Notes & Observations From Fall League

Yesterday, I was able to check out several teams from across West Michigan play in fall league scrimmages at Cornerstone University and Northview High School. Below are some takeaways from the games that I saw, including standouts from each team.

Ethan Krueger, SF, Mona Shores 2022”

Ethan looked great in catch-and-shoot situations in Mona Shores’ half court offense. For the majority of the game, Okemos was in a variation of a 1-3-1 zone, and Ethan took advantage of several open shot opportunities. Ethan has a smooth stroke from behind the arch, and can get it off with ease due to his 6’7 frame.

Parker Swartz, G/F, Mona Shores 2023”

Parker was highly active on both ends of the court, putting himself in position to impact the game positively for Mona Shores. Parker used his length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots on defense. Offensively, Parker flashed a smooth jumper and a willingness to get to the rim. Parked showed good bounce on his shot attempts in the paint, and an ability to finish above the rim.

Jake Southland, F, Mona Shores 2023”

Jake was tasked with operating in the high post against Okemos’ zone look throughout the game and did so effectively, creating quality shot attempts for himself and his teammates. Jake displayed good footwork when he had the ball with his back to the basket and was able to convert on several mid range shots from the high post.

Trevor Smith, F, Okemos 2026”

Trevor ran the floor well and finished above the rim with consistency, even dunking over a couple of Mona Shores players. Defensively, Trevor moved well laterally and contested numerous shots with his length. Trevor, being 6’9 and only in 8th grade, oozes with potential and should be a top player to watch in the state from the 2026 class.

Nick Ellis, F, Grand Ledge 2022”

Nick finished shots in the paint at a high percentage, frequently converting tough looks through contact. Nick showed good footwork in the paint and displayed a barrage of post moves with his back to the basket.

Will Young, G, Okemos 2022”

Will flashed a ton of bounce on his drives to the basket, even finishing an and-one dunk over a defender. Will operated efficiently in the half court, taking what the defense gave him and converting shots from the perimeter and in the mid-range. Will ran the floor well in transition and was able to finish through contact on multiple possessions.

Javion Otten, G, Kenowa Hills 2023”

Javion was the beneficiary of a ton of sets Kenowa Hills ran to get him quality shot opportunities. It was evident why Kenowa Hills ran their offense through Javion, as he has the ability to score overtop defenders because of his length. Javion’s ability to finish in the paint through contact looks like it’s developed a ton from where he was a season ago, due to what looks like a more filled out frame.

Ethan Crabtree, G, Coldwater 2022”

Ethan showed a consistent motor throughout the day and was active on the glass on both ends of the court. Offensively, he showed a willingness to attack the rim and was able to finish through contact. Defensively, his length created a few turnovers and transition opportunities for Coldwater.

Brandon Downs, G, Coldwater 2022”

Brandon saw the floor extremely well, setting up his teammates with quality looks in transition. Brandon operated Coldwater’s offense effectively in the halfcourt, took what the defense gave him and didn’t force the issue.

Evan Sloan, F, Coldwater 2022”

Evan showed good footwork and lateral quickness to put himself in good position on the defensive end. He contested shots with his length without fouling and cleaned up the defensive glass. Offensively, Evan showed nice touch on shots in the paint and converted at a high rate.

EJ Ryans, G, Northview 2024”

EJ showed great vision in transition, setting his teammates up with point-blank shot opportunities. EJ broke down his man on a couple occasions and flashed a smooth pull-up game in the midrange. Defensively, EJ showed quick lateral movement, cutting off his opponents dribble drives.

Kyler Vanderjagt, G, Northview 2022”

Kyler was knockdown from distance on Sunday, showing off a smooth and sound release. Kyler was able to break his man down, draw in helpside defenders, and kick out to his teammates for open looks from three.

Tyran Thomas, G, Northview 2023”

Tyran showed great bounce in transition, finishing above the rim on a handful of drives. On multiple drives, Tyran showed good decision making by getting defenders on their heels and pulling up for quality shots in the midrange.

Jalen Charity, G, Northview 2022”

Jalen had some of the most eye-opening dunks from yesterdays slate of games. His vertical and explosion in the paint was impressive as was his ability to finish in crowded spaces.