Rumble In The Rapids: Tate’s Top Performers

<p>This past weekend, I was at the Rumble In The Rapids, covering primarily 15U and 16U. Check out my notes below for my top performers from the weekend. Stay tuned for more notes later today and tomorrow.</p> <h6>Zane Stahl, Hardwood Midwest (MI) 2025"</h6> <p>Zane had a big weekend for Hardwood Midwest, helping his team go a perfect 4-0 on the weekend. In his game against MBA 2025, Zane was highly active on the defensive end. Zane used his length to create multiple turnovers, which led to fast-break buckets. Zane used his frame to clear out the paint and track down rebounds. He also flashed quick feet and an ability to closeout on open shooters from the help side.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1437544" first="Phoenix" last="Glassnor"], CMB 25"</h6> <p>In my opinion, Phoenix was the overall best player at the Rumble In The Rapids two-day event. Phoenix plays with a controlled pace and dictates the flow of the game well. There wasn’t a defender that could consistently stay in front of Phoenix in the half-court. His dribble package is well polished and doesn’t show many weaknesses. Defensively, Phonix anticipates where opposing guards are going to go with the ball well. Phoenix jumped a handful of passes, leading to quick buckets for CMB 25".</p> <h6>Cyrus Mpeba, Team FITZ 25"</h6> <p>Athletically speaking, Cyrus Mpeba was my number one prospect who stood out above the field. Cyrus is physically more advanced than just about anyone on the court from this past weekend. His ability to use his speed and strength to maneuver in the paint for high percentage looks and crash the glass jumped off the page. Cyrus also showed good shooting touch in the midrange. On one possession, Cyrus showed his potential as a go-to scorer with a smooth breakdown and step-back into a knockdown three from a couple of feet behind the line.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1453409" first="BJ" last="Walker"], West Michigan Lakers (Blast) 25"</h6> <p>BJ scored at a high clip in his games this past weekend. On Saturday during his matchup against Team FITZ, BJ got out to a hot start, scoring seven of his team’s first 12 points. His offensive attack was diversified as well, scoring in the high post, with his dribble-drive attack, and knocking down a flurry of perimeter shots. BJ’s willingness to drive through contact and get several well-earned buckets was equally impressive and further showed he can score at all three levels. </p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1438474" first="Tyler" last="Waite"], West Michigan Lakers (Gold) 24"</h6> <p>Tyler was the best shooter I saw throughout the weekend. During a back-and-forth game with Indiana Attack, Tyler knocked down multiple clutch jumpers from the perimeter to help his team build a cushion in the final minutes. Each shot was well contested, but it didn’t seem to phase Tyler, as he was looking to score whenever he touched the ball. In addition to his shooting, Tyler was also able to knife his way into the lane, absorb contact, and finish the layup.</p> <h6>[player_tooltip player_id="1372969" first="Lincoln" last="Lockhart"], West Michigan Lakers (Gold) 25"</h6> <p>Lincoln was my top overall point guard I saw this past weekend. Lincoln’s game resembles that of a junior or senior by the way he sees the floor and operates in the halfcourt. Lincoln always plays with his head up and does a good job taking what the defense gives him. In the halfcourt, Lincoln broke down his defender numerous times, leading to high percentage looks in the paint, and kick-outs to his teammates for open shots. Lincoln also showed an ability to knock down perimeter jumpers with a hand in his face.</p>