Brawl For the Ball: New Faces

<p>One of the joys of larger AAU events is the ability to run into new faces that you have not heard of or haven’t been able to see. The Brawl for the Ball did not disappoint in this regard. Here are five players that stood out. </p> <p><strong>Nehikhare Igiehon 6-8 2022 Austin (TX) </strong>Let’s get one thing out of the way. I’m not going to publish info I can’t verify. I do not know where this post will be playing next year. But he was playing with the Michigan based Academy NY2LA squad this past weekend. And he was doing some serious work in the post. Exploited the smaller Flint’s Finest frontline line in a classic semi final contest. Was a matchup nightmare due to his mobility and ability to establish deep position in the post. Gets this position by using his thick sturdy frame wisely. Has a good hands and advanced ball skills. Good finisher with quick elevation to the rim. Had a few impressive flushes above the rim on the weekend. Wherever he plays next year this post has bright future. </p> <p><b>Matthew Coffey 6-6 2022 Mount Clemens (pictured at top of article) </b>Not necessarily a new face as I caught this young man back in the fall at the Top 250 Expo. But looked like a different player this past weekend. Possesses a naturally bulky and thick frame. Despite the girth moves well on his feet. Worked hard defensively and played well against larger frontlines. This was especially evident in a Saturday victory over a big M&amp;M Boyz unit. Posted 22 points and 16 rebounds in the 65-55 victory. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="986745" first="Kaden" last="Johnson"] 6-9 2022 Hartford </strong>I honestly wasn’t expecting the polish that this post showed on the weekend. Playing for a small school in far southern Michigan. Johnson showed a big time game that would play anywhere. Extremely long and ran the court well for Anchor Basketball Academy. Also had nice touch on the perimeter and could hit from behind the arc. Helps that he is left handed. Competed hard defensively and his length caused problems. Going forward he will need to add weight and increased strength. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="986883" first="Nino" last="Smith"] 6-0 2023 Warren De La Salle </strong>Enough with the big guys let’s get to the guards. My first time seeing this prospect and he did not disappoint. Not a flashiest of point guard but a very solid true floor general type. Really stood out in a Sunday victory over the Great Lakes Warriorz. As the game got tight wanted the ball in his hands late. Scored a team high 16 points in this contest. Powerful penetrator who jumps off both feet at the rim. Shoots it well but is not a pump. Looks for his teammates first. Even after losing [player_tooltip player_id="611485" first="Linden" last="Holder"] there is some serious depth in the Pilot backcourt. If Smith gets a chance he should be able to make mark in the coming year. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863938" first="Juwan" last="Maxey"] 5-11 2022 Detroit Renaissance </strong>Like Smith a household name around the Motor City, but my first time catching him in person.  The skill that stood out to me was a next level stop and go game. Could accelerate quickly and stop on a dime for a quick pull up or pass. Accordingly is very explosive in the open court and a blur in transition. Vocal player who competed hard defensively. His defense and leadership was key in allowing Bates Fundamentals Red advance to the 17U final. </p>