The basketball season doesn’t officially start until practice opens in November, with games tipping off the last week of the month. But the players who separate themselves from the pack aren’t waiting for a whistle to start working.

Basketball has long been thought of as a skill-and-touch sport, something you get better at with reps on the court, not reps in the weight room. But the players putting in serious strength training are the ones showing up bigger, faster, and more physical than their competition once the season actually begins. 

Here are 10 PowerStrength athletes worth watching this season — with more to come as the year goes on.

BOYS

Jace Opoku — Rockford, 2029 

Jace Opoku is already considered the top player in Michigan in the 2029 class. He led Rockford to the Division 1 state title as a freshman, a credential most players never reach at any point in their careers. He was invited to a Team USA Fall mini camp and has offers from Iowa State, West Virginia, and CMU, among others. See why Jace is prioritizing strength training in his development here. 

Dexter Lillmars — Fruitport, 2028 

Dexter Lillmars is a consensus top-10 player in Michigan’s 2028 class, and the physical tools he’s built at PowerStrength are a big part of what’s separating him from the pack. Read how Dexter is leveling up here.

Kai VanderKodde — NorthPointe Christian, 2027 

Kai VanderKodde earned All-Conference honors as a Junior, averaging 15 points per game while shooting 41% from three-point range — elite efficiency for a high-volume scorer. He’s already committed to continue his career at Grand Rapids Community College. Read more about Kai’s strong work ethic and desire to improve here.

Cam Crowder — Forest Hills Northern, 2027 

Cam Crowder earned All-Conference honors in the OK White as a Junior, averaging 12.3 points per game against some of the toughest competition in West Michigan. He already holds offers from Calvin and Albion.

Will Schepel — Forest Hills Central, 2027 

Will Schepel made All-Conference in the OK White as a Junior, putting up a well-rounded stat line of 8.5 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game, while shooting a career-best 38.5% from three. He’s also known as a standout defensive player — the kind of two-way impact that strength and length make possible.

Caden Smoker — Byron Center, 2029 

As a Freshman playing varsity minutes last season, Caden Smoker averaged 8.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 35.2% from three. Contributing at that level as a freshman is a strong early sign of what’s ahead.

Isaiah Beckum — Zeeland East, 2028 

Isaiah Beckum earned All-Conference honors as a Sophomore and has already logged two seasons on varsity — rare staying power for a player still with two years of eligibility remaining.

Drew Ferwerda — Rockford, 2027 

Drew Ferwerda came off the bench as a key sixth man on Rockford’s state championship team last season. He’s since drawn offers from Hope and Olivet.

GIRLS

Emma Ingles — Belding, 2028 

Emma Ingles has earned All-Conference honors in both her freshman and sophomore seasons, and already holds interest from Chicago State and Walsh. Read more about how Emma and her twin sister Olivia have elevated their game through strength training.

Olivia Ingles — Belding, 2028 

Olivia Ingles has matched her sister’s success, earning All-Conference honors as both a freshman and sophomore, with interest from Chicago State and Walsh as well.  Read more about how Oliva and her twin sister Emma have elevated their game through strength training.

WHY STRENGTH TRAINING MATTERS FOR BASKETBALL

Failing to buy into a serious strength training program is one of the biggest mistakes an ambitious player can make. 

Speed, explosiveness, finishing through contact, and staying healthy over a long high school and AAU season all come down to the same foundation: strength. 

The players on this list aren’t just talented — they’re building the physical tools to make sure that talent actually translates once the lights come on.

This is just the start of our basketball players to watch list — expect more names to be added as the season approaches.

WANT TO SEE BIG RESULTS?

3rd–12th grade athletes of all sports and ability levels can sign up at PowerStrength at any time throughout the year while spots remain. Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you — Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, Holland, or Byron Center. Visit powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your assessment and get started.