Elias’ combination of explosiveness and effort alone are enough to make an impact on a game. He was making hustle plays that made an impact on both ends of the floor, as he crashed the offensive glass hard for second chance points, chased down a player in transition for a highlight reel block, and he was also scrapping for loose balls to gain possession for his team. On the offensive end he showcased a confident shot from three when given too much space, and used his quick burst to get to the basket and finish off of two feet. One of the most explosive guards in the 2023 class who can make an impact on both ends of the floor.

Elias has continued to impress me more and more with the more I have watched him and that did not change this past Saturday. The first thing you will notice in his game is that he is a true two-way player and was one of the best defenders I saw all day. He would sometimes pick up right from half-court and was giving opposing ball handlers problems all game. He is also a polished scorer as he can knock down a three-pointer in the catch-and-shoot or run in transition and finish at the basket at full speed. Eastview is off to a great start this season and will look to carry this momentum through the rest of the year.

Elias played a key role in the win over Totino-Grace this past Sunday. The 6’1” guard is very versatile on offense and does a little bit of everything for his team. He can contribute as a ball handler, he has the vision to move the ball and find open teammates, he can knock down shots from the perimeter, and has a variety of moves he can go to while attacking the rim. He also possesses elite athleticism and continues to impress me with the way he can play above the rim and lock down on defense. Batala may not lead the team in scoring this season, but he will play a vital role on both ends of the floor for the Lightning.

Elias Batala Elias Batala 6'1" | PG Eastview | 2023 State MN is a 2023 six-foot-one-inch guard from a deeply talented bunch at Eastview High School, and played AAU with Minnesota Chill. Batala’s athleticism and drive should get him solid minutes on another Senior heavy Eastview team. Batala is afraid of attacking the rim and finishing above it when the chance arises. That aggressiveness showed on defense hounding opponents and as well when he blocked one shot off the glass. 3-point jump shot look mechanically sound on the one he made while he scored 15 points total in this game.

Elias provides a nice spark on both ends of the floor for a talented Eastview team. He’s a difference maker on the defensive end with his quickness and explosiveness, allowing him to lock down on the ball while also making a difference as a shot maker at times. His length allows him to impact the game when Eastview goes to a fullcourt press because he’s so good at getting up in the passing lanes and getting a hand on the ball. Offensively he’s a catch and shoot threat from three and has above-the-rim athleticism in the open floor. Threw down back to back dunks in the second half of Eastview’s opening game.