West Michigan's Top Prospects of 2022 (25-21)

With the 2020-21 high school hoops season behind us and grassroots circuits in full swing, it's time to take a look at the top prospects in the 2022 class. This is part one of my five-part rankings breakdown of the top prospects in the 2022 class from the greater Grand Rapids area. Up first are players ranked 25-21.

21. Nick Henry, 6’7 F, Caledonia

Nick is a big-bodied forward who proved to be a load to handle playing against some of the best competition on the west-side in the OK Red. Nick uses his size to his advantage, especially in the paint where he can go to work, utilizing his footwork and finishing ability. One big thing that stands out about Nick is his soft touch off the glass. He’s also a capable passer in the low post and does a great job of sucking in help-side defenders and finding his teammates for open jumpers. Nick also displayed a solid passing ability in transition and is capable of putting the ball on the deck when needed.

22. Luka Ressler, 6’2 G, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

Luka played a key role for Catholic Central’s Division 2 state championship team, and while he wasn’t relied on to be a top-end scorer, Luka did a lot of the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. Luka has developing athleticism which he used to get after rebounds and loose balls, leading to transition opportunities for the Cougars. Luka flashed a ton of potential in the way he cab absorb contact in the air and finish tough, contested layups. He’s also a capable shooter who can be called upon to knock down a perimeter jumper when needed. Expect Luka to be an integral part of Catholic Central’s state title defense next season.

23. Kobe Kambestad, 6’0 G, West Catholic

Kobe’s the do-it-all point guard for a solid West Catholic team that finished in the middle of the pack of a competitive OK Blue. Kobe’s dribbling and playmaking is in the top-tier of guards from the west side as his on-ball defense. He does a great job of getting into the lane and creating high-percentage shots for himself or his teammates. Kobe also has a quality jumper which he can knock down with consistency in both catch-and-shoot and isolation situations. Another aspect of Kobe’s game that stands out is his finishing through contact. Keep an eye on Kobe’s development as he should be one of the best lead guards in the area in 2021-22.

24. Conner Milton, 6’5 SF, Forest Hills Central

Conner emerged as one of the better players in the OK White in his junior season, earning all-conference honorable mention honors averaging 9 points and 8 rebounds a game. The first thing that stands out about Conner’s game is his willingness to attack the glass on both ends of the court. He’s one of the better rebounders I saw live last year for several reasons. His ability to high point the ball off a missed shot is unique, and he’s typically more physical than his opponents and uses his athleticism to grab 50/50 balls. Conner has also shown nice touch in the paint and a solid jumper from 15 feet. I fully expect Conner to make another jump and be one of the best forwards in the OK White next season.

25. Drew Chandler, 6’3 G, Unity Christian

Drew was a foundational piece for a highly successful Unity Christian team in his junior season and should emerge as one of its go-to guys in his senior year. Drew’s shooting stroke, size, and awareness are strengths that he’ll continue to polish this summer and into the next school year. Drew also has great in-game awareness and does a good job of creating turnovers on the defensive end by stepping into passing lanes and anticipating where opposing guards are trying to create offense.