Run N Slam: Northern Michigan Standouts
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In most years the rural region of Northern Michigan would not make much of an impact on a deep field at an event like the Run N Slam. Well this is not most years. A batch of young players has…
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Continue ReadingIn most years the rural region of Northern Michigan would not make much of an impact on a deep field at an event like the Run N Slam. Well this is not most years. A batch of young players has been making noise on the grassroots scene since they were middle schoolers.
Their hard work is beginning to bear fruit as this group performed well on the weekend. Following are five that stood out.
Wyatt Nausadis Wyatt Nausadis 6'4" | PG Traverse City St. Francis | 2023 State MI 6-4 2023 Traverse City St Francis I always enjoy watching Nausadis play at AAU events. It’s a chance to see him play in a more off the ball than during the regular season. I think he thrives more in that role. But more importantly that is where he will probably play at the next level. Due to some absences on the weekend. Nausadis was back on the ball for the Grand Rapids Storm. He showed this weekend that playing on the ball is not necessarily a bad thing. Balanced scoring and initiating the offense well in a decisive Friday night victory over OBC-Gold. Is an advanced athlete. Not many guards anywhere can match the strength he has in his lower and upper bodies. Difficult to stop when he is playing downhill with a head of steam. He is a good at creating these situations in both in transition and the half court. Offsets the strength in driving with a soft high arching floater. When the shot is falling from deep he is a true three level scorer. That was happening in a Saturday night loss to Indy Heat Red. As the game was slipping away took matters into his own hands. Hit three straight threes to keep it close. Because of the aforementioned physical gifts. When the shot is falling there is not much a defense can do. Lined up for a huge senior season.
Preston Malpass Preston Malpass 6'7" | PF East Jordan | 2024 MI 6-7 2024 East Jordan (pictured at top) Playing with Indiana based Kyle Guy Elite. This long bouncy prospect might have the best long term potential of any player in the region. Showed this off in a close Saturday night loss to Shining Star-Price. Played well in the two man game. KGE appeared to be running set plays for him. Moved gracefully and purposefully off the ball. Aggressively established position in the post. Has a soft touch around the basket and gets the ball to the rim quickly. Positional fit is going to be key for this player. Already has the versatility to be a very big wing. With a nice handle and good perimeter shot. But is that the best long term home for him at the next level? I have written it before. These are nice problems to have. Talent like this usually has a way of sorting things out.
Anthony Ribel Anthony Ribel 6'3" | SG Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI 6-2 2024 Traverse City Central Malpass’ teammate on Kyle Guy Elite. Ribel continued to show the uniqueness of his lead guard game. There are plenty of fleet footed, small, speed merchant point guards. That is not Ribel’s game. He is the rare tall pass first point guard. Understandably sees the court very well and plays one pass ahead. Has a good enough outside shot to keep defenses honest. It will be interesting to see how his game develops in the next two years. Will have to take on more of a scoring role with his high school team. If the assertive scoring portion of his game increases. You could have a unique attractive college prospect. The floor general portion of his game isn’t going anywhere. It’s just too natural for him.
Jaxon Childers Jaxon Childers 6'2" | SG Benzie Central | 2024 State MI 6-2 2024 Benzie Central Childers had an excellent weekend playing for UTS Elite. Played particularly well in his squads only win on the weekend late Saturday night. Is going to be a scoring guard at the next level. But was essentially playing in the post for a small UTS squad. Showed his usual athleticism by scoring at the rim with ease. But also displayed increased strength by finishing through contact for more than one for an and 1 opportunity. Like Ribel will step into a more prominent scoring role for his high squad in the next two years. Has bright future ahead and will play somewhere at the next level.
Miles Pritchett Miles Pritchett 6'6" | PF Benzie Central | 2024 State MI 6-4 2024 Benzie Central A new name on the grassroots scene from Northern Michigan. Childers’ high school teammate was also running with UTS Elite. I caught him in the regular season against a very big Cadillac frontline. Didn’t get much time but was playing in the Saturday night victory. The physical potential catches your eyes initially. Has good size with very long arms. Moves well and is an explosive leaper. Has the look of prospect that is still growing into his body. But appears to have already come along way in a short period of time. With Childers presence will not need to worry about scoring as he develops. If that development continues could develop into a small college four man.