Prospect Spotlight: Malichai Williams (2021)
After some growing pains to start the season, Southeast Polk has begun to emerge as a formidable threat in Class 4A. The addition of sophomore big-man Malichai Williams into the rotation has definitely helped boost the Rams.
Williams is part of a trio of standout sophomores for Southeast Polk, others being James Glenn and Dominic Caggiano. At 6-foot-6 and with some nice length, Williams could be a star very soon for Southeast Polk.
So far this season, in 10 games played, he’s averaging 5.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
“I really like to get the ball in positions where I can drive and create scoring opportunities for my teammates. I like to get people to try and block my shot and then finish through the contact to get and-ones,” said Williams, who says being more aggressive offensively is an objective for him.
“Sometimes, I try and focus too much on trying to find open teammates, that I overlook an opportunity to score.”
The Rams started the season 0-5, but have gone 5-4 since. They are projecting to be a tough out in substate come February.
“I think our season has been going pretty well. We started off 0-5, but we kept working hard in our practices, and that hard work has showed in our games,” said Williams.
As soon as his sophomore season is complete, Williams will head into a 16U offseason where he could see his recruitment stock start to take shape. He’s played with local program Des Moines Power in the past.
“I want to try to get stronger and add more weight on to me,” said Williams. “My main goals are to improve my weaknesses, keep improving my outside shot, and make it that much harder to guard me.”