Michigan Mr. Basketball Final Update

The finalists were announced for the Michigan Mr. Basketball award yesterday, and there was one glaring surprise.  It is one of the deepest years top end high school talent around the state, so it makes sense that there were a few snubs.  With the recent announcement of McDonald's All-Americans, the award order has changed.  Even though there were only 5 finalists, I will expand my analysis out to 6 note-worthy players.  

6. Vincent Hunter Detroit Consortium Class C, committed to UTEP

The 6’7” wing has led Consortium to the favorites in Class C.  Hunter finished the season averaging 28 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 blocks, 4 steals.  While freshman Josh Jackson might get most of the college coach interest, Hunter is the clear leader of the team.  It is a shame he was left off of the final balot, and UTEP should be pretty excited to be getting this guy.  He has expanded his game to the perimeter more this season, and in games where he can knock down a few early jump shots Hunter might be the most unguardable offensive player in the state.  Maybe leading his team to a state championship will make up for this snub.

5. Dontel Highsmith Dowagiac, Class B, committed to Northern Illinois
The 6'2" point guard is the tallest player on Dowagiac's team.  The 4 year starter has been wowing west side fans and coaches each season, which explains his nomination for this award.  He has led the Tigers to one semifinal appearance, and is hoping to make it back this season.  Dontel is averaging 28.5 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals per game.  These are pretty gaudy stats, but he does play in a pretty weak conference.  Highsmith has gone over 30 points 11 times this season.  His shooting range extends to 25 feet, and he is quicker than most people that try to man him up.  Highsmith has really improved as a leader and at attacking the rim, which explains his double digit rebounding.  The problem I have with this selection is that Highsmith rarely exerts himself on defense.  If he did his stats would be even more astounding.  However, I definitely think he will be a fun player to watch for 4 years in the MAC.

4. Khalil Felder Detroit Pershing Class A, committed to Oakland

The 5’9” point guard has anchored an experienced Doughboy team all season, and according to his coaches should be the 'hands-down winner of this award.'  The problem is that he doesn't have the name recognition, which is what this award is all about.  He hasn't taken his team on a deep postseason run, or will be playing for Michigan or Michigan State next season, or has not been recognized as a McDonald's All-American.  Felder is averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals.  If Pershing is going to win a state championship, Felder will be the reason why.  I am very excited to see how he fits into the fast paced Oakland system, because this young man could be a star in the Summit League. Personally, I think if Felder was 2 or more inches taller, he would be one of the premier point guard recruits in the country.

3. Monte Morris Flint Beecher Class C, committed to Iowa State

This is where the order has changed.  The top 3 candidates should be pretty close in the voting, but the remaining two players have more publicity.  Man Man has averaged 25 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 steals and he has led his Beecher team to a 19-1 record.  He is trying to put himself onto the small list of players to lead teams to 4 straight final four weekends.  I absolutely love Morris' game as he cares more about winning and getting his teammates involved than loading the stat line.  The Bucs play in a weak conference where Man Man could average 30 points or more, but in most games he will not even attempt a shot until the 2nd quarter.  I am really looking forward to the potential matchup with Josh Jackson of Consortium in the quarterfinals.  Looking forward to college, I am not sure if Morris has the speed/ quickness to keep up with the top end Division 1 guards, but he definitely has the all around game, size, and basketball IQ to make him a very solid contributor on the next level. 

2. Derrick Walton Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy Class B, committed to Michigan

Walton stays at number 2 in my book only because of the McDonald's All-American nomination for Young.  I think Derrick Walton is most college ready player in the state of Michigan, but Young ultimately has the higher ceiling.  He is averaging 27 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds, and 6 steals. The thing that impresses me most about Derrick is that each offseason he has improved a different area of his game.  He has always been a solid jump shooter, but has extended his range.  He has improved at setting up teammates, attacking the rim, pressure defense, finishing around the hoop, and not forcing things.  Most likely Derrick will be the starting point guard in Ann Arbor at some point next year, and while he is not Trey Burke, I expect him to be very successful.   

1. James Young Rochester Class A, committed to Kentucky

The 6'7" scoring machine recently accepted the nomination to be a McDonald's All-American, and with that the publicity and name recognition has exploded.  Young's ceiling is pretty incredible, but right now he seems to be just scratching the surface.  He is rated as the number 6 player in the country, yet freshman Josh Jackson is a more must-watch player already.  Young averaged 29 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks.  Currently he is battling a calf injury that could keep him out of the districts, which might leave the door open for Derrick Walton to make a push for Mr. Basketball.  Young has a smooth jump shot, great leaping ability, good body control, and is able to finish at the rim with ease.  He will be scary in a Kentucky uniform if he can commit himself to the defensive end of the floor.  With the right coaching, Young could end up being a lottery pick in the NBA draft. 

I personally think the Mr. Basketball award is close to being wrapped up by James Young.  There is a chance that the injury gives Walton a small chance though.  At this point in time, Walton is doing more, with less, to help his team win basketball games.  With Highsmith getting the bulk of the west side coaches votes he could be a surprise candidate as well.  If I was able to choose the winner, I would go with Monte Morris who has put Flint Beecher on his back for 4 years and has a chance to play on the Breslin floor in each one.  Since this race is so close between the top three I would grade them by career accomplishments, and Man Man is the only one with a state championship already.