Cleaning out the Fall Ball Notebook

Similarly to trends prevalent throughout the rest of the country. The phrase “fall ball” continues to expand in scope and definition. From exposure camps to various fall leagues. There is truly no more down time in the basketball calendar.   After attending an assortment these prior mentioned events throughout the state. I'm going to clean out the notebook as we approach the end of October. Broken down by a completely subjective list of superlative categories.    Best Team Performance: This is always tricky when taking into account football participation. While the Eagles club (Grand Rapids Christian) took home the title at the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] Fall League. I was more taken by the performance of their opponent in the final.    Grand Rapids Catholic Central survived losing their coach and Mr Basketball to advance to the Breslin Center last year. In year two of the Chris Pearl era they are bracing to be without their best player once again. This one stings a bit as it is due to injury. Behind point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2360472' first='Jordan' last='McCoy'], who I continue to consider one of the more underrated players in the state. He has good positional size, is uber competitive, and has the ability to finish above the rim. Senior backcourt partner [player_tooltip player_id='1588235' first='Brieland' last='Watkins'] is on a similar developmental path. A defensive bulldog who also has the ability to score. This will be a tough duo to stop.    After earning spot time as a freshman. [player_tooltip player_id='2539728' first='Emani' last='Hinkle'] is bigger and stronger this year (that's scary) He looks poised to take the next step and answer any concerns about the Cougars size down low. The parochial school path in the Grand Rapids area is always a gauntlet. The Cougars are built to come out of it once again this year.    Breakout Performance (2026) [player_tooltip player_id='2932338' first='Anthony' last='Richardson'] 6-5 Grandville Late blooming prospect who first caught my eye with West Michigan Premier during the grassroots season. Then was very good at a late summer prospect camp at Ferris St. Finished up his ascension with strong showings in the Storm Fall League and ID camp. Was impressive in every setting. Prospect that passes the eye test in a major way. A long lanky frame that allows him to play well above the rim. Just looks like a college ready wing. Good enough ball handler and uses him acceleration to get to the rim at will. Looks primed to continue his breakout with a strong senior season.   Breakout Performance (2027) [player_tooltip player_id='2140516' first='Makai' last='Campos'] 5-11 Holland West Ottawa Campos has similar resume to Richardson (see above) Same AAU team and OK Red participation. However despite being a grade younger, the tape is a little longer as he has been contributing since his freshman year. What Campos showed in the fall is that his lack of ideal vertical size is not a hindrance. Keeps defenses honest with extremely deep range on the perimeter. With that weapon, he has more than enough speed to take advantage of defenders that have to crowd him on the perimeter. Good passer with advanced court vision as well. Efforts did not go unnoticed. Earned two Division II offers in the process.   Breakout Performance (2028) [player_tooltip player_id='2630702' first='Lewis' last='Lovejoy'] 5-10 Arts & Technolgy Academy of Pontiac (pictured) Simply put, Lovejoy's performance in the Prep Hoops Sophomore ID camo was one the better performances I saw all autumn. Came in with a big reputation after leading the his ATAP squad to a Division III final as a freshman. However performed like a hungry player desperate to get noticed. No sense of entitlement whatsoever. Competed with ferocity on the defensive end. Forcing the rare (for a showcase) ten second call. Offensively put heavy pressure on the rim. Finishing efficiently from creative and unique angles. Excited to see what the Detroit point guard's last three years will look like.   Breakout Performance (2029) [player_tooltip player_id='2673543' first='Drew' last='Cabana'] 6-4 Chelsea Much like Lovejoy, another young player with name recognition from a basketball family. More importantly, plays like a player who grew up around the game. His movement off the ball and knack for getting open would be impressive for an upperclassman. Cabana has yet to play a varsity game. Has a smooth and effortless release from beyond the arc. The capper is the advanced size and length that also makes him a factor at the rim. Slated to play with an AAU program out of Indiana. Catch him while you can.   Biggest Question Mark: Last year I had my doubts about Rockford's size, depth, and ability to work two freshmen into their rotation. They made me look silly on their way to an outstanding regular season.   While I don't have those samqe concerns this year. I'm nevertheless concerned once again. The Rams need to get healthy. They were never at full strength in the fall. I'm not going to blast health info into the ether. This isn't pro or college hoops. These are just kids. However Rockford is dealing with some legitimately serious injuries.   If they get healthy, they will be fine. Senior Central Michigan commit [player_tooltip player_id='2218021' first='Jake' last='Bascom'] wasn't eligible to be a breakout performer, as he has been producing for three years running. The only positive from the injuries might be Bascom showing the ability to put this team on his back and even play point when needed.

Similarly to trends prevalent throughout the rest of the country. The phrase “fall ball” continues to expand in scope and definition. From exposure camps to various fall leagues. There is truly no more down time in the basketball calendar.