AAU: GR Storm and WM Lakers look ahead with new rosters

On the AAU basketball circuit in West Michigan, it’s the Storm and the Lakers at one level, and everyone else at the next level.  This is by no means set in stone, as there were some legitimate surprises last year, but the two clubs deserve credit for their consistently high level of play.

Looking ahead to the upcoming travel basketball season, let’s take a look at the recently announced rosters for the Grand Rapids Storm and the West Michigan Lakers, and see what we see.

Grand Rapids Storm 17u

• London Burris — Muskegon Western Michigan Christian
• Kenneth McDaniel — Muskegon Heights
• Ian Drobish — Greenville
• Mack McKearney — Okemos
• Adam Gulick — Grand Ledge
• Jason Morrall — Grand Ledge
• Michael Hankinson — Spring Lake
• Jorddan Myrick — West Ottawa
• Courtney Hill — Muskegon
• Spencer Nabors — Grandville
• Tyler Krim — Fremont
• Andrew Nieman — Owosso
• Ryan Majerle — Rockford
• Jason Pretzer — Jenison
• Connor McCane — Rockford
• Stephen Wittenbach — Forest Hills Central

View Storm 16u, 15u and girls here.

The Storm’s 17u’s look strong again this year, particularly on the perimeter.  They likely won’t have the inside presence that they had last year, but their stellar guard lineup should lead to some very, very entertaining games.  Their roster is actually logjammed a bit at the position, but the Storm is looking to field two teams in the 17u division again this year (drawing from MHSAA championship teams on March 29), which may help to increase opportunities available to each player.  Then again, it could also water-down both their teams.  We’ll see.

West Michigan Lakers 17u

• Caleb Bosch — West Ottawa
• LaDon Carnegie — GR Union
• David Evenhouse — GR Christian
• Conrad Freeman — Zeeland East
• Sam Harris — Calvary Baptist
• Thomas Hendricks — Forest Hills Northern
• Isaac Hernandez — Zeeland West
• Bryce Lutke — Holland Christian
• Andrew Maxey — West Ottawa
• Colin Meadowcroft — Holland
• Justin Pepper — Wayland
• Jawanza Springer — GR Union
• Xavier Watson — GR Union

View Lakers 16u, 15u here.

The Lakers will be the dark horse again this year, with slightly less big-name talent than the Storm.  But if 2009 was any indication, the Lakers’ coaching staff will do more than enough to close that gap to nil.  From the looks of their roster, the Lakers will be a versatile bunch this year, which again holds with their tradition of getting pure-players with something to prove.  Speaking of something to prove, you have to believe that after their disappointing loss to EGR in the state tournament the GR Union guys will lead the way in that department.

Either way, this year should be another close race between the two squads for the title of marquee team in West Michigan.

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If you’re a player looking to get noticed on the summer AAU circuit, but don’t yet have a team, check out these other top WM teams:

• Shoreline Hoops
• Camp Darryl Basketball Academy
• Courthouse Kings

Keep up with the latest action and analysis by becoming a WMA fan on Facebook, or join the conversation by following WMA on Twitter.  Heck, even start your own topic over at Allstars Among Us.