Something about MVP Fieldhouse. A large amount of games were decided in the final seconds to conclude the annual Brawl for the Ball.
Congratulations to the following champions:
17u Detroit Stars
16u King James
15u Michigan Mustangs- Faletti
Brandon Johns 6’7″ forward Triple-Threat
The number one player in Michigan’s 2018 class, Johns was viewed by coaches Alabama and Michigan State continuously on the weekend. The one thing that stood out on Johns this weekend was his passing ability. He has the vision of a point guard in his 6’7″ frame as he finds cutters from all over the court. Rebounding and dominating games in the final streches are also nice attributes to have.
Danny Pippen 6’7″ forward Detroit Stars 17u
Whatever Pippen did before the Brawl for the Ball, he needs to do continuously before all tournaments, because at times he was the best forward out of a talented Detroit Stars front-line. Pippen blocked shots from both his man and weakside, consistently ran hard rim-to-rim, and rebounded at a high-level throughout the tournament. He’s not a pure back to the basket scorer, Pippen is a lob and face-up four that can hit a three here and there. Danny has the frame and length to add strength to his game, then only will he become a walking mis-match.
Lamar Norman 6’1″ guard Michigan Mustangs- Vallar 15u
Need offense? Need Lamar Norman. Lamar is an electrifying streaky scorer, but when he gets hot, he stays hot. In the championship game vs. that other Mustang team, Lamar single-handedly kept his team in the game, with over half of his team’s points and a starting back-court mate out with an injury. He’s starting to develop into a deadly stand-still three-point shooter, and is lightning quick in the open court in transition slashing to the basket. Would like for him to have that killer’s mentality throughout the game on the offensive end of the floor, attack off the dribble and call for the ball.
Jaylin McFadden 6’3″ forward 1Nation 17u
Mr. Glue. McFadden is that one piece all successful teams need to have. He does all the dirty work, challenge shots, get 50-50 balls, rebounds, and scores in bunches around the basket. Him and his front-court mate Alaric Jackson were the main reasons as to why 1Nation was able to mount a comeback and win against a dangerous SYF-Players team. Larger schools are hesitant to offer Jaylin because of his size for the position he plays. However, with his motor and athleticism, a division II or NAIA school will be extremely blessed to have him.
Thomas Kithier 6’8″ forward Michigan Mustangs- Faletti 15u
It’s hard to get touches on a team with as much indiviudal guard talent as the Mustangs do, but Kithier never gets frustrated or pouts. He plays his role on both ends of the court. Thomas has such advanced low-post moves for a kid his age, and can score with either hand, and with his passing ability is just as much a threat as well to find an open man. Had a couple big blocks down the strech in bracket play. Watch out if this becomes a consistency in addition already being a solid back-line 1-1 defender.
Antwan Johnson 6’5″ forward Michigan Playmakers 17u
No longer just a dunker, the most athletic player in the gym, Johnson averaged around a double-double each Playmaker game. Johnson is so quick off the floor, and is able to out-jump opponents and snatch the ball at the highest point with ease. He also is deceptively strong, he fearlessly finished drives to the basket off-the dribble and is reliable free-throw shooter, an aspect that has improved leaps and bounds over the course of a year. His hops make him a look for colleges alone, but his developing skill set is what makes him a scholarship player.
Anthony Taylor 6’6″ forward Michigan Playmakers 15u
He played in relative obscurity during the high school season, only freshman of Mumford’s roster, but will soon make an impact this upcoming season for the Mustangs if he continues upon his performance from the Brawl for the Ball. First, Taylor passes the eye test for young forwards, long, rangy, next to gangly in the dictionary. Then, contrary to beliefs about young forwards, he knows how to play the game. Running high-low a few times, knows where to post-up on offense, and positions himself for rebounds although he isn’t jumping out of the gym just yet. In the close lost to the Storm, Taylor was the most efficient player on offense, he might have missed only one or two shots, and was the team’s leading scorer, finishing five-footers with defenders drapped all-over him, and keeping second chance opportunities alive. Anthony is just as good as any young forward in the PSL, remember who said so first.
Greg Elliott 6’3″ guard Detroit Stars 17u
Mr. Clutch. Elliott hit the game winning three-pointer as time expired to give the Stars the 17u platinum championship. Elliott greatest asset is his freakish length. His arms extend to about his knee-caps, and he might not be done growing. A true-combo, Elliott can run the point, or make plays off the ball. He doesn’t do anything exceptionally well, but he is a key piece to a winning team. Defensive versatility is his calling card.
Jaylen Harris 6’7″ forward The Family 16u
The Family rolled out an interesting collection of 2017, 2018, and 2019 in Grand Rapids, and Harris was one of their ’19 forwards. He really does resemble a young Isaiah Austin, and his glasses aren’t the reason. He’s mobile, long, and is athletic for an incoming freshman. Even against older competition, Jaylen blocked weak-side shots and cleaned the glass like he was playing at his age level. Wasn’t as consistent on offense, but looks like he has a nice stroke from up to ten-feet whatever high school he chooses can work with. Sorry, but can’t just hold it in any longer, he will be Isaiah Austin 2.0. Watch.
Terrance Sewell 6’2″ guard Reach 17u
Craves contact, and lives at the free-throw line. A bully. Running out of adjectives here. Just know Sewell gets buckets.
Susu Davenport 5’10” guard Grand Rapids Storm 15u
Only saw Davenport for one full viewing, so this might have to be taken with a grain of salt for consistency purposes, but Davenport can play. He does an excellent job of changing speeds on defenders, getting to the lane, and making plays. Davenport does a nice job of putting officials in positions to make calls and more often than not he was drawing blocking falls. Big and-one to put the game against the Michigan Playmakers on ice.
Demetrius Craig 5’10” guard Triple-Threat 16u
For as much talent on Triple-Threat, they still need role players, and Craig is one of those. Craig is a three-point specialist who capitalizes on the spacing made by Johns and the team’s other shooter Reese Middleton.
Ben Davidson 6’2″ guard Grand Rapids Storm 15u
St. Clair is situated next to Port Huron, not Grand Rapids. The Storm should pay for whatever the gas mileage it is from St. Clair to Grand Rapids for Davidson, because he is well worth it. Davidson is one of those guards that is consistent wherever he is on the floor. Whether it be as a point guard or off-guard, Davidson is going to make a play for himself or teammates. Again, in the Storm vs. Playmaker 15u, Davidson made crafty first-step drive after drive to the basket with either hand. Nice backcourt with him and Davenport.
Joan Andoni 6’2″ guard Reach 17u
Mr. Andoni is not afraid to luanch the three, and he made more than he missed. In two viewings on the weekend, Andoni put together 2-3 minutes where he scored 8-11 that changed the complexion of the game. He has a consistent, pure stroke that always looks like it’s going in.
James Jenkins 6’7″ forward Michigan Playmakers 17u
Didn’t put-up consistent or unworldly numbers, but for stretches gave the Playmakers big minutes off the bench, 14 points in the championship. Although he doesn’t get the ball much offensively, he still took advantage of opponents not boxing him out, staying in the paint, and getting second chance points. Good not great athlete, solid length, and can shoot a little up to 20 feet. Size alone makes him D2/NAIA type player, far from a finished product.
The Prep Ball Report 
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