Bombshell Announcement leads to Massive Shakeup in 2023 Rankings

Early this week, #2 Ranked [player_tooltip player_id='188583' first='Sarah' last='Rambus'] announced that she would be transferring from Flushing High School to attend IMG Academy in Florida. While this was a bit of a bombshell, it does open up the conversation as to who the new number two will be. Let's break down some likely options, plus a complete dark horse candidate, and what they need to do to secure the new opening.   [player_tooltip player_id='188564' first='Maddie' last='Petroelje'] | Hudsonville | Currently #3   Strengths: I love kids that can play multiple positions, and Maddie is one of those versatile players that can fill all five positions. The Loyola Chicago commit is easily six feet tall and has led the state in three point shooting the last two years. Over this time period, she has hit around 50% of deep shots-flat crazy, video game type shooting. While she is lethal in the catch and shoot, Maddie also shows advanced footwork that allows her to shot off of screens, jabs, and off of crossover dribbles. Maddie also possesses a refined midrange game where she can pull up off of a variety of dribble moves. I also love that she is a disruptive defender that contests shots with the best; Maddie uses position and verticality to perfection, thereby avoiding silly foul calls. The former state champion has been playing at the highest level for three years and has the experience to reach that next level. Maddie has had the fortune of playing with some solid talent, but there is little doubt that she is ready to be at the top of the scouting report.   Work: In order to get to #2, Maddie needs to show off all of her skills. She has showcased good post moves and the ability to get downhill off the dribble. Showcasing another level of scoring would make her an absolute nightmare, especially since she is a very solid passer.   [player_tooltip player_id='189279' first='Lexi' last='Boyke'] | Frankenmuth | #7   Strengths: It would be easy to wonder if Lexi would already hold the number two spot if it wasn't for an ACL injury last year. I have had the opportunity to coach against Lexi, and she is a handful. She is athletic and skilled. She can hit transition threes, drive, and post up. She finished over both shoulders with equal ease and showcases advanced footwork in the post; she regularly carves out space in the post with that footwork, which makes it impossible to stop her hook shot. She shows a willingness to go through contact and the ability to euro step around it. She is one of those new wave Stretch 4's and an absolute bucket.   Work: The biggest question is how she bounces back this year from injury. It is hard for some athletes to play with the same type of fearlessness that they had before a big injury. She is a very legit number two option if she comes out and doesn't miss a beat.   [player_tooltip player_id='188580' first='Macy' last='Fegan'] | Standish Sterling | #5   Strengths: I first saw Macy as a 6th grader playing against a really talented 8th grade travel team. It was obvious to see that the kid could shoot the midrange shot and was relentless as a defender and a rebounder. These talents have only continued to improve as she has gotten older. Despite being listed as a wing, she does a lot of ball handling for her high school team. She has showcased great vision in these situations and has shown the ability to hit deep threes off the dribble. She is always a threat to go by or over players, as her athleticism is top shelf.   Work: Skill set will never be the issue. Macy plays at a smaller school that does not get the attention that it deserves, as they have had solid seasons. Macy has to make the most out of her opportunities when she plays in "big" games. Right now, the two biggest games on the schedule, according to MHSAA, are away tilts against Hemlock- possessor of a couple of dynamic guards- and a Saginaw Nouvel team that won 19 straight games before losing in the playoffs to the Division 4 State Champions. Balling out against these teams could catapult Macy to the second spot.   [player_tooltip player_id='188581' first='Sydney' last='Hendrix'] | West Bloomfield | #9   Strengths: The six foot wing is relentless on the boards. Offense is easy for a coach with a player, like Sydney, that will just go and get every offensive rebound. While she uses her body to shield shot blockers, her greatest strength is that she uses concise dribbling to get a less contested put back. Too many young players just grab rebounds in traffic and get blocked on the put back; Sydney possesses an "old man" feel for the post that us old posts love to see, especially in her moves from the post. She has shown herself to be an accurate three point shooter off kickout opportunities. She also has the ability to recover for a block.   Work: To jump up several spots, Sydney needs to show all of her skills off with regularity. She possesses the ability to get down hill. Though I have not witnessed her midrange game, I have to believe that someone with that touch from deep would have the ability to knock down midrange shots. Adding either more drives or midrange game would take her to the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='415932' first='Kamari' last='Forrest'] | Saginaw | #42   Strengths: It might seem weird that someone would be in the conversation when that player would have to climb 40 spots, but Kamari is a different case. She transferred to Saginaw High from Texas before her junior year and immediately sparked The High. At the midpoint of the season, she was averaging 24 ppg and had several 30 point games. In Texas, she was known as a disruptive defender that could block shots and swipe passes. In Michigan, she showcased a strong drive game, with heavy evidence on strong. Kamari bulldozes through contact, for those teams that can keep up with her first step. Her shiftiness allows her to get into the lane with frequency. Her current ranking has more to do with her late entry into Michigan hoops than it does with skillset.   Work: Especially with losing a very talented teammate, teams are going to start sagging off on Kamari to mitigate that first step. Adding a consistent three point shot or a midrange game is crucial for Kamari to get to the next level. There is evidence that she possesses these skills, but she so rarely had to go to the well last year. The other big thing is exposure to the scouts ranking her, as she is way better than the #42 spot she holds.

Early this week, #2 Ranked Sarah Rambus Sarah Rambus 6'4" | PF IMG ACADEMY | 2023 State FL announced that she would be transferring from Flushing High School to attend IMG Academy in Florida. While this was a bit of a bombshell, it does open up the conversation as to who the new number two will be. Let's break down some likely options, plus a complete dark horse candidate, and what they need to do to secure the new opening.