Mayor’s Notebook: Ring The Bell! Bankhoops Minicamp Recap

22 Sep

Thanks to Mr. Steve Bell for his hospitality at the 11th annual Bankhoops All-State Minicamp.  There were 140 campers from all corners of Michigan in attendance.  Some were sure-fire blue-chip prospects, while others made a name for themselves.  There was also a nice presence of colleges on-hand.  U of M Dearborn, Adrian, Albion, Kalamazoo, Spring Arbor, Hope, Northwood, Great Lakes, Trine, and Marygrove all viewed potential prospects.

Top five performers:

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Hayden Stauffer

Hayden Stauffer 6-5 2018 forward Centerville- Showed a great low-post skill-set.  Had a killer drop step move all day.  Kept the ball high in low-post and scored at will. Unreal footwork for a big at such a young age.  One of if not the top rebounder on the day.

Dylan Alderson 6-5 2017 wing Clarkston- Showcased a drastically improved jump-shot from a season ago.  Absolutely could not miss from deep.  He is on his way to a high major offer.  He currently has offers from Toledo, Central Michigan, and Wright State

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Pierre Mitchell

Pierre Mitchell 5-11 2018 point guard Detroit Loyola- Deadly mid-range game.  Did a good job setting up unfamiliar teammates to score.  Going to have a big winter for the Bulldogs in Class C.

Emmanuel Gildo 6-5 2016 wing/forward Lansing Waverly- Punished the rims at Aim-High all day.  Displayed athleticism and control while finishing against the New Haven trees on a few occasions.  Had several follow-up jams and thunder-dunks

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Darian Owens-White

Davion Owens-White 6-0 2017 point guard River Rouge- Coming off a Toledo offer this Summer, Owens-White has really picked up his ability to score, most notably with his killer pull-up jumper from the free-throw line.  Ultimate floor general.  Nicknamed “The Captain” for a reason!

Other Standouts:

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Nick Welch

Nick Welch 6-6 2017 forward Monroe St. Mary- A big time sleeper in 2017.  A high division II low division I prospect right now.  True mismatch on the floor.  His quickness makes a him a tough cover for a big and his 6-6 frame allows him to eat when a smaller guy guards him.  Solid x-and-o type player.  Plus his outside game is improving.

Derek Nicholson 6-7 2017 forward Williamston- A young 2017.  The kid loves contact under the hoop.  Showed a nice touch down low.

Jesse “Scrappy” Scarber 5-8 2017 point guard Detroit King- Mr. Scarber is as tough as nails on the court.  Pesky defender with great footwork and lateral quickness.  Probably a trackstar if he opted for another sport due to deceptive athleticism and speed.  Exceptional passer when not in a rush.  Received an Adrian College offer immediately following the camp.  But watch out division II and division I schools.

Logan Ryan 6-7 2016 forward Canton- Come on division II schools, we know there’s a weight program for this guy.  Logan had it going from the outside again and a couple of nice dunks mixed in.  Big winter coming from this kid.

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Seth Wright

Seth Wright 6-6 2019 forward Constantine- Showed worthy of conversation as a top 10 prospect in the state’s 2019 class.  At 6-6, Wright ran the floor like a deer and showed he can step out and be a threat to knock-down open attempts.

Logan Steffers 5-11 2016 point guard Stevensville-Lakeshore- Good ball hander that you can’t leave open behind the arc.

A.J. Crawford 5-10 2017 point guard Warren Cousino- Athletic guard who got by his man and finished with finesse regularly.

Showed Up and Showed Out:

Brandon Wade 6-0 2018 point guard Ann Arbor Skyline

Ryan Wade 5-11 2019 shooting guard Ann Arbor Skyline

Deyuan Heard 6-6 2016 wing Dearborn ATA

Tabin Throgmorton 6-4 2016 wing Clarkston

Andrew Kline 6-1 2016 point guard Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

Hunter Page 6-0 2016 combo guard Parma Western

Brennan Bushka 6-5 2017 wing Grosse Pointe South

Daeshon Pride 5-11 2016 combo guard Flint Southwestern

Contributed by Adam Troia

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Mayor’s Notebook: T.J. Kelley’s IPS Showcase Recap

14 Sep

The annual Inside Prep Sports Fall Showcase was organized by none other than T.J Kelley.  Seńor Kelley always brings together some of the best talent in the state.  And 2015 was no different.  Roughly 60 kids from across Michigan participated.  Here are those that stood-out.

Top Three Performers:

Jamal Cain Cornerstone 6’7″ 2017 Wing: Mr. Cain showed his Rivals top 100 ranking was no fluke by taking it to the field at the showcase.  On the day, Cain guarded all five positions on the floor due to superior length, athleticism, and agility.  With a polished mid-range game in the works, high majors will be calling Jamal soon to go with offers from Kent State, Oakland, and U of D Mercy.

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Diego Robinson

Diego Robinson Lansing Everett 6’6″ 2017 Wing: Robinson assaulted the rims all day long.  He dunked every open look either off-the-dribble or from a standstill, and owned the defensive glass.  Robinson will continue to round out his entire skill-set before the actual season starts.

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Dylan Alderson

Dylan Alderson Clarkston 6’5″ 2017 Wing: Another high-flyer on the day, however, Dylan showed off his outside game and his ability to drop dimes while playing point guard.  Has all the tools needed to become a plus perimeter defender from all three positions.  This versatility has aided Alderson in receiving offers from Toledo, Central Michigan, and Wright State.  More will definitely follow.

Other Notables:

Brandon Wade Ann Arbor Skyline 6’0″ 2018 Point Guard: Great passer.  Thrives in using body to shield defenders from the ball while getting into the lane and making point guard plays.  Soild in-between guy who makes everyone around him better.  Holds offers from Eastern Michigan, Toledo, and Northern Illinois.

Richard Talley Detroit Renaissance 5’10” 2016 Point Guard: Justin Turner is not the only guard that can play at Renni.  Talley is a soild/pesky on-ball defender with quick hands and feet.  And holy smokes can this kid jump despite his size.  Wow!

Jordan Graham Farmington 6’4″ 2017 Wing Guard: He might be the biggest sleeper in Michigan’s ’17 class.  Jordan had a great summer with the Michigan Warriors before getting hurt in July.  He can really run the floor, create his own shot, knockdown open jumpers, and has great size for a guard. Would be a steal for a low-major.

Brennan Buszka Grosse Pointe South 6’6″ 2017 Wing: Another Michigan Warrior.  Had a strong month of July, and I’ve got a feeling he’s not done growing yet.  Really good in open floor either with the ball or running the break.  A good rebounder for his size.  Student of the game type player given his dad played college ball at U of D Mercy.

Calvin Blaydes Belleville 6’5″ 2016 Forward: Athleticism is off the charts.  Ability to create own offense is developing, but never ceases from the dirty work and rebounding side of the game.  Tallest kid on high school team so that might limit his ability to play his more natural height-given position.  One premier community college took note of him.

More Standouts:
Jack Ammermen Ann Arbor Skyline 5’10” 2018 Shooting Guard: Kid can flat out shoot it

Robert Iaquaniello Walled Lake Northern 6’2″ 2017 Shooting Guard: Another one opponents can’t leave open behind the arch.

 Joe Chavey Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 6’4″ 2016 Combo Guard: Attention D3/NAIAs, here’s a steal.  3.5 GPA and 24 ACT.  Plays extremely hard and willing to do whatever it takes to win.

Skylar Lipinski Onsted 6’6″ 2017 Forward: The future of Onsted is strong with Lipinski.  Defenders will no longer be able to double-team Austin “Big Country” Davis now that Lipinski is on varsity.

Contributed by Adam Troia

@altroyhoops

 

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Mayor’s Notebook: DeWitt’s Dynamic Class of 2018 Duo

6 Sep

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Sophomores Tanner Reha (left) and Luke Hyde (right) look to lead DeWitt on the hardwood.

Running over the old notebook, something jumped out – a school known predominately on the gridiron instead of the hardwood–DeWitt.  Now I admit I know little about DeWitt hoops.  However, two players that stood out during the travel circuit and high school team camp sessions were DeWitt sophomores, Luke Hyde and Tanner Reha.

I first saw Hyde at the University of Michigan College Practice camp.  His size, almost 6’6″, and ability to guard stood out against many of the camp’s premier talent.

Despite only being a ninth grader, Luke was the sixth man for the Panthers last winter on varsity.  In addition to the Michigan camp, Hyde has camped at Central Michigan and Akron.  Northern Illinois is another school which has expressed interest in the DeWitt swingman.   Unfortunately for Hyde, he was not able to participate in the July live evaluation period of games with his Michigan Mustangs-Haney 15u team due to a leg injury.  But Luke says he’s has been working to improve his ball-handling and shooting while in motion over the course of the off-season.

Classmate Tanner Reha had a strong summer to go along with Hyde.  He was a definite top five player at U of D Mercy’s camp in June.  Reha also had the opportunity to attend the Elite 25, and the Central Michigan camp with Hyde.

One of Tanner’s best individual games was his first ever game at the high school level.  The 6’4″ shooting guard poured in a team-high 22 points against an East Lansing team coached by stout defensive guru, Steve Finamore.  Tanner thus far has received interest from University of Detroit Mercy, Central Michigan and Kent State.  He is a very heady, tough, kid that is usually in the right position for a steal or rebound on defense.  Offensively, Tanner wishes to become a reliable knockdown three-point shooter.

Enough of the notebook. Let’s see what Luke and Tanner think about each other.

Tanner on Luke: “Luke has a killer mid-range game. He is a great teammate because he’s always positive.  Almost too nice.”

Luke on Tanner:  “Tanner is a great shooter and even better leader.  He’s definitely the spark plug on our team.”

DeWitt won the Capital Area-Red conference championship last year, posting an 8-2 record.  The team looks to repeat in 2016.  If DeWitt wishes to do so, a large amount work will be put on the shoulders of freshmen Hyde and Reha.  Can’t wait!

Contributed by Al Troia

 

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Mayor’s Notebook: Allen Academy’s Jason Williams Primed for Big Year

28 Aug

jasonwilliamsA 2016 point guard many schools are looking over is Jason Williams from Detroit Allen Academy.  Williams stands a mere 5’10,” but blessed with superb speed, agility, and athleticism for a sub six-foot guard.  Jason uses a quick first-step to get past defenders and downhill for the rim with either hand.  Early in his career, Jason struggled with tunnel vision.  Playing too fast, out of control, and forcing errant shots.

By the middle of his junior year, Williams took his game to the next level.  He developed into a leader for a young Wildcat team at the point guard position.  He single-handedly carrying the team during stretches throughout the year, dropped three 40 point games, two back-to-back, and concluded the year leading Allen Academy with a 27 points-per-game and 7 assists-per-game average.

Jason spent the July live evaluation period with 17U 1Nation, alongside consensus number one 2016 prospect Josh Jackson.  Following particularly strong performances at the Under Armour Invitational and Las Vegas Fab 48, Williams caught the eye of college coaches.  Arkansas State and North Carolina A&T offered on spot in Vegas, East Tennessee State a few weeks later, as well as a Ferris State offer Williams already held.   He plans to visit two campuses in September.

Expectations will be high for Williams his senior campaign.  He has already scored more than 1,000 points in his career and dished-out more than 300 assists.  But there is one thing Jason wants more than individual numbers, a state championship.  Allen Academy opens the year as a top five team in Class C with a legitimate opportunity to finish their season at the Breslin Center.  With Williams, 6’7″ senior forward Danny Pippen, and a young nucleus of guards, Coach Craig Covington will have plenty of options at his disposal this upcoming winter.  But Williams will be the “straw that stirs the drink” according to coach.

Contributed by Al Troia

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Mayor’s Notebook: Jaron Faulds Recaps Big Summer

22 Aug

YOqekVy9_400x400One of the biggest stock risers in July was The Family’s Jaron Faulds.  The Holt big man, standing 6’10,” was a load on the offensive and defensive glasses.   Faulds made major strides on the offensive end of the floor this past grassroots season.   He is now able to knock-down mid-range jumpers consistently, and has a variety of low-post moves.  Due to his stellar play, particularly in the month of July, several schools have taken interest in the rising junior.   Interest from the Big Ten is Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue. Out of state schools have been Xavier, Clemson, Cornell, Harvard, and St. Louis.  Toledo (offer), Central Michigan, Kent State (offer), and Akron out of the MAC, and Oakland University (offer) out of the Horizon League.  Faulds says Toledo, Kent State, and Oakland are the schools pursuing him the hardest.  Jaron mentions academics will be taken into consideration for his ultimate decision.

Contributed by Al Troia: @altroyhoops

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Oh Times Goes By So Fast

17 Aug

For three years, I have covered high school basketball in Michigan.  The inspiration behind the website came after reading an article about a kid my age in New Jersey who had started his own successful basketball website.  Already a prep sports enthusiast for years at the time in tenth grade, a project was born.

I initially covered football in the Fall of 2012.  Once the state finals at Ford Field concluded, it was basketball season.  I’ve always liked the two sports, but there’s something unique about Michigan high school basketball that drew me in.  The rivalries, tradition, enthusiastic crowds and fans, state tournaments, it was an atmosphere I wanted to be apart of; only from the stands.

From then on I continued on covering the AAU part of high school basketball.  I had always wondered why certain players received specific college interest and how coaches evaluate talent on the court.  At that point I learned prep basketball is a business, and like life, it’s not always fair.  I felt as though is was my responsibility to continuously advocate for the lesser known players in Michigan, a core value behind The Prep Ball Report, knowing the impact a college education can have on a family and community.  I am unclear to date on how many student-athletes went to the next level because of my services, but there has been no better feeling than the thank yous I have received from players after an article was written with their name in it.

Although this website has been a true labor of love the past few years, it is time for me personally to move on.  In May of 2015, I graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and in the Fall I will be attending Loyola University Chicago, a Jesuit school located in Rogers Park neighborhood of the city.  I do not plan on continuing as a writer for the time being, instead my time will be devoted toward working as a student manager for the Rambler basketball team.  Loyola compiled a 24-13 record in the prestigious Missouri Valley conference a season ago, and captured the College Basketball Invitational tournament championship.   In addition to my role as a manager, I plan on studying sports management in college.

However, this is not necessarily the end of The Prep Ball Report.  I have assembled a staff of insiders who will continue in my absence on covering basketball in Michigan.  Notably, Adam “Mayor” Troia, a fixture on the Detroit basketball scene who is a regular contributor to the Michigan Insider on 1050 WTKA.  I am confident in Adam’s ability on spotlighting the young stars of Michigan, as well as the diamonds in the rough, which will be invaluable towards the future of this ongoing project.

I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself around positive people.  I would like to extend a gracious thank you to all the players, parents, fans, fellow reporters, and high school and college coaches I have come into contact with the past three years.  Your support does not go unnoticed.

The Prep Ball Report will always have a special part in my life.  Growing and developing an idea into a respectable brand was a once in a life-time opportunity for me.  Above all the personal notoriety it has brought me, the lasting impact will be how I’ve grown as a person, not just a basketball reporter.  Contrary to what many believed, my school grades improved once I started The Prep Ball Report, as well as my self-esteem and worth increased.  Sports have and will always play an important role in my life.  My ultimate goal is to work for a professional sports franchise one day.  And I owe a debt of gratitude to the Michigan high school basketball community for teaching me life-long lessons and serving as a launching point.

Thanks,

Steven

Final Standouts From Fort Wayne

29 Jul

Cassius Winston 6’0″ point guard 17u The Family-

After an uncharacteristic Winston-esque performance throughout the tournament, Cassius saved his best for Sunday; 35 total points in the championship game.  It was too much Cassius for the Spiece Indy Heat and Florida State bound guard C.J. Walker to handle, as Winston was at the center of a Family second-half charge which put the Spiece team down.  Whatever Winston wanted he got, mid-range pull-ups, threes off the bounce, attacking the basket, Cassius could not be stopped.

Amauri Hardy 6’2″ off-guard 17u The Family- 

Big weekend for Amauri Hardy, who has played up one age level since April.  When Hardy keeps his game simple, he can be as good as any guard in Michigan’s ’17 class and the midwest.  When Amauri gets you on his hip, with a full-burst of speed going left, good luck.  Because he is going to finish strong at the basket and live at the free-throw line if he doesn’t.  When he rebounds the ball at a high-level which he did, Hardy was a one man fast-break repeatedly.  Already with a college level body and frame, if Hardy continues to work on his right hand a little more and finds a reliable perimeter jumper, Amauri will have a big season for Southfield.

Tre Harvey 5’10” off-guard 15u Michigan Warriors-

Harvey put on a show in each Warrior game on championship Sunday, raining in three after three in the two games.  His highest scoring game was 25, and multiple three-pointers in the process.  Tre’s form is a bit of wind-up and unorthodox, but the end result cannot be argued when he was left open.  Harvey is a guard that will be gradually progressed through the ranks this upcoming varsity season at West Bloomfield on both ends.  And next Spring/Summer Tre will shine.

Kaevon Merriweather 6’1″ point guard 16u Michigan Warriors-

Physically does not look like a freshman.  Broad shoulders, power athlete, and fast, Merriweather is the next guard up at Romulus.  His best attribute right now is as a disrupter on defense.  He comes away with steals, tips, and deflections because he understands how to react against screens and picks, which become easy offense.  He’s still developing into a pure point guard and passer with reads and vision, but did show signs of growth in Fort Wayne.

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Day Three Standouts for the 2015 GRBA Nationals

27 Jul

Elijah Collins 6’0″ off-guard The Family 15u-

Collins is known for defense.  With a strong build, high-major athleticism, and quickness, Eli is a lockdown perimeter defender guarding both guard positions, causing opponents to catch the ball in uncomfortable positions, and even one day on the tournament guarded a 6’8″ player as effectively he could due to awareness and positioning.  His offensive game has been a work in progress the past couple of months.  Collins attacked the basket aggressively and finished open-court lay-ups in transition.  Although he isn’t a point guard by definition with the ball in his hands routinely, he’s a point guard off-the ball.  Directing players where they are supposed to be and when he gets the ball it doesn’t become stagnant.

Romeo Weems 6’4″ wing The Family 15u-

The Family brought up a few players that had just recently played at a national tournament in Florida; which Weems participated in.  Weems is a power wing in the making; big build, broad shoulders, nice frame.  But The Family played him more as a four on the weekend; and he was effective.  A true stat-sheet stuffer, Weems aside from scoring, blocked shots, rebounded, and came away with steals on the perimeter.  His greatest impact on one game was locking down a fellow 2019 that had absolutely destroyed other teams; not on Weems’ watch.  Romeo played very well of The Family’s talented guards; positioned himself well for dump-ins or backdoored his man to the basket.  Roemo’s offensive game should be one to watch this upcoming season at Country Day.

C.J. Wilson 5’10” point guard The Family 16u-

Wilson’s Twitter name might be Mr. PG, but his defense is rated R.  Wilson covers great amounts of ground for The Family due to lateral speed, agility, and quickness.  He has a knack for speeding the offense up and disrupting timing.  Ball-handlers cannot be lazy around him; it will be a turnover.  Wilson also showed signs of life on the offensive end.  He hit some three-point shots at times, and attacked gaps to the basket.

Logan Ryan 6’7″ forward Michigan Warriors 17u-

Logan finally put together one weekend that the Warriors, college coaches, and scouts had finally waited for.  He continuously made big-shot after big-shot on bracket play Saturday.  One game winning three with 26 seconds, and scoring key baskets down the stretch in on overtime victory for the Warriors. He’s not a back-to-the basket type player just yet, although he did show some signs of growth on that area, however, his 18-20 feet jump shot was nearly automatic on the weekend.  Either spotting-up or flashing to the middle of the court, it was hard to contest one of his shots.  He can also run the floor, and is solid passer as a forward.  The one glaring issue with Logan is his frame.  He has the length, but will need to add at least 25-40 pounds at the next level to continuously battle larger defenders on defense and for rebounds.

Riley Lewis 5’10” off-guard Triple-Threat 17u-

A flat out scorer from anywhere on the court.  Lewis is slithery and energetic with the ball, and can create his own shot off-the bounce.  Very good driver to the basket, uses first step and protects the ball well when in traffic.  Lewis is worth a look for small schools that want a 5’10” guard that easily finish a game with 30.

Daijon Parker 6’5″ forward Michigan Warriors 16u-

Daijon Parker is an unknown prospect from Westland John Glenn.  When Parker stays confident and aware, he can be very effective.  In one game he had 18 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks in a victory.  Parker showed a soft-touch on a 10-12 feet jumper, and even had a couple spins moves down low.  Not an exceptionally athlete or grinder by any measure, but uses body and frame to clear space for rebounds when in the paint.  If he continues to work hard and stay within himself, Daijon will no doubt have a big year for Glenn.

Mike Bruce 6’3″ off-guard Michigan Warriors 17u-

Mike Bruuuce as is said along the I-94 corridor.  Bruce has the desirable frame, length, and height colleges look for when evaluating guards.  Mike used to play point guard when he was younger, but currently plays more off the ball and that aspect of his game is still a work in progress.  When he gets into the paint, Bruce can score in the mid-range with runners, floaters, and pull-ups in the paint; although he does need to be careful on ball protection down amongst the trees.  Bruce will have one solid game, then an  o.k game the next outting.  If he puts the pieces together and realizes how much of a special talent he is, Mike will have a huge year for Ypsilanti.

GRBA Nationals Day Two Recap

25 Jul

Sean Cobb 6’6″ forward 15u Michigan Mustangs-Haney-

Cobb is buckets and rebounds; there has been no viewing this year where he has not had at least a double-double.  Cobb is versatile and offensively skilled, he can shoot a bit up to 18 feet, but scores most of his points in the paint; where he displays soft balance and touch with either hand and the ability to go over either shoulder if in the post.  There is this sense of smoothness and ease with everything Cobb does, his footwork is stellar, already has a nice build, and is unselfish with the ball.  In a close AM loss, his team scored a mere 30 points, and Cobb had to at least have 20.

Jaron Faulds 6’10” forward The Family-

Jaron has pulled double-duty so far at the 2015 GRBA Nationals, playing with both The Family 16 and 17u.  It really doesn’t matter what age he’s been at, Faulds has been producing in-front of state powers Michigan and Michigan State.  He routinely has been the best big on the floor, rebounding everything in the paint due to his freakish length, and willingness to battle.  Faulds seals and gets excellent position on offense for his guards to get him the ball, make a power-move and finish, but his jump hooks with either shoulder have been money thus far.

Andy Milikan 5’11” guard 15u Judges Court-

Milikan had one of two 41 point performances by 2018 guards from Michigan on the day.  To be fair, the viewing I saw was not the 41 point performance; but it comes as no surprise for a player with the skill level as him.  A true combo guard that can score or run the show, Milikan is one of the few players on his team that has played varsity competition before, and it shows.  He is never stagnant offensively or defensively.  Coaches would love to watch the way he understands defensive rotations when he jumps and recovers to cut driving opportunities to the basket.  In addition to his defensive ability, Andy is also a knockdown shooter.  He has great footwork, form, range, and consistency.  Just one of those players you want on your team.

Brandon Wade 5’11” point guard 15u Michigan Gators-

The other 41 point performance on Friday was by Brandon.  Him and backcourt friend Jack Ammerman combined for 65 of the Gators’ 71 points.  Although he concluded the game with six threes, in the first half, he got into a rhythm by attacking the basket due to superior strength than any of the Mustang-Vallar guards.  He then expanded his range in the second-half and had four trifectas in the second.  If his perimeter jumper comes constant and opponents have to respect that aspect of his game, there will be few that will be able to totally stop him.

Jack Ammerman 5’9″ shooting guard 15u Michigan Gators-

Jack is the perfect complement to a guard with Brandon’s skill-set.  When Brandon drives to the basket, and the help comes, he can kick out to Jack; splash.  For one good stretch late in the second-half Jack would not miss.  However, he’s not solely a three-point specialist, he has a nice mid-range game and pull-up if the three isn’t there.

Amauri Hardy 6’3″ guard 17u The Family-

When Amauri keeps it simple, he is good as any guard in the class of 2017.  He has such a strong build and frame for an off-scoring guard that allows him to take hits and bounce right-back up off the floor.  Hardy was right there to lead the team when consensus top 30 point guard prospect Cassius Winston had an uncharacteristic, by his normal standards, game against Spiece Indy Heat.  Hardy led the way with 21, and a nice amount of rebounds as well.

Other standouts:

Lamar Norman 6’0″ off-guard 15u Michigan Mustangs-Vallar- 

Didn’t come up with this comparison, but the more Norman plays, the more he is reminiscent of a Monte Ellis.  Quick, explosive, and streaky.  He can get into zones from the perimeter where he just doesn’t miss; and his transition slashing ability is another strength for him.  Still, would like to see him become a consistent option in the half-court when the games slows down.

P.J. Mitchell 5’10” point guard 15u The Family-

Mitchell didn’t just shoot the ball well on Friday, he has so throughout the tournament.  When he gets his feet square and raises, he can become automatic with a quick release.  A natural-born leader on both ends of the floor, P.J. can run either a transition style or half-court offense effectively as a pass first guard.  Quick enough to get into the lane, but at this point looks more like a creator than scorer amongst larger defenders.  Pairs well with Julian Dozier to give The Family a deadly one-two punch.

Julian Dozier 5’9″ point 15u The Family-

In addition to Mitchell’s 20 points in a victory against the Illinois Wolves, Dozier was right there next to him; Mitchell and Dozier concluded the contest with a combined eight threes.  Dozier however has those awkward in-between/flip shots down pat where he attempts to avoid shot-blockers.  Dozier wants to make the right decisions on offense, although some of his passes were just a tad late that resulted in turnovers.  He should develop some seasoning over the high school season where those once turnovers will become dimes.

Zeale McCullough 6’5″ forward 17u Triple-Threat-

Quiet and goes about his business.  McCullough isn’t the first, second, or third option on his team, but somehow and way produces.  He plays with a good feel for a forward whose guards like to score the ball more than create.  McCullough has some range to his game; one 25 footer stands out the most.  An overall plus athlete and leaper, Zeale has mastered the lost art of boxing out, and two-hand rebounding.  He’s solid for the first rotation on defense.  He is however far from a finished product.

 

 

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Spiece GRBA Nationals Opening Night Recap

24 Jul

It’s not the Spiece Run-n-Slam, but the GRBA Nationals held at the legendary Spiece Fieldhouse is a plus event for Michigan teams to end the grassroots circuit.  Michigan teams went a combined 15-11 on opening night.

Goliath Mitchell 5’10” point guard Mustangs-Faletti 15u-

On a team with as much individual talent as the Mustangs, Goliath is often overlooked and undervalued.  He comes off the bench, but gives his team starters caliber minutes and production.  A pure point guard by nature, Goliath is pass-first, and likes to get everybody involved.  He made some nice 15-20 foot jumpers in the first-half to get his team going, then dished it out in the second.  He’s also a plus defender, with quick feet and awareness.  He checked the opposing team’s best player that was lighting the Mustangs up for three after three in the first half.  Once Goliath started guarding him, lets just say he only made one three-pointer after.

Zavon Godwin 6’5″ wing Mustangs-Faletti 15u-

Godwin was forced to play more of a four and even a five position on an undersized Mustang roster.  He didn’t pout, and produced double-digit points.  The Mustangs placed him at the free-throw line where he was able to catch, face, and display strong body control to finish with his right hand with defenders draped all around him.  Then in the second half, he showed his perimeter skills burying two threes in less than three minutes.  If he is going to defend the paint, post defense will have to improve with technique and strength.

Jaron Faulds 6’10” forward The Family 16u-

Can’t teach 6’10.”  Faulds dominated MBA Select for an easy double-double in a blowout victory for The Family.  Jaron boxes-out and uses length to get to every rebound in his area.  On offense, he seals his man with his giant frame, then can shoot hook shots with both hands after receiving the entry pass due to soft hands, and a huge catch radius.  A Michigan assistant viewed one half.

Alec Anderson 6’3″ guard Common Bond 16u-

Anderson is one of those players that doesn’t do one thing exceptionally well, he’s an overall strong player a team can do a lot with.  He sets screens on offense, rebounds, blocks shots, plays defense, and is a plus athlete; a true stat-sheet stuffer.  Down the stretch in a tight game for his team, Anderson made tough drive after tough drive to the basket giving Common Bond the edge in an opening night victory.

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