School Days Open Runs: New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking place in one of the true cathedrals of Michigan High School Baskerbal, Lansing Eastern's Don Johnson Fieldhouse. The open runs put on by the School Days Foundation are becoming a must stop on the ever expanding late summer circuit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While some very established local names stood out. A handful of new names stood out as well. Following are four new names (plus an old one) that caught my eye.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2835731' first='Elijah' last='Brooks'] 6-3 2027 Kalamazoo Hackett </strong>This was my first time catching Brooks extensively. I came away very impressed. I wasn't expecting the junior to have this level physical maturity. Doesn't play or look like a junior. This is the definition of a power guard. Has a thick and strong upper body. Uses it well create space on penetration. Is powerful leaper who plays off of two feet. Plays above the rim with ease. Competitive mindset and did not back down from anyone in the camp. Not a necessarily a point guard. But a good enough ball handler to get to his spots on the perimeter. Hackett has a new coach and late developing 2026 big in [player_tooltip player_id='2360487' first='Leland' last='Berg'] If Brooks continues to play and develop like he did on Sunday. The Irish could be a factor in Division III.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2871194' first='Roman' last='Derose']</strong> <strong>6-3 2028 Leslie </strong>I had heard about this player after his strong play with the host squad throughout the spring and summer. Initially the small town biases go up (I'm from one, so I come by it honestly) After watching him, there is nothing small or rural about his game. The first thing that catches your eye is the size. Has a lanky 6-3 frame. While quite slender, plays with a surprising level of strength and doesn't shy away from contact. Competed hard on both ends of the court. Showed a smooth effortless release from beyond the arc. Might need to speed it up a bit as he ages. However with his height and release point, he might be fine. Definitely a prospect to monitor in Michigan's still emerging 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2141008' first='Brayden' last='Williams'] 6-2 2027 Grand Rapids Northview </strong>At the risk of being redundant with my social media activity. It's just good to see Williams out on the court. The Grand Rapids area guard has battled some serious injuries early in his career. Despite still sporting a knee brace. He looks to be 100% as he becomes an upperclassman. Like Brooks, has a thick upper body for a guard. Unlike Brooks, Williams is a true point guard with the appropriate skillset. Good ball handler who plays with his head up. Finds open teammates and is a good live dibble passer. Has no problem scoring when needed and is a good mid range shooter with a nice floater. Will get a chance to show off the distribution abilities as he is transferring to a program loaded with well established scoring options. Excited to see him get on the court and seize the opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Terryon Skipworth 6-4 2026 Lansing Sexton </strong>On the strength of its litany of backcourt options. Sexton should be one of the top Division II teams in the state. On Sunday, Skipworth showed there is some depth in the frontcourt. Not a bulky prospect, but has a lanky frame that helps him play taller than his listed height. Also gets off the ground very quickly. Making him a factor at the rim on both ends of the court. Has good lateral quickness to go with the long arms. Still has a ways to go as prospect. However playing for a high profile team, could be a late bloomer who surprises in the upcoming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">… and not a new name </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1806404' first='KJ' last='Torbert'] 6-2 2026 East Lansing </strong>I don't do rankings or let them inform my work much. That being said, with a spate of recent transfers. Some are labeling Torbert the top ranked player in the state. If you were a casual just stopping by on Sunday, you wouldn't have guessed it. Not because Torbert played bad— he played very well. But because he played so hard. He played like a player who was worried about being cut. Not a player holding multiple Division I offers already. He really dug in defensively, collecting numerous steals. Went hard at ball handlers at the point of attack. Has long been an electric and explosive player in the open court. That did not change on Sunday. Gets downhill quickly and elevates to the rim with force. Looks primed for Mr Basketball campaign as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->