Smile Power Day
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I can’t believe that I missed it, but yesterday was Smile Power Day! The day is recognized on June 15. It’s a day meant to remind everyone of the power of a smile. Throughout that day, we are supposed to…
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Continue ReadingI can’t believe that I missed it, but yesterday was Smile Power Day! The day is recognized on June 15. It’s a day meant to remind everyone of the power of a smile. Throughout that day, we are supposed to challenge ourselves to smile and embrace the fact that one smile turns into another and so on.
That being said, when you get to watch basketball constantly, finding a smile is often a very easy thing to do. In honor of Smile Power Day, I’m going to give you some players that make me smile just by watching them play.
Zion Belcher-Arill Zion Belcher-Arill 6'2" | PF Campbell Hall | 2025 CA (2025, SG, Grand Rapids Christian)
Belcher-Arill has a tremendous skill set and big time upside as a prospect. It’s her love for the game and passion for being the best she can be at it that makes me smile. She’s willing to bang in the paint or handle the ball and shoot, whatever her team needs. Belcher-Arill is a sponge on the basketball that absorbs any and all coaching and is always looking to learn.
Maddie Petroelje Maddie Petroelje 6'1" | SF Hudsonville | 2023 State MI (2023, SF, Hudsonville)
If you like grit, determination, and hustle…..well then Petroelje’s game will make you smile for sure. She can score from all 3 levels and defend both the perimeter and the paint. Petroelje seems to do it all, and do it all very well.
Tessa Roe Tessa Roe 5'5" | PG Lansing Catholic | 2024 State MI (2024, PG, Lansing Catholic)
Yes there’s physical skills that can help make a player a great defender, but you can also just outwork your opponent. Roe brings both of those to the table and that’s why her perimeter defense makes me smile. She has good footwork, nice anticipation and quick hands, but she’s also willing to out hustle the player across from her.
Armoni Strozier Armoni Strozier 6'1" | PF Flint Carman-Ainsworth | 2023 State MI (2023, PF, Flint Carman Ainsworth)
Strozier’s uniqueness as a player has to make any scout smile. She’s a force in the lane who can overpower almost any opponent and is a premier defender in the paint. But on the other end, Strozier is light on her feet and can put some touch on the ball. Watch her control both ends, and you’ll probably smile too.
Bri Thomas Bri Thomas 5'9" | CG Trenton | 2024 State MI (2024, CG, Trenton)
The real question here is, how could you watch Thomas play and NOT smile. Smiles are infectious, and more times than not, she’s smiling while she plays. There’s just a true love for the game and appreciation of the moment. There’s a top notch set of skills to go with it. Thomas is an outstanding shooter with 3 point range, a solid passer, and uses her length defensively.