Predicting the success of first-year program
Ypsi Prep Academy (Ypsilanti, Mich.) could prove difficult. However, with a generational talent like Emoni Bates
leading the charge it's easy to see why this group enters at No. 4 in the MaxPreps Top 25.
Along
with Bates, senior Jaden Akins, juniors Dillon Hunter and Javaughn Hannah, and sophomore Marlon Barnes Jr. all are expected to play
key backcourt roles for the fledgling program.
Top
100 junior Shawn Phillips is expected to anchor the frontcourt while
sophomore John McCrear provides depth for coach Corey Tucker's star-studded
rotation.
The
upcoming Battle Basketball Showdown should reveal a lot about Ypsi Prep as it takes on Sunrise Christian
Academy and Sierra Canyon in the Nov. 20-21 preseason event.
The
evolution of Bates, the
No. 1 player in the Class of 2022 according to 247Sports, will be intriguing to watch throughout the season as
the reigning Gatorade National Player of the Year enters as favorite to win
MaxPreps National Player of the Year honors.
Wing Emoni Bates shown dunking for Lincoln (Mich.) last season.
File photo by Scott Bates
G Jaden AkinsHeight: 6-3 | Class: Senior (2021)
National rank: 63 | Status: Committed to Michigan State
Height: 6-6 | Class: Sophomore (2023)
National rank: 50 | Status: Uncommitted
Height: 6-9 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 1 | Status: Committed to Michigan State
Height: 6-4 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 121 | Status: Uncommitted
Height: 6-5 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 37 | Status: Uncommitted
Height: 6-7 | Class: Sophomore (2023)
National rank: NR | Status: Uncommitted
Height: 6-10 | Class: Junior (2022)
National rank: 81 | Status: Uncommitted
