Storm Fall League: Stars Come Out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm'] kicked off its fall league this past Sunday in two separate locations. Due to some expected absences. I surprised myself and hit both locations at Cornerstone University and MSA Woodland respectively. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following is a “six pack” of players with established reputations who stood out. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112374' first='Durral' last='Brooks'] 6-2 2024 Grand Rapids Catholic Central </strong>You want a “high profile” matchup to kick off the league? Look no further than perhaps the most high profile senior in the state. The Michigan commit played outstanding on Sunday. Brooks' play presented a nightmare scenario for his opponents. While the league provided some of the best officials in the area. They did not keep track of personal fouls. Brooks is a defensive bulldog when he is limited by five fouls. Removing that restraint was like taking the governor off a sports car. Was all over the place with numerous steals and transition baskets. That is to be expected. However it was his outside shooting that really stood out. Confidently stepped into a handful of deep threes. He is still had a few wayward attempts but this is obviously something he has been working on. If that can become a more consistent part of his game he should have no problem getting on the court in the Big 10 (or whatever they are going to call it by the time he gets there) The defensive ability and next level athleticism are already Big 10 ready. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1805260' first='James' last='Martin'] 6-3 2026 Muskegon </strong>Trying to match Brooks and doing a serviceable job I might add. Was this young fast rising wing. Offensively Martin featured an absolutely devastating and explosive spin move that was hard to stop. Out of necessity showed the ability to play the point. Which I had not seen from his previously. Shows an easy a smooth athletic burst. Easy and smooth until he gets to the rim. Where he is an emphatic finisher. Coming off a big summer where he was well tested on the EYBL. Martin should be ready to step into a featured role for the Big Reds in the coming year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1356977' first='Montrel' last='Oliver Jr.'] 6-3 2024 Muskegon (pictured) </strong>Back where it all began for Oliver. The bouncy wing began his career at Grand Rapids Union. Before moving onto to Muskegon last year. Did not seem to carve out a consistent rotation role in last years deep squad. That should not be a problem this year. Starting all the way back in the spring at the Prep Hoops Rumble in the Rapids tournament. Oliver has been showing improvement. His carry skill is the ability to easily play above the rim. Doesn't need much of a run way for lift off. This athleticism makes him a potentially plus defender. He appears to be a better ball handler and decision maker of late. With increased opportunity. I am looking for him to have a big senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1356986' first='Cameron' last='Regnerus'] 6-8 2024 Grandville </strong>The Grand Valley commit did what he always does. Elite rim protection and a bevy of rim rattling finishes. While also sprinkling in the components that are beginning to round out his game. Showed the ability to lead the break with the dribble. Passed well in those situations. That is nice and shows his commitment to improvement. That being said. Due to his ability on the block. That will probably not be a featured component of his game. I was more impressed with his ability to pass out of the post. Showed both patience and vision in these settings. Didn't pass just to pass. Waited and drew the double team to him like a seasoned vet. Then found open shooters with hard and assertive passes. If you follow me in this space. You know this is one of my favorite prospects. I'm surprised he keeps finding way to impress me. My alma mater is keeping a good one in their backyard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157486' first='Camden' last='Karel'] 6-9 2025 Byron Center </strong>Another West Michigan “Cam” with next level post potential. Unlike Regnerus, due to simple scheduling quirks. I did not catch this prospect this summer. I definitely see what all the offers and visits are about now. Is much improved from when I last saw him. That is saying something as he was pretty good prior. The main area of growth is just straight athleticism. Was always skilled. Now looks and plays like an upperclassman. Especially evident in transition. “Put down” a nice lob on the break. I use the quotes because that is exactly what he did. Did not exactly dunk it. Was so high just dropped it into the hoop. The athletic improvement wasn't just above the rim. Showed good lane agility and got off the floor quickly for some impressive rejections. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223517' first='Layne' last='Risdon'] 6-9 2024 Zeeland East </strong>Another post from the region with excellent size. Risdon has always been a big time presence at the rim defensively. I was impressed with the progress he showed offensively. Without teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1453409' first='BJ' last='Walker'] Risdon was forced into initiating much of the Chix's offensive sets. Pulled it off capably. Was a good passer out of the high post and did not force things. However the skill that really stood out was the touch from beyond the arc. I do not recall seeing that before in previous settings. If that is a permanent part of his game. He could develop into a legitimate stretch five at the next level. He might not have the athletic upside of the two previous posts on this list. However he has enough skill to make a coach at the next level happy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->