Michigan high school boys basketball: Meet the top guards (Pt. 1)

See who the top guards are in the 2023-2024 season in Michigan high school boys basketball

Author:
Shane Hoffmann
Updated:
Jan 10, 2024 12:33 PM EST
Original:
Jan 9, 2024

Michigan high school boys basketball is full of talent in the 2023-2024 season. We're over a month into the season, and SBLive is highlighting the top players by position this season.

We start with part one of the top guards in the state. Part two will be published on Wednesday. Wings will be published on Thursday, and posts on Friday.

MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL SCORES

The following athletes will be included in our "Who is the top guard in Michigan high school boys basketball?" poll to be posted on Wednesday. Our lists and polls are intended to be fun and in no way discredits any other player who may not be mentioned.

Jonathan Sanderson, sophomore, Saline

Sanderson made the Division I all-state second team last season as the 6-foot-3 point guard, who has already collected a slew of Power Five offers, dominated varsity competition.

Through this season’s first four games, Sanderson has scored 40, 30, 51 and 26 points, respectively.

Coach Michael Marek called him a “skilled offensive player (and) a wizard in transition. Fierce attacking downhill and a lights out shooter. Also a very high energy player who brings it on the other side of the ball as well with his tenacious on ball defense. Efficient passer who gets the most out of his teammates.”

Macari Moore, junior, Huron

Moore was a captain for Huron last season as a sophomore, averaging nearly 19 points per game.

“What was even more impressive,” said coach Mo Kasham, “was his ability to get his teammates involved and in the position to be successful.”

Joey Cabana, senior, Chelsea

Cabana is back after a Division II all-state first team appearance a season ago. As a junior, the guard scored 22.2 points per game to go along with five rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game on excellent shooting percentages.

He surpassed 1,000 career points and pushed his team into the state quarterfinals for the first time in over 20 years.

Jackson Keefer, senior, Huron

Keefer, a 6-foot-4 guard who also has the ability to play on the wing, has asserted himself as one of the “best shooters in the state,” in the words of Kasham.

The reason for his success?

“His work ethic is unmatched,” added Kasham.

Blake Marks, senior, Otsego

An honorable mention all-state guard last season, Marks averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals

Coach Matt Dennis called Marks a: “point guard who knows how to distribute the ball but can also score” and a “solid defender who can stay in front of anyone.”

Jaxon Jurmu, junior, Marquette

Jurmu started as a sophomore last season and the team captain landed on the all-conference first team.

The junior guard averaged 15.7 points and 5.2 assists last year.

Marko Radisavljevic, senior, Almont

Radisavljevic returned this season as the team’s leader in points, assists, rebounds and steals. The point guard has picked up where he left off a season ago, averaging 17 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.8 steals per game in the early going.

“Marko is a downhill slasher to the basket,” athletic director Ross Gauthier said of the two-year captain. “He is physically strong and tough to stay in front of.”

Matt Evans, junior, Imlay City

Through the season’s first six games, Evans averaged 10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists per game and shot 45 percent from downtown.

“He can shoot it, and he is very smart and coachable (as well as an) excellent leader,” Don Gauthier said.

Connor McGarry, sophomore, Caro

McGarry is off to a hot start this season, averaging 24.8 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game.

The guard was a first-team all-conference member last season and is top ten in the state in both scoring and three-pointers.

Anthony Ribel, senior, Traverse City Central

Ribel, a 6-foot-3 combo guard, made the Division I second-team all-state last season.

As a junior, Ribel averaged 24.6 points, 3.5 assists and six rebounds per game while shooting 48.3% from the field and 40% from deep.

Jakobie Boose, senior, Hamady

A tall, 6-foot-3, guard, Boose was named to the Division 2 all-state second team last season after scoring 16.8 points per game and adding 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

Boose’s Hawks finished 19-5 on the year and made the regional finals.

Carson Vis, junior, South Christian

Vis missed the end of last season with an injury, but is back and ready to dominate as a junior.

The 6-foot-4 guard/wing poured in 17.7 points, five rebounds, 2.8 assists and a pair of steals per game last season while shooting 51 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc

Jake Vermaas, senior, South Christian

Vermaas, a star wideout who is committed to continue his football career at Grand Valley State, has made his fair share of rousing marks on the court, too.

The lanky guard made the Division II all-state second team as a junior last season.

Bo Lincoln, senior, Olivet

Lincoln, the school’s quarterback and point guard, made the Division II all-state first team on the hardwood last season.

A 6-foot guard, he averaged 16.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.8 steals per game, shooting 48.5% from the field and pushing his team to a 21-2 finish.

Evan Langmaid, junior, Caro

Langmaid forms the other half of one of the state’s top backcourts.

An all-conference second teamer last season, Langmaid is averaging 16 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.6 steals per game this season. He is top 50 in both scoring and three-pointers made in the area.

Durral Brooks, senior, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Brooks, a 6-foot-2 guard, poured in 20.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game last season for the 16-7 Cougars.

A Michigan commit and last season’s Division 2 Player of the Year, Brooks is among the state’s top Mr. Basketball candidates this season.

Jonathan Ingalls, senior, St. Ignace

Ingalls has made first-team all-conference three times and become the programs top player now as a senior.

“[Johnathan's] leadership on the court is unmatched,” athletic director Nicole Martin said. “From motivating teammates to making crucial decisions, he sets the tone for the entire team. Whether it's scoring, defending, or creating opportunities, he excels in every aspect of the game… When the game is on the line, he thrives under pressure.”

Jake Stephens, senior, Chelsea

Stephens was one of two Chelsea players to land on the Division II all-state first team last season (joining senior Joey Cabana).

Stephens shot 58 percent from the field last season, averaging 22.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game at 6-foot-4.

Layk Woodruff, senior, Beaverton

Woodruff is Beaverton’s point guard. A “reliable” shooter, he’s averaging 14 points per game for the Beavers.

“He makes the entire team better with assists and making sure the offense is run correctly,” said coach Judy Johnston.

Craig Hureskin Jr., senior, Ottawa Hills

After flashing as a serious shooter last season, Hureskin Jr. having set the school record with 10 threes in a game while shooting 48 percentage from deep on the year, he’s up to 26 points per game this season.

“Craig is one heck of a player,” coach Derrick King said. “His skill is shooting the ball but is a great scorer from anywhere on the court. He has a high motor and is often double teamed.”

Hureskin Jr. leads his team in scoring and in the eyes of King is one of the “top five guards in West Michigan and likely will lead the area in scoring.”

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