Paint Power: PF Standouts in 15U Division at Brawl at the Palms

While the guard play warranted plenty of headlines at Brawl at the Palms, many forwards and post players controlled games through rebounding, rim protection, second-chance points, and physical play in the paint. These front-court standouts helped set the tone and brought the power for their teams throughout the weekend.      [player_tooltip player_id='1833965' first='Amira' last='White'] displayed a remarkably polished offensive skill set for a 2030 prospect, showcasing footwork that on one play resembled the "Dream Shake" by Hakeem Olajuwon. She established strong position by sealing defenders, creating easy scoring angles. White showed excellent balance, body control, and touch around the basket, finishing through contact while locked in on the basket. She also stepped from the rim and knocked down shots from the perimeter. For such a young prospect, her combination of footwork, physicality, and scoring versatility was impressive. The sky is the limit for this young prospect, who was one of the top post players in the 15U Division.    ,      [player_tooltip player_id='1615906' first='Ava' last='Anthony'], by far, was the most dominant big in the post. The young center consistently imposed her will in the paint. She attacked the offensive glass relentlessly, fought through contact for rebounds, and finished tough put-backs despite defenders draped all over her. Her physicality, strength, and determination around the basket made her a matchup problem all tournament long.     Crowley was arguably the most efficient paint scorer in the 15U division. She consistently established a deep position, utilized exceptional footwork, and converted scoring opportunities all weekend long. The young forward was confident and crafty - whether finishing off the glass, attacking the rim, knocking down short mid-range jumpers, or powering through contact. One of her most impressive skill sets is coming to a controlled jump stop, creating space, and finishing with great efficiency- sometimes clean looks and other times through physicality. Once she gained leverage, defenders rarely had an answer. Crowley also impacted the game defensively, using her strength and mobility to defend in the paint while showing the ability to step out and guard on the perimeter. Combining touch, basketball IQ, physicality, balance, and arguably the best footwork in the division, she established herself as one of the top post players at the Brawl at the Palms.     Zamor Williams found herself in a physical contest, as the officials let the players battle on both ends of the court. What stood out most was her ability to recognize the style of play on the court and adapt. Once it became clear that whistles would be limited, the young forward elevated her own level of play and responded with one of her toughest performances I've seen from her. She attacked the glass aggressively, battled for position, and finished against physical defense - and that's stating it nicely. When the game became more demanding, Williams didn't back down - she emerged stronger. Williams has only played for a few years and has a huge upside. She was a standout forward at the "brawl in the paint" - Brawl at the Palms.     [player_tooltip player_id='1671590' first='Payton' last='Palmer'] stood out the minute she stepped on the floor, and after a blocked shot and a few inside scores, she had sealed the deal. Palmer did a little of everything and showed a lot in a short time span. She played along with some talented teammates and didn't get the headlines, but her versatility, effort, and production stood out. As a Freshman she averaged over 7 points and 5 rebounds per game, and from observing her on the court, she is going to be a problem. On one possession, Palmer caught the ball in transition, ripped to a midrange and hit nothing but nets.     Standing 6-foot-2, [player_tooltip player_id='1246266' first='Tonya' last='Young'] immediately stood out as one of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in attendance. Despite being a rising eighth grader, the young forward showed she could compete effectively against older and more experienced players. She was impressive with the work she put in on the glass, on the break, and around the basket. She drew fouls through aggressive play around the basket and finished on some scoring opportunities in the paint. She also showed her upside as a perimeter scorer by stepping out and knocking down jumpers, showcasing versatility that will only continue to develop as she matures. Perhaps most impressive was her ability to compete during "whistle-hiding" physical play. Young grew up this weekend, and the future is bright for the "Young" baller.

While the guard play warranted plenty of headlines at Brawl at the Palms, many forwards and post players controlled games through rebounding, rim protection, second-chance points, and physical play in the paint. These front-court standouts helped set the tone and brought the power for their teams throughout the weekend.