Storm Fall League: Fall Notebook

<p>This past Sunday, the Fall League put on by the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] continued in various locations throughout the GR metropolitan area. I attended sessions in two separate gyms. Following are five team based observations. <br></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rockford has a some star power </h2>   <p>Rockford has been one of the more consistent West Michigan programs of the 21st century. However it has been largely done with an egalitarian attack focused on depth and the lack of a singular featured player. </p>   <p>They might now have that singular featured player is 6-5 junior [player_tooltip player_id='2218021' first='Jake' last='Bascom'] who played outstanding in a contest against an emerging Muskegon Mona Shores squad. Simply put, did it all from the power forward spot. Versatility is his calling card. Like a lot of his teammates, does everything pretty well. However separates himself with the level he does those things at.</p>   <p>Essentially was a point forward on Sunday. Frequently finding open players out of the high post and leading the break in transition. Is a good shooter with a slightly unorthodox release. However it goes in and it is hard to block. Has excellent length on his frame that makes him play taller than his listed height. Showed that length and athleticism by playing well above the rim with two flushes. Already has an offer from Division II Ferris St. Looks to be gearing up to be a big time prospect as an upperclassman.</p>   <p>I would remiss if I did not mention the play of fellow Ferris St offer owners in 2028 prospects [player_tooltip player_id='2539741' first='Josh' last='Bascom'] (younger brother) and [player_tooltip player_id='2140494' first='Eli' last='Wolfe']. The Rams have some serious star power coming in the next few years.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grand Ledge's Developing Frontline </h2>   <p>This Lansing area school produced one of the top front courts in the state a few years ago with <strong>Nick Ellis </strong>(Northwood) and <strong>Teddy Williams</strong> (Army-FB) </p>   <p>A few years later it appears the Comets have struck once again (that was bad I apologize) Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1587217' first='Braden' last='James'] has long had a big time reputation thanks to his mix of perimeter skills and size. On Sunday appeared to growing into his frame and developing in the post as an upperclassman. Went right at his travel ball teammate Bascom with varying levels of sucess.</p>   <p>That mentality was nice to see as I have seen him shade towards the perimeter in previous settings. Even though I liked his aggressiveness down on the block. He won't need to park himself down there this season. That is due to the presence of 6-6 senior <strong>Izaiah O'Dell</strong>. An emerging prospect who is beginning to attract some small college interest. O'Dell's separating skill is his ability to run the court. The offensive game is coming along. But already plays above the rim doesn't appear to mind contact. Those are two attributes a coach can work with.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Muskegon has a Point Guard (or two) </h2>   <p>As usual, the storied Muskegon program has a deep and talented rotation. However they might have had a slight hole at the point guard position. Enter East Kentwood transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1437546' first='Darryl' last='Thompkins'] (pictured) Thompkins isn't very big, but that is about all you can ding him for.</p>   <p>Really looked comfortable on Sunday with a fraction of what will be his full squad. Balanced playmaking and scoring well. Is a good finisher at the rim despite his stature. Gets wherever he wants with a tight handle that comes from a low center of gravity Making him difficult to turnover. As result of playing with [player_tooltip player_id='1438849' first='Jah' last='Hatchett'] the last two years. Also has the ability to play off the ball if needed. </p>   <p>About playing off the ball. Muskegon has two players from opposite ends of the grade spectrum who could also earn time at the point. Senior <strong>David Cross</strong> is showing improvement after having a nice grassroots campaign with BNB Basketball on the Prep Hoops Circuit. While 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='2539724' first='Demetrio' last='Dockery'] could earn time as a freshman.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new name emerging in Northern Michigan </h2>   <p>It is my region of origin, so I hate to admit it. However after some really strong years. Talent will be a little down in Northern Lower Michigan. That being said, new names will always emerge. </p>   <p>A prospect has done that recently in a unique way. Traverse City West junior [player_tooltip player_id='2610291' first='Carter' last='Grubb'] has attracted college attention without playing any grassroots basketball. Just hard work and solid performances at on campus elite camps. Consequently, I was intrigued to see how he would perform against an opponent like Muskegon (see above)</p>   <p>While his undermanned team struggled a little. The 6-6 Grubb was up to the task. With a huge early rejection at rim that showed the athleticism that gives him a chance to be a next level prospect. Offensively showed a handful of step backs and a soft touch in the mid range. The quick hands of Muskegon showed that he needs to improve his ball handling if he want to move out to the perimeter. However the physical upside continued to shine on Sunday.</p>

This past Sunday, the Fall League put on by the Grand Rapids Storm continued in various locations throughout the GR metropolitan area. I attended sessions in two separate gyms. Following are five team based observations.