his mid-range game and developing ball-handling skills will determine if he plays above the mid-major level.

5'11 2011 point guard (Inkster) Deon Stegall- He's strong and controls the game with a purpose on either end of the court much like others in the 2011 class that attended the I.P.S. Super 80. He got to the hoop and scored or dished with precision on Sunday. His heady defense drove opponents into double teams or slid them into difficult positions on the court.

6' 2012 point guard (Ostego) Jared Klein- He might be the #1 point guard in Michigan's 2012 class and is fundamentally sound with athleticism. Klein saw the play develop, rewarded teammates, and was an over model when it came to drill work.

6'5 2012 wing (Lansing Sexton) Denzel Valentine- Valentine combines size with fundamentals and versatility. A knee injury from this past January seems to be healed and he's starting to play with the confidence he had a year ago, as his willingness to finish with authority was evident. Foot speed will determine if the high major programs that are recruiting him will still be there in the next three years.

A Few Solid Match ups:

6'6 2010 small forward Kalen Foreman (Allen Academy) vs. 6'9 2011 forward Mike Hundley (Detroit Renaissance)- The long, lanky forwards went to battle and both had their moments in the post. Hundley is developing his post game while Foreman showed his versatility by hitting jumpers in the mid-range.

5'10 2011 point guard Jorddan Myrick (W. Ottawa) vs. 5'11 2011 point guard Ed Brown (Detroit Southeastern)- Myrick takes on all and Brown was up to the challenge defensively game after game. When they went head to head in the last game on Sunday, the competitive beast came out as they both brought their A game.

5'10 2013 point guard Charles "Cha-Cha" Tucker (Lansing Eastern) vs. 5'11 2013 point guard Derek Walton, jr. (Chandler Park Academy)- Tucker is amongst the State's best player's and not far behind in Michigan's 2013 class is Derek Maltin. They both looked to take advantage of their opportunities while there will be plenty of more match ups over the year.

By TJ Kelley