Ferris Elite Camp: Fab Five - Prep Hoops (2024)

Elite “on campus“ prospect camps kicked into high gear this past weekend. As both Wayne St and Ferris St hosted their usual deep and talented fields. While I was not able to make it down to Wayne St on Saturday. I did attend Ferris’ iteration on Sunday. Following are five standout performers that caught my eye.

Jalen Kampen Jalen Kampen 6'4" | PG Parchment | 2025 State MI 6-4 2025 Parchment (pictured) This Kalamazoo area prospect gets the “extra credit” award for the weekend. Also played well at Wayne St’s elite camp on Saturday afternoon. Did not show any signs of fatigue in his extremely bouncy game. In this scouts humble opinion. Positional versatility is going to be Kampen’s calling card. Has all the markings of a traditional wing. However has played a lot of point with Indy Heat Red this spring. It showed on Sunday. Improved ball handling has aided in this transition. Ran the point during the 5-on-5 scrimmage portion, and did it well. Mostly looked to score. But showed the ability to involve teammates when needed. At the wing the vertical explosion is the separating skill. I was moderately surprised he did not test out as the best leaper in the camp (see below) Trust me though he can get up with the best of them. Had a highlight reel above the rim rejection that was very impressive. Has enough elevation and lateral quickness, that I could even see him playing the three in a pinch at the next level. Looks to be gearing up for a big senior season.

BJ Walker BJ Walker 6'2" | PF Zeeland East | 2025 State MI 6-2 2025 Zeeland East A returnee after playing well at last years camp. Walker once again showed the skill set and athleticism that makes him a legit next level prospect. Unsurprisingly, once again tested as one of the top athletes in the camp. With the highest overall vertical (30 inches) while tying for max vertical (11-2) That explosion more than makes up for slightly less than ideal height at the two. Like Kampen pulled double duty. Playing and earning an offer at Wayne St on Saturday as well. If he continues to play like he did Sunday, he could earn some more. Should be one of the top player in the Lakeshore region as a senior.

Braylon Mannan 6-8 2025 Belleville Late blooming post continued his ascension on Sunday. Has parlayed a big spring with The Academy into increased recruiting attention. Is not a statuesque post prospect. Is extremely mobile and runs the court very well for his size. Also seems to have a good handle on his role as a post. Doesn’t spend much time floating out on the perimeter. Has good hands and knew what to do with it after the catch. Exploded to the rim for a handful of empathetic dunks. The measurables matched the eye test. Rated as one of the best leapers in the camp. Tied for the highest max vertical (11-2) and has an eye opening 6-11 wingspan. That was the highest mark in the camp by a pretty significant margin. A ton of still developing potential in this prospect.

Jake Bascom Jake Bascom 6'4" | PF Rockford | 2026 State MI 6-5 2026 Rockford Led a strong Rockford contingent at the camp. I was curious to see how he would perform at a setting like this. This is not a “look at me”, wow you with athleticism type of player. However he just does so many of the little things well, his game simply rises above that supposed limitation. As a 2026 prospect there are not just not many holes in a his well rounded arsenal. Really excels in the two man game. Can pop out and hit a three with ease. Or explode on a roll through the dunker spot. Good passer who can initiate offense out of high post or even as a traditional point guard at times. I’m not crazy about the release on his outside shot. That being said, it goes in and the unique mechanics are repeatable. At 6-5 could maybe get a little bigger to be a four. However has the long arms and intangibles to make up for it if he is done growing. Earned an offer from the host school after the camp.

Clayton Heuker Clayton Heuker 6'5" | SF McBain | 2027 State MI 6-5 2025 McBain Hueker broke out onto my radar in this very same gym at an elite camp last year. At that time he had yet to step foot in a high school hallway as a rising 8th grader. What a difference a year makes. Since that the time a lot has happened for this young player. Along with the expected continued growth and development. Contributed for one of the top Division III teams in the state at the varsity level. Even led them in scoring in the quarterfinal and semifinal round. Then followed that up by contributing for one of the top 2027 AAU teams in the state. Continued the upward trajectory on Sunday afternoon. Is such a natural scorer at a young age. Plays with balance and strength. Isn’t going to get pushed around by older or stronger players (there aren’t many stronger) Consequently his body always seems square to the basket. Powerfully jumps off two feet. In most instances, if he catches on the block it’s a bucket. The perimeter skills should improve with increased responsibility during his sophom*ore season. The development curve is still pointed way up for this prospect.