Brawl for the Ball: AZ Newcomers

July 2nd-3rd I attended the Brawl for the Ball Prep Hoops Circuit located at Inspire Courts in Gilbert, AZ. This is one of the last stops before the Hustle Region Finals on the July 15th-17th weekend in Seal Beach/CA. 

I focused on 16U but watched some 17U as well. 

Here were some newcomers from the state that shined:

Elijah Williams Elijah Williams 6'5" | SF Brother Rice | 2026 State MI Scottsdale Christian Academy (AZ Unity 16 EYBL) (Pictured)  

An incoming freshman with great lineage and physical tools to start his HS career. The son of Monty Williams has good size already for a wing and real length mixed in with fluidity and athleticism. He gets to the rim effortlessly and finishes off tough layups plus he seems to fly on the break. He is a good passer and a defensive menace with his quick twitch and speed. He is developing his perimeter shooting and when he is in rhythm he can rattle them off.  

Rick Van Den Heever Rick Van Den Heever 6'10" | C Bella Vista Prep International | 2024 State AZ Bella Vista Prep (AZ Firestorm 2024)

The big man has good hands, he runs the floor and will plays both sides of the court. He is a strong two-handed rebounder and will block shots in his area. He will score with his back to the basket plus step out and hit the three.  

Iyon Brown Iyon Brown 6'5" | PF North | 2023 State AZ North (AZ Firestorm 2023)

A physical specimen has an impressive build with length. He is an easy athlete way above the rim on the break. He can power up and score plus plays with a motor to rebound. He will take a charge and moves well in space. He can keep improving his overall skill but has tools you can’t teach. 

Ryan Zeidner Ryan Zeidner 6'1" | SG Phhoenix Prep | 2025 State AZ Higley (Swish365 2024)

A transfer by way of Israel. He just moved in and he already made an impact. He hits shots in bunches from the stripe and plays a physical brand of ball. He gets to the rim with a tight handle and a thicker frame. 

Joaquin Carter Joaquin Carter 6'0" | SG Chaparral | 2024 State AZ Chaparral (Hoop Society 2024)

A long scoring guard had some strong moments last weekend. He can catch and shoot to the three point line and uses his length to play the play the passing lanes. He runs well and makes smart decisions with the ball but is best as as a standstill shooter then on the move. He can turn into that coveted 3 and D type. 

Dayon Green Dayon Green 5'10" | PG Betty Fairfax | 2025 State AZ Fairfax (PAL Elite 17)

A somewhat undersized pure point guard has a real yo-yo handle with quickness and speed. He is hard to catch on the break with the ball in his hands and reads defenses and makes the pass. 

Adam Chaffin Adam Chaffin 6'4" | SF Trevor Browne | 2025 State AZ Fairfax (PAL ELite 17)

A good sized soph wing shooter with a pure stroke. He has functional size and his IQ allows him to get to the open spot in the defense moving without the ball. He can rebound and handle it but is best off the catch from the arc. 

Matthew Henige Matthew Henige 5'10" | PG Cactus | 2024 AZ Cactus (D1 Nation AZ 2024)

A pure point guard is always trying to facilitate for his team. He guided his team to 4-0 in a tough 16U division. He will hit open shots from mid to the three. He runs the show for them and takes care of the ball. He plays the game from the neck up.