Drequan Bell 6’3″ guard Reach 16u- Bell’s range has steadily deepened the past month or two. The Allen Academy Wildcat led Reach in their opening game with a team-high 22 points. Hit timely deep three pointers across the perimeter in the first-half, and then displayed his athleticism with a powerful dunk to close the game. Also used his length on defense to deflect balls coming off pick-and-rolls for steals.
Dequan Powell 5’10” guard Playmakers 17u- Powell has been one of Michigan’s biggest stock-risers in the class of 2016, as his production has meant an increase in victories for his team. Powell tallied 15 points in the team’s victory against Detroit Showtime. Dequan was automatic from 10-15 feet, consistently sinking mid-range jump shots in both halves. However, one aspect Powell does well for a smaller guard is rebound, offensively and defensively, don’t be surprised if he sneaks in and gets an extra possession for his team.
Thomas Kithier 6’7″ forward/center Mustangs 15u-Faletti- Kithier will have to increase his production if the Mustangs are to continue their dominance in the state for 15u, as fellow front-court mate Jalin Tobias will be out for at least rest of the Spring session. Kithier did just that in a win against the Warriors. The Dakota big man caused a great deal of havoc at the free-throw line and in. His ability to put the ball on the floor or pass from the interior can really space the floor for his team. Relentlessly attacked offensive and defensive boards, and played quality low-post defense.
Reach 15u Loaded With Guards- Reach consistently has some of the best guards in the state year after year, and their 15u team is no different. Pershing’s Ron Hill, Chandler Park’s Matthew Richmond, Southfield’s Dave Hearns, and Western’s Anthony Roberts were all vital and had their moments in a blow-out victory against Team Hype. Roberts provided the bulk of the scoring load, hitting jump-shots off the dribble, and finishing in the lane, while also playing pressure defense with the other three guards to cause Hype problems just bringing the ball up the floor. This group will be interesting to watch and develop.
Other Standouts:
Richard Talley Playmakers 17u- Talley can be counted on for five to six steals a game, and none other was bigger than his game-winning steal and lay-in with less than five seconds to put the Playmakers up on Showtime.
Chris Rollins and Karmari Newman- The two shook off less-than average first half performances to propel Showtime into possibly stealing a victory. Rollins scored 13 in the second-half, while added 12, each adding two threes in the final 15 minutes, while also increasing their defensive intensity in the process.
Jamal Keese 6’3″ guard Reach 16u- Caught the eye of the crowd with an impressive tip-in offensive rebound for a dunk which sealed the fate of the opposing team’s hope of a comeback. Finished with 15 points in the process. Runs the floor well for lay-ups, and is consistently gives effort and energy on the defensive end of the floor.
The Prep Ball Report 
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