Storm Fall League: New Names Emerge

Week three of the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] Fall League produced plenty of high level matchups. It's a Fall League, so rosters were thin with football absences and just plain rest. Despite that, there were still plenty of outstanding performances from players in the region (and just beyond as well)   While the established names showed up and showed out. Some new names announced themselves with strong performances. Following are five that caught my eye.   [player_tooltip player_id='2824509' first='Cristiano' last='Contero'] 6-2 2030 Okemos (pictured) Let's start with some Pulitzer Prize winning journalism...wow or goodness. Or how about some high level scouting like...awesome or really good. Lame intro aside, I don't know where to start after the Lansing area guard's scintillating Sunday performance. I know those words (and some not safe to write) were getting repeated near me in the midst of his performance. Often your standard young superstars are either physically advanced elite athletes. Or they are small "Pistol Pete" guards who are fun and flashy to watch. It's not often you see a uber fundamentally sound mid-range maestro. This was Contero. Was near elite at getting to his spot in the mid-range and quickly rising over an opponent. Had good body control and balance. Stayed square to rim on elevation. Making every look a good look. Not a point guard but good ball handling helped him get wherever he wanted. Only a freshman, so there are some kinks to work out. The ball stuck in his hands at times. I'd like to see more off-ball movement. Doesn't mean it isn't there, I just didn't see it. What I did see though was a dominant 32 point outing against an OK Red opponent with a fair amount of perimeter talent present. Our organization and the Bank Hoops company put together two of the better freshmen/underclassmen showcases in my memory. Not sure how this player snuck between the cracks there. I feel pretty comfortable in saying that early on, he belongs near the top of 2030 class. He was just that good on Sunday.   [player_tooltip player_id='3730633' first='Bo' last='Hogeboom'] 5-11 2030 Grand Haven A 2030 prospect who did attend our Freshman Showcase was this Lakeshore guard. I don't believe I got the chance to write about him after that event. While he was on the other side of the Contero explosion, he did not guard him. Not as physically advanced as the Lansing prospect. That does not mean he is not a good athlete though. Quick with sudden change of direction ability. Good ball handler and willing passer who plays with his head up. This most likely makes him a point long term. However, he knows how to score and has a fundamentally sound release from the perimeter. Heady player who doesn't play or look like a freshman. Avoids the mistakes you often see from a player his age. Doesn't dribble into trouble. North/South driver who goes to basket with little wasted side to movement on the perimeter. Part of a deep and talented Buccaneer backcourt rotation. Might not carve out a sizable role this year but is certainly a name to know in Michigan's still developing 2030 class.   Tyree Henderson 6-1 2027 Muskegon I did not catch Mona Shores during the regular season. Consequently, this was my first time catching this player after transferring across town to the Big Red program. He certainly appeared comfortable in new surroundings. Not shy at all and wanted the ball in his hands against a talented Grand Rapids Northview squad. Explosive to the basket. Sought out contact on penetration. Drew fouls and showed the ability to get to the line. Good leaper who played well above the rim at 6-1. Showed the strength to finish through contact. Muskegon has a solid and deep cadre of good point guards. He is not in the same category as a prospect. But he could slide into the James Martin (UD Mercy) wing scoring role for the storied Lakeshore program.   [player_tooltip player_id='2386032' first='Troy' last='Waldron Jr'] 5-11 2028 Rockford Like Henderson (see above) a transfer fitting in at a new home with a well established and winning rotation. With the Rams minus there two top point guards. Waldron slid seamlessly into a primary ball handling and distribution role. Like a gridiron quarterback, put the ball where it needed to be. Hit the players in stride in transition. In the halfcourt hit players in the shooting motion coming off of screens. When he needed to look for his own offense, he was able to do that as well. Plays with good pace and penetrated when the opening presented itself. It will be intriguing to see the role the North Farmington transfer carves out when the Rams are back to full strength.   [player_tooltip player_id='3669326' first='Elijah' last='Dorsey'] 5-10 2030 Grand Rapids South Christian A definite theme has emerged here. A new name fitting in with a deep and talented backcourt. Dorsey is young lefty point guard with a lot of upside. I was able to catch him during AAU and at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. Plays very well as a dynamic on ball distributor. Against Rockford Dorsey was able to make contributions while moving off the ball. Made plays down the baseline and was not bothered by Rockford's size and length at the rim. Comepted hard on the defensive end as well. Of all the players on this list. He might face the steepest climb in finding a role this year. The Sailors are just that deep in the backcourt. I could definitely be wrong though, and if he has to wait, it won't be very long. He is just too talented.

Week three of the Grand Rapids Storm Fall League produced plenty of high level matchups. It's a Fall League, so rosters were thin with football absences and just plain rest. Despite that, there were still plenty of outstanding performances from players in the region (and just beyond as well)