Military schools drawn to Grand Haven star Harrison Sorrelle

Grand Haven senior Harrison Sorrelle takes a jump shot against Traverse City St. Francis on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. He finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. - Harrison Sorrelle is used to fielding phone calls from college coaches. 

But having one fly all the way from Colorado just to watch the Grand Haven senior play one game was surprising. That’s what an assistant coach from the Air Force Academy did on Dec. 13 when the Buccaneers played at Dearborn High School.

“I was surprised,” Sorrelle said. “They called me like two days before our next game and they said ‘hey, when’s your next game?’ I said ‘It is this Tuesday (at Dearborn)’. And they said ‘OK, we’ll be there.’ I was like wow!’ They asked me what airport to fly into and they showed up.”

Sorrelle, a 6-foot-6, 180 pound shooting guard, has offers from Wayne State, Lake Superior State and Tiffin.

But, for some reason, the U.S. service academies have latched on to Sorrelle. He has an offer from Army and the U.S. Naval Academy has been in contact with him, too.

“I think maybe it’s my on-court abilities to lead my team and just being aggressive regardless of how many points I score,” he said. “I’m there for my teammates.”

Grand Haven senior Harrison Sorrelle dunks against Traverse City St. Francis on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. He finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

Sorrelle is averaging 25 points and 9.5 rebounds per game for Grand Haven (4-0).

“I think a lot of schools that have seen him play, are really excited about him,” Grand Haven coach Greg Immink said. “He’s obviously a very exciting player. He’s very versatile. At his size, he can play inside or outside. He can shoot. He’s got a pull-up jump shot. He’s really competitive, which is something that sets him apart. His will to win is tremendous.”

Sorrelle went on a recruiting visit to Army at West Point with his parents, Pat and Amanda Sorrelle.

“They love it,” Sorrelle said of his parents. “Obviously, it’s a unique opportunity. They think it would be good for me to be there, but also for my future. The things that you learn at those academies, you can’t really find anywhere else. Or any other college.”

Immink said playing at a military academy is more than just playing basketball.

“I think it’s great,” he said. ‘What an honor to be able to visit at West Point. Not only a Division I basketball program, but everything that comes with it. You’re getting a first-class education and a first-class experience. Looking beyond basketball, there’s a lot of opportunities in front of him. The same can be said about the Air Force Academy. I know they will be talking to him in the next few days.”

Sorrelle doesn’t have an offer yet from Air Force. But that might be coming soon.
“They’ve been to a few of my games. They watched me play during the summer. We’re supposed to be on a Zoom call this week and see where it goes from there. They talked about having me take an official visit over there.”

Sorrelle played his travel ball for MBA Lakeshore 17U, which was coached by Tyler Ingalls.

“Right now, I’d like to decide soon,” he said. “I’m between two schools right now. I’m also waiting to see what happens this season to see where that takes me.”

Sorrelle has two 30-point games this season. He had 30 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Traverse City St. Francis on Friday, Dec. 30. Grand Haven plays at Portage Central on Wednesday and hosts O-K Red Conference foe Rockford on Friday. 

Grand Haven senior Harrison Sorrelle puts up a shot against Traverse City St. Francis on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. He finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).