Run N Slam: New Names Emerge

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The prestigious Run N Slam produced its usual star studded and deep field in Fort Wayne this past weekend. Within that field though. Plenty of new names established themselves as prospects to watch. Following is a six pack of players that caught my eye broken down by class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2027 </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3629886' first='Dau' last='Dau'] <strong>6-8 East Kentwood</strong> Hailing from the largest high school by enrollment in the state of Michigan. Dau is also a member of the perhaps the deepest rotation in the state. Consequently, the super lengthy post flies slightly under the radar. He played this well this weekend with West Michigan Premier and showed he can compete with some of the top players in the Midwest. Standout play and game was in Premier's early upset Under Armour Circuit's Illinois Wolves. Put up 12 pionts and seven rebounds. Also had huge steal and transition bucket to seal the game late. Played well in a Saturday afternoon win over Team Tradition that squad that featured a big frontline. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3629874' first='Malik' last='Cross-Nelson'] <strong>6-2 Utica</strong> This is the first time I have ever watched this prospect. Was outstanding off the bench in a Friday night win for the [program_tooltip program_id='2078459' first='Michigan' last='Playmakers'] against a good team out of Chicago. Aggressive and active defensively. Springy athlete who had no problem finishing above the rim. Had a nice dunk in traffic that you don't often see out of 6-2 guard. Appeared to be more of two guard at this point in his development. The Playmakers feature a strong ball dominant point guard. Would like to see him playing more on the ball. Might have to catch him in the regular season fot that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2028 </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3629877' first='Mahlik' last='Boggs']<strong>6-7 Saginaw</strong> <strong>United (pictured) </strong>Simply put, passes the look test of what you want from a rugged four man. Strong athletic frame with big broad shoulders. Not a post plodder though. Light on his feet with quick lateral movements. Seems to know what his position is, and that is a good thing. Did not move out from the post much in my viewings. Strong and doesn't seem mind contact at all. Tries to dunk everything, and I don't view that as a bad thing. I haven't caught too much of the Saginaw program since they merged their historic programs into one. With young talent like Boggs and others in tow. That will have to change this year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3629872' first='Nathan' last='O'Connell'] <strong>6-4 Gaylord St Mary</strong> At a premier Midwest tournament like the Run N Slam, it is rare to write about prospects from rural Northern Michigan. After catching O'Connell with the Storm National squad. O'Connell is going to make it two from the class of 2028 (see Cadillac's [player_tooltip player_id='2758267' first='Domenic' last='Wing']) O'Connell is an athletic and mobile prospect with a projectable frame. Ran the court well and filled transition lanes with purpose. Played well on Saturday morning against an Adidas circuit Breakaway (IL) squad that featured a talented and big frontline. Coming off a big sophomore season where he averaged a double double. Should put even bigger numbers and is a player to watch in Michigan's smallest classification (Division IV) <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2029 </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2958038' first='Luca' last='Galardi'] <strong>6-0 Caledonia</strong> Part of a talented West Michigan Premier backcourt that had a good weekend. Galardi was impressive in a Sunday loss to Indiana Elite. Defensively played a major role in making things difficult for Indiana Elite's Michigan centric backcourt. Competed hard and did not give any space to shooters. Did this despite a decided height disadvantage. Did it by moving his feet and playing with anticipation. Shot the ball very well from beyond the arc with a fluid and smooth release. Created space on the perimeter with a tight handle and crafty movements, While he played mostly off the ball. With the ball handling ability, I could imagine he excels as either a point or lead guard. Almost led a big comeback against Indiana Elite. Had a dramatic half court shot at the end that came up short. There are so many talented guards in Michigan's still emerging 2029 class. Galardi's play this weekend provides yet another name to this ever expanding list. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3484636' first='Deshawn' last='Johnson'] <strong>6-4 East Kentwood</strong> In the waning moments of the tournament. The class of 2029 held one more surprise. I went to watch a Family squad loaded with Michigan guards against All Ohio Red. While [program_tooltip program_id='2077030' first='The' last='Family'] won the Platinum championship. I was impressed with All Ohio Red's imposing frontline. Sure enough, when I checked the program. It was fronted by a Michigan prospect. Johnson has a thick but athletic build. Not the tallest post prospect, but competed hard and did not back down from anyone. Played bigger than his height as he got off the ground quickly. Showed good ball skills and strong hands. Made difficult catches and finishes in transition. With players like the first player on this list. Johnson might not earn much time in the Falcons deep rotation. Don't forget this name though. This is the type of tough minded prospect that can bloom late. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->