Bates Fundamentals Tops Prospectors for Brawl 4 Ball 15U Crown

Malik Olafioye showed why he’s one of Michigan’s top 10 2023 prospects helping Bates Fundamentals win the 15U platinum title at the Brawl For The Ball.

The Lansing Prospectors represented the Mitten well at the Brawl For The Ball in Ft. Wayne, with a statement win over the Indy Heat along the way to reach the 15U platinum final where they fell to Bates Fundamentals, which had a couple of Michigan players on the roster itself.

Amont’e Allen  6-0  So  Prospectors (Grand Blanc): A new addition to the Prospectors who fit right in, as Allen is a hail fellow well met and as they say, defense travels, and he brings a lot with him to that end. Brought instant energy off the bench; hit a 3 on his first touch in their semifinal win over Team Teague. Could match up physically with any point guard in the 15U field, and he was up to it mentally as well. Can pick up and compete end-to-end. Strong to the rim which sent him often to the line.

Evan Boyd  6-3  So  Prospectors (East Lansing): He has the frame and athleticism of an upperclassman, and flashes of skill here that would project Boyd to be a legit contributor for this winter for what should be one of the state’s best teams, East Lansing. His AAU squad isn’t too shabby either. A slasher who can also get shifty and change speeds. Made smart interior passes. Good hands and hustle on D.

Jamison Eklund  6-4  So  Prospectors (Pewamo-Westphalia): Can drive it or shoot out to 20, and is trickier to cover as a lefty. He hit a three-pointer to give the Prospectors a halftime lead in the championship game. Will also go the post to score. Valuable with his versatility and the kind of physical, unafraid player you expect from P-W. This Class C kid dominated the second half against a team of internet famous teenagers from the Indy Heat on Saturday. Needs to stay in the help gap consistently when defending against the high end talent; and remember two hands on D glass, one on O.

Bryce Kurncz  5-11  So  Prospectors (DeWitt): Quick, finesse guard with a nice touch on his jumper and floater. The kind of baby face you underestimate at your own risk, and he consistently got the ball from point A to B against some fast, talented opposition. Also positive for his future is that DeWitt produces good basketball values.

Malik Olafioye  6-0  So  Bates Fundamentals (Ecorse): He had the green light in the high school season for Erocse, where Olafioye was the state’s leading freshman scorer. Playing with a bunch of other prospects with Bates Fundamentals, he showed he could go out and run a team as a more traditional point guard. Still showed his scoring chops, and has worked on subtle, one-dribble moves for jumpers. Strong and athletic, traits Malik puts to use on the defensive end, where he’s strong on or off the ball; pressing or half-court team D.

Braelon Green  6-3  So  Bates Fundamentals (Ypsilanti Lincoln): Known as an above the rim highlight waiting to happen, Green didn’t really look to get off until late in the second half and Bates had pulled ahead. Good defensive tools. Will have to expand his true guard game.

Edward Williams  6-6  So  Prospectors (Grand Ledge): He carried the Prospectors offensively early in the championship game. This isn’t just a big body out there like a lot of 15U centers, he’s clearly played a lot of ball and gets to the right spots to use his post arsenal and take advantage of the glass. Uses thick frame to create space and release points. Can shoot to 20 feet, and buried a trio of 3s against the Indy Heat. Will have to improve his run/jump athleticism as an upperclassman, but gives you a lot in age group play.