Elite 8: Enquirer's top players to watch in boys basketball for 2023-24
BATTLE CREEK ― They are often the best player on the floor, every time they take the floor. They are hard to take your eyes off of because they could do something special, or take over a game at any time.
They are the ones to watch because they are the top players in boys high school basketball in the area.
It is a tough list to make, especially since there is only room for eight. But as we tip off the 2023-24 high school boys basketball season, this is who we consider the Battle Creek Enquirer's Elite 8 — the top players to watch from teams in our readership area.
MORE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS:
Which Battle Creek city boys basketball team is ready to surprise this season?
Meet the 2023 Battle Creek Enquirer All-City Football Team
VOTE HERE: Who is the No. 1 'Player to Watch' high school boys basketball player in the Battle Creek area?
Or, scroll down to the bottom of the story for online poll
Brevin Bailey
School: Pennfield
Why he is on the list: On a team with senior leaders last year, Brevin Bailey was asked to be a role player for Pennfield. The junior guard provided a secondary scoring option for the Panthers at guard. Now, Bailey will have to up his game and looks to have the talent to do so. Breaking into the starting lineup midway through last season, showing glimpses of what he could do with a high of 18 points against state power Williamston, he will be the go-to scorer for the Panthers this season from the start.
Austin Burns
School: Marshall
Why he is on the list: Austin Burns started as a sophomore on a Marshall team that won 19 games and a share of the Interstate 8 Conference title a year ago. With a bulk of the scoring graduating from that team, Burns will be asked to play a bigger role for the Redhawks. Recognized as an Interstate 8 Conference honorable mention selection, the 6-foot-4 Burns can bring the ball up as a guard and also play in the paint and be counted on for double-double nights throughout the season.
Lebron Campbell
School: Lakeview
Why he is on the list: An honorable mention All-City selection as a sophomore last year, Lebron Campbell is expected to take the next step at guard for Lakeview this season. After the Spartans lost three All-City members and eight seniors overall, Campbell is set have a breakout junior campaign. A standout defender with more than 50 steals a year ago, the 6-foot Campbell has shown the ability to get into the paint off the dribble and shoot from the outside. Campbell has what it takes to help the Spartans contend in the SMAC East Division.
Tre'Quon Cotton
School: Harper Creek
Why he is on the list: A first-time starter a year ago, Trequon Cotton already showed glimpses of being able to take over games. The 6-foot, junior guard will be asked to be the go-to player for a Harper Creek team that has only one senior. Cotton is a lock-down defender with a varied skill set offensively to create for himself and others.
Joshua Harris
School: Battle Creek Central
Why he is on the list: Joshua Harris brought size and rebounding ability to last year's team, which went 17-8 and won its first district title in six years, as the Bearcats advanced to the regional finals. At 6-foot-3 and often competing against players much taller, Harris used his jumping ability and long arms to control the glass. As the lone returning starter, Harris will be asked to expand his role and become a scorer and a leader for the Bearcats.
Colt Myers
School: St. Philip
Why he is on the list: As St. Philip continues a rebuilding project, the Tigers are loaded with young talent that should help the program grow in the future. They have five returning starters, led by junior forward Colt Myers, who is in his fourth year on varsity after playing as an 8th-grader. A defensive-minded player and team captain last year, Myers led the Tigers in rebounds and will be asked to score more this season. A multiple-sport standout as an All-City quarterback as well, Myers helped St. Philip to a 10-13 record a year ago.
Miles Shannon
School: Climax-Scotts
Why he is on the list: Climax-Scotts will be led by one of the most dynamic big men in the area in 6-foot-7 Miles Shannon, a four-year starter who averaged a double-double a year ago with 14 points per game and 10 rebounds. As a multiple-sport athlete and All-State track standout in the high jump, Shannon is athletic enough to get up and down the floor in transition and finish with a dunk on the break. A defensive standout, Shannon changes the game on that end of the floor with his ability to block shots.
Kai Watts
School: Gull Lake
Why he is on the list: With a breakout season a year ago, Kai Watts became a sophomore sensation for a Gull Lake team that struggled to get wins, but didn't struggle to score. Despite a 6-15 record, the Blue Devils featured a lot of potential, including Watts. Watts had over 300 points last season, which placed him No. 25 on the single-season scoring list at Gull Lake. The 6-foot combo guard is also one of the top soccer players in the state.
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter @billbroderick
Unable to view the poll? Try refreshing your browser. Or, CLICK HERE
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Battle Creek Enquirer boys basketball players to watch for 2023-24
