Run N Slam: Friday Night Lights Michigan
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The prestigious and long running Run N Slam tournament tipped off Friday evening in various locations throughout the greater Fort Wayne area. A strong contingent of Michigan prospects stood out on the first night of action. Following are seven that…
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Continue ReadingThe prestigious and long running Run N Slam tournament tipped off Friday evening in various locations throughout the greater Fort Wayne area. A strong contingent of Michigan prospects stood out on the first night of action. Following are seven that caught my eye.
Elijah Williams Elijah Williams 6'5" | SF Brother Rice | 2026 State MI 6-6 2026 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice Simply put, what an elite national prospect is supposed to look like. Williams looked very comfortable with his new EYBL squad The Family Has an advanced and physical frame. Can simply overpower most opponents his age. However also has the skill set to take his game beyond just bully ball. Plays off of two feet with excellent balance. Can explode to the basket while keeping his shoulders squared to the basket. The outside shot is textbook. Plays well above the rim with seemingly effortless elevation. Has some serious tricks in his bag as well. Late in the game went behind his back down the left side of the lane to shake a defender. Then in one giant euro step finished completely on the right side of the basket. A big time move from a big time player. Gearing up for a big junior campaign in his second year in Michigan.
Cameron Ryans Cameron Ryans 6'4" | SG Northview | 2026 State MI 6-5 2026 Grand Rapids Northview Ryans played the Robin to Williams’ Batman. However don’t misconstrue that analogy. Ryans is not a second option. That being said got off to a bit of a slow start Friday. Came alive at the end of the third quarter when his team needed it. Scored four in a row to end the quarter as the game was starting to get close. Finished off the timely scoring by nailing a pull up transition three in the waning moments of the game. This was emblematic of his three level scoring arsenal. Has always been able to score at the rim with his thick frame. This past year added a well schooled and mature mid range skill set. Now this spring, appears to be improving from beyond the arc. With his older brother moving onto to the MAC next year. Will be tasked with creating more of his own offense next year. It appears that will not be a problem for one of the top players statewide in Michigan’s 2026 class.
Isaiah Theodile Isaiah Theodile 6'5" | PF Kalamazoo Central | 2026 State MI 6-7 2026 Kalamazoo Central Put together a dominant performance on the block for Indy Heat EYBL Friday night. Is left handed and has always been strong to that side. However switched it up with strong drives to the right. More than once finished them off with powerful spins back to the left. Isn’t the thickest prospect but plays with good strength. Finished through contact repeatedly. Athleticism showed as he got out into transition early and often. Plays easily above rim. Finished off one break with nice flush off a lob. Also aided the transition game with long and accurate outlet passes. Despite the overwhelming athleticism on the block. Was patient and waited for either the play to develop or the double team to come. Showed a nice hook shot in the mid range after he dribble into a little bit of trouble.
Cassius Bont Cassius Bont 6'2" | PG Byron Center | 2026 State MI 6-2 2026 Byron Center (pictured) There is nothing small about this swing guard prospect. Has a thick upper body with broad shoulders. Yet maintains athletic explosiveness. Is highly competitive and not scared of the moment. Took it right at the highly touted Indy Heat EYBL backcourt. Crucial part of a second half comeback for the Grand Rapid Storm Scored both at the rim and from beyond the arc. The three point shot looks particularly improved from last year. With a fluid and smooth release. Isn’t going to play above the rim (yet) but has athleticism to hang in the air and get creative angles on finishes. Has always been an above average ball handler. Passing ability allows him to toggle between the 1 and 2 guard positions. Will probably be a point long term.
Jacob Plamondon Jacob Plamondon 6'6" | PF Glen Lake | 2026 State MI 6-6 2026 Glen Lake Plamondon owns glass nearly every time I see him play. However he does this hailing from rural area playing in Michigan’s smallest classification. Accordingly you wonder how his game would translate to stiffer competition. In a word— just fine (two words actually) Dominated the paint once again in his teams come from behind victory Chicago based Full Package. Is not the tallest post prospect you will see. However has a strong wide base and isn’t going to get moved off his spot. Has a very soft touch around the basket. Is so good with both hands that he seems ambidextrous (he is right handed) The soft touch extends out to the free throw line where he gets often. Came up big in the clutch. Did not play much in the third quarter and he struggled with foul trouble. He will need to improve that to take the next step in his development. Is proving this spring that he can play with anyone. Should be one the best players regardless of class in Northern Michigan next season.
Jake Bascom Jake Bascom 6'4" | PF Rockford | 2026 State MI 6-5 2026 Rockford The Grand Rapids Storm did not have their normal starting post. So Bascom drew the short straw of defending the formidable Indy Heat frontline (see above) Held up pretty well. Makes up for a thin frame with very long arms and excellent court sense. Got a few good looks Friday simply by being in the right place. Even though he played the last night. Like an off guard, he was in constant motion off the ball. Got a few buckets off of some heady backdoor cuts. The length really shows defensively. Had a nice block in transition and was a factor above the rim. Hit a timely three late in the contest. While he is a good shooter from beyond the arc. Has a bit of a long wind up. Will need to smooth out the release if he is going to develop into a true three. Probably quick enough to be a stretch four. Interested to see where he ends up long term in regards to the 3/4 spots, Has the size and skill to go either way. Versatility is a good problem to have.
Eden Vinyard Eden Vinyard 6'7" | PF Ferndale | 2027 State MI 6-8 2027 Ferndale What a difference a year makes. Vinyard has long been considered at the top of his class. However a lot of that was projection due to his elite size. Now the skill set and aggression are beginning to catch up to the frame. Established deep position and demanded the ball at times. You like to see that from a young post prospect. The cheat code for Vinyard has been his ability to stretch the floor from beyond the arc. That was still present on Friday. However the shot looked even smoother and more fluid. Stepping into it with confidence. Looking more like a guard, than a big who just happens to be a good shooter. Appears to developing into a “grab and go” transition prospect as well. With aggressive rebounding followed by efficient outlet passes.
Quick Hitters
After giving seven pack of standout performers. Here are a few more quick hitters thar caught my eye in brief action Friday as well.
– If there is a more natural and effortless scorer in Michigan’s 2026
Carl Thompson
Carl
Thompson
6'2" | SG
Grand Rapids Christian | 2026
State
MI
then I would like to see him. The 6-4 Grand Rapids Christian wing continued what has been an absolutely huge spring. And just makes it look so easy.
–
Christian Cast
Christian
Cast
6'1" | CG
Country Day | 2027
State
MI
is what imagine Brandon Ingram looked like in his early development. The 2027 Detroit Country Day guard is very skinny and all arms and legs. Accordingly his game can look unorthodox and herky jerky at times. However it is almost always effective due to Casts’ elite court vision.
-Harbor Springs is developing one of the better small school backcourts in state with The House. 2026 prospects
Braeden Flynn
Braeden
Flynn
PG
Harbor Springs | 2026
State
MI
and
Rider Bartel
Rider
Bartel
5'11" | CG
Harbor Springs | 2026
State
MI
are both playing with increased strength and assertiveness as they prepare to become upperclassmen.