MBA Fall League: Young Talent That Caught My Eye

Week 2 of the MSA Fall League gave me my first opportunity to get a look at several Grand Rapids-area high school teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. While I already highlighted some of the top performers from the evening, there was also a talented group of younger players who gave me plenty of reasons to take notice. Some made an impact with their ability to score, while others caught my attention with their defense, rebounding, playmaking, or overall activity on the floor. With plenty of time ahead of them to continue developing their games, these players showed some exciting flashes of what they can bring to their teams. Here's a closer look at some of the young talent that caught my eye during Week 2 of the MSA Fall League.    Sigrid may only be an eighth grader, but she looked comfortable competing alongside East Grand Rapids' varsity team during Week 2 of the MBA Fall League. Playing against older and more experienced competition, the young guard more than held her own and showed several pieces of her game that caught my attention. Sigrid has the ability to get downhill and plays through contact around the basket, consistently putting pressure on the defense and earning trips to the free-throw line. She also rebounds well from the guard position and showed good awareness as a passer, finding opportunities to get the ball inside to her post players. What impressed me most was her ability to compete at the varsity level despite still being an eighth grader. Sigrid is an intriguing young guard who will be one to keep an eye on as she continues to develop.     Ellie, a freshman guard for Forest Hills Central, gave me plenty to like during Week 2 of the MBA Fall League and should be a nice addition for the Rangers this winter. She brings good length and athleticism to the backcourt and already shows the ability to impact the game in several areas. Ellie does a good job pushing the pace in transition while keeping her head up and surveying the floor, allowing her to make decisions without getting out of control. She also showed her ability to stretch the floor by knocking down shots from behind the arc. Her length and activity translate to the glass as well, where she rebounds effectively from the guard position and can help start the break after securing a defensive board. Ellie is still early in her high school career, but the combination of size, athleticism, shooting, and rebounding makes her an intriguing young piece for Forest Hills Central.     Finley, a 2029 wing for Rockford, showed some promising pieces during Week 2 of the MBA Fall League. The sophomore has good length on the perimeter and uses it effectively on the defensive end, where she showed active hands and the ability to disrupt possessions. Offensively, Finley was at her best when attacking off the bounce. She showed she can get downhill, including a strong rip past her defender that created a lane to the basket for a finish. Her length, combined with her ability to attack off the dribble, gives her a good foundation to continue building on as she gains more experience. Finley is another young player who caught my attention and should be one to watch as she continues to develop with Rockford.     Lindy, a freshman guard for South Christian, found ways to make an impression during Week 2 of the MBA Fall League despite playing on a roster loaded with talent. Her quickness immediately showed up, and she was especially effective getting out in transition. Lindy ran the floor hard on multiple possessions, putting herself in the right spots to receive the ball and convert opportunities at the basket. She also showed that she can provide a perimeter threat, knocking down shots from behind the arc when given space. On the defensive end, Lindy competed well and used her quickness to stay with opposing guards and make things difficult. Earning attention as a freshman on a talented South Christian team isn't easy, but Lindy found ways to do it with her shooting, speed, transition play, and defense. She is another young guard I'll be keeping an eye on as she continues to develop.     Lili, a sophomore guard for South Christian, showed some good pieces to her game during Week 2 of the MBA Fall League. She is comfortable with the ball in her hands and has a controlled handle that allows her to navigate pressure and create space on the perimeter. Lili also showed her ability to stretch the floor, knocking down a shot from behind the arc when the opportunity was there. On the other end, she competed defensively and showed that she can make an impact without needing the ball in her hands. On a South Christian team with plenty of talent, Lili's ball-handling, perimeter shooting, and defensive ability give her a solid foundation to continue building on throughout her sophomore season.

Week 2 of the MSA Fall League gave me my first opportunity to get a look at several Grand Rapids-area high school teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. While I already highlighted some of the top performers from the evening, there was also a talented group of younger players who gave me plenty of reasons to take notice. Some made an impact with their ability to score, while others caught my attention with their defense, rebounding, playmaking, or overall activity on the floor. With plenty of time ahead of them to continue developing their games, these players showed some exciting flashes of what they can bring to their teams. Here's a closer look at some of the young talent that caught my eye during Week 2 of the MSA Fall League.