Bell Ringers: David Barns, New Names, Video Highlights
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Coaches, scouts, parents, players, everyone and anyone who loves competition and high-level basketball is chomping at the bit for this upcoming event happening on August 19th! Some small-town ballers are stepping into the spotlight for the very first time and…
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Continue ReadingCoaches, scouts, parents, players, everyone and anyone who loves competition and high-level basketball is chomping at the bit for this upcoming event happening on August 19th! Some small-town ballers are stepping into the spotlight for the very first time and you do not want to be in the dark on game day. In this David Barnes Showcase edition, I will cover some off-the-grid players who have caught my attention during the spring/summer season. Ring the bell!
Gracie Wright Gracie Wright 5'5" | PG Davison | 2025 State MI
Gracie Wright Gracie Wright 5'5" | PG Davison | 2025 State MI
Gracie Wright Gracie Wright 5’5″ | PG Davison | 2025 State MI has accomplished many firsts this past year: her first year on Varsity, first year playing AAU basketball for an independent club, and now her first time playing in the David Barns Showcase. Gracie plays with heart, she has guts, and she won’t back down from a challenge. Her staples are on the ball pressure, lateral defensive movement, and putting her body on the line for her team: unstoppable motor and unbreakable spirit. This spring, she showed her toughness taking charges and earning bruises by diving all over the floor. She rallies the troops with positive energy and active communication on the court. She has the quickness and ability to drive teammates open, she is most dangerous creating for others.
An exceptional volleyball athlete, it was Gibson’s basketball abilities that had the coaches talking during the mid-July Northwood team camp. At a lengthy 5’9, Gibson displayed the quickness and tight handles needed to drive through multiple defenders on her path to the rim using her footwork. Larissa ran the point, but could effectively spread the ball around using various deliveries. She displayed the poise to find open teammates when the double teams converged. Gibson shoots with a high-releasing follow through utilizing the step back: she can also blow by you with a dangerous sweep or jab step. Still curious? Check out these plays from camp! Hear more from Larissa about Otisville-Lakeville GBB turnaround here!
“Huff” is one of those kids you continue to see EVERYWHERE. I remember going to the individuals prospect camp to support a player of mine in spring at Adrian and sure enough, Allison was there doing stationary ball-handling with a boot on her foot. At Detroit Mercy’s Elite camp last week, she fit right in with the top athletes. Her toughness and ability to outwork her opponent for important positioning on the court stands out, she seems to continuously be in the right place to make a play. She can create offense inside and outside for herself, but also distribute. If I need a lock down defender to shut down someone, I’m giving Allison that assignment and I don’t care who has the height advantage. Oxford had an exceptional team camp at Northwood, and Allison played a huge role in their success.
Highlights
New Names
As the summer high school and travel seasons come to an end, we take a look at some under-the-radar prospects who could be making waves and climbing our rankings, as the fall league season kicks off next month.
Dakota Deel Dakota Deel 5'7" | CG Dryden | 2024 State MI
Dakota Deel Dakota Deel 5'7" | CG Dryden | 2024 State MI
“Tough as nails” is how I describe this combo guard from Dryden. When you see
Dakota Deel
Dakota
Deel
5’7″ | CG
Dryden | 2024
State
MI
, you immediately think track and powerlifter by her 5’7 built stature. She missed the 2022 season after transferring to Dryden from Imlay City, so she is determined to make a splash this winter. During the spring travel season, I watched this girl play an entire half on a sprained ankle at the Cagers tournament in Swartz Creek (see game footage below). She has the heart of a lion and will give her all for the team to win. Dakota drives downhill through defenders and will get the opponent in foul trouble with her side steps and body control around the basket. Dakota has an accurate pull-up jumper from three that makes you hold your breath if you’re on the other team, but you can’t close out too fast or she’ll blow right past you. Dakota will put her body on the line for loose balls and rip it out of your hands if you’re careless. Put her on your list of kids to see this fall!
Makenna Krzisnik Makenna Krzisnik 5'4" | CG Walled Lake Western | 2024 State MI
Makenna Krzisnik Makenna Krzisnik 5'4" | CG Walled Lake Western | 2024 State MI
Makenna Krzisnik Makenna Krzisnik 5’4″ | CG Walled Lake Western | 2024 State MI caught my attention Thursday when she scrimmaged the very skilled (and tall) Marian Mustangs. She led her Warriors in scoring, making drilling multiple three point shots, while also storming into the paint: and one! Makenna is a downhill CG who forces defenders to get physical and stop her. She displayed fearlessness as she drove into much bigger opponents and had some very nice finishes around the rim. Once the help-side defenders caught onto her tendencies to drive first, she made them pay with the triples. As you’ll notice in her Hudl clips, she’ll swipe the ball and take it all the way in transition! I will be looking forward to seeing Makenna play more this fall: keep your eye on this one!
Looking Ahead
Keep your eyes open for more featured articles concerning the David Barns Showcase and other upcoming basketball events! Check out who made a lasting impression from the 2022 David Barns Showcase event!