Three Hoop Kings

A trio of local prep basketball stars gave standout efforts at the recent Grand Valley State University Prospect Camp.

Clarkston's Mitch Baenzinger, Novi Detroit Catholic Central's Chase Janer and Orchard Lake St. Mary's Justin Barrows all tore it up on the hardwood up at GVSU, each improving their recruiting value with how they fared against other top in-coming seniors from around the state.

Baenzinger and Janer are both crafty and ultra-gritty guards, while Barrows is a potentially-dominant inside-outside threat that stands 6-foot-7 and possesses a slick and efficient arsenal of perimeter and post moves. Barrows has played so well this offseason at showcase camps and AAU tournaments he has catapulted himself into being an almost-certain Division 1 recruit.

Last season, all three players helped navigate their respective squads to tremendous success on the court. In their first year as starters, Baenzinger and Janer were integral components on teams that made runs to the Class A Sweet 16. Playing his first season at St. Mary's after transferring from Auburn Hills Oakland Christian, Barrows was a breakout star for an Eaglets' team that defeated Janer and CC in the regional finals on its way to a trip into the Class A quarterfinals.  

Next winter, Baenzinger and Janer will be headliners on Wolves and Shamrocks teams expected to be two of the best in the state. Starting in August, Baenzinger will be one of the leaders on a Clarkston football team that will also be highly-ranked going into the upcoming season.

People shouldn't look past OLSM in 2012 either, as they still have Barrows, set to have a huge senior campaign on the hardwood, and other playmaking-types like Sam McClendon, Chewie Okandu and Danny Furlong returning.

 

Twitter.com/Burneystweets