BCAM Reaching Higher: Fantastic Forwards

BCAM Reaching Higher is Michigan's premier high school girls' basketball team showcase each summer. BCAM brings 60+ teams from across the state to Grand Valley State University campus to compete in front of college coaches from every level. Two days provided ample opportunity to evaluate the prospects in the gym. I was able to see most of the teams play at some point over the weekend, and these forwards were some of the best during the event.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">UPCOMING PGH EVENTS (Use "EvanBell10" code for discount)</h2>   The Freshman Showcase (2030s), August 22nd   <a href="https://events.prepgirlshoops.com/e/2390/register/michigan-freshman-showcase">Registration Link</a>   The Expo (2027-2029s), September 26th   <a href="https://events.prepgirlshoops.com/e/2420/register/the-expo-michigan">Registration Link</a>    Calista was already expanding her game last season and with key players graduating from the backcourt, she'll have the opportunity to handle the ball on the perimeter even more for Stoney Creek this winter. At BCAM Reaching Higher, Calista proved she deserves a single digit next to her name in the rankings. Towering over defenders with 6 foot plus length already makes her a force in the paint, but her handles, ability to shoot the three, and effectiveness as a slasher put her in a higher category altogether. Calista scored a strong and-one layup with her left, buried a smooth three from the slot, and pushed the tempo in the open court with both hands. She was one of the top prospects in the gym again at Oakland Team Camp. Calista owned the offensive glass, scored put backs, finished strong through contact for multiple and ones, dropped in floaters with a soft touch, changed hands comfortably, evaded defenders with long side-steps in traffic, and closed driving lanes.     Zariya has length, quickness, athleticism, and versatility that immediately grabs your attention. She stepped into the spotlight and delivered a noteworthy performance for Saginaw Heritage at BCAM Reaching Higher. Zariya worked inside to score an offensive rebound putback and used an effective pivot to score another bucket in the paint. She stretched the floor with her outside shooting, sinking triples from the wing and the corner. Zariya was aggressive and confident on both ends of the court.     Evah looked strong, physical, and aggressive for Powers Catholic at BCAM Reaching Higher. She was a difference maker on the glass and relentless as a face-up driver. Evah pushed the ball up the court with both hands, initiated contact with a strong shoulder into the final defender, maintained her balance, and finished off two feet. She split the gap on an assertive drive for another layup and forced defenders to foul by getting to the rim.     Makayla has height, athleticism, and versatility as an inside-outside forward that translates to the higher levels of college basketball. Her performance for Detroit Country Day at BCAM Reaching Higher and consistency on the PGH Circuit has confirmed her place as an elite small forward in this class. Makayla dominated the offensive glass and scored strong putbacks. She stepped outside to sink multiple threes confidently from the corner and the wing. Makayla barreled into a defender's chest off the dribble and powered through the contact to score the layup. She caught a pass inside, used a swift spring move, and scored the strong finish.     Lexi is a forward with a strong physical frame and versatile skill set that makes her very difficult to match up against. She made a comprehensive impact for South Christian at BCAM Reaching Higher. Lexi protects the ball with her shoulder on strong drives to the basket, steps outside to sink threes, throws passes up the court on a rope to start fast-break scoring chances, muscles her way into rebounding position, holds her ground, and goes up strong to score in traffic. She doesn't force the issue and has good passing instincts.     Lucy was a top three prospect heading into BCAM Reaching Higher, and that's exactly where she belongs. I am changing her primary position to power forward because, quite frankly, she moves and shoots too well from three to be considered a center. She drained threes from the corner, releasing shots with sound mechanics, balanced feet, and caught passes ready to shoot. Lucy was aggressive in the passing lanes and took a steal coast-to-coast with pace to score a left-handed layup. She used excellent pivots to get scoring angles in the paint, finished with touch around the basket, attacked downhill to score face-up drives, and dropped in soft floaters. Lucy covers ground in a hurry and has the polished skill set you need to have as a high-level forward prospect.

BCAM Reaching Higher is Michigan's premier high school girls' basketball team showcase each summer. BCAM brings 60+ teams from across the state to Grand Valley State University campus to compete in front of college coaches from every level. Two days provided ample opportunity to evaluate the prospects in the gym. I was able to see most of the teams play at some point over the weekend, and these forwards were some of the best during the event.