Brawl for the Ball: Thursday Standouts
Even in just a few short hours at the Michigan Sports Academy (MSA) facilities on Thursday, it was pretty obvious that Grand Rapids executed another strong grassroots basketball event this weekend. We didn’t stick around through championship Sunday at Brawl for the Ball. But we were fortunate enough to check-in on various Ohio prospects who impressed in their opening game.
Max Land (2020), 6’4” W, Indy Heat 16U EYBL / Moeller
Land’s shot selection has improved dramatically since the first weekend of AAU ball, way back at the Nike Cup. He’s finding scoring opportunities on timely flash cuts off-ball and a lightning quick left to right crossover. On that move, Land freed himself up for wide-open jumpers from the elbow. It’ll be an issue for defenses once he starts hitting that shot with some consistency. His shooting mechanics are fine.
Anyone who has watched Land understands that his athleticism cannot be taught. He’s one of the most explosive players we’ve seen this season, which showed itself on a soaring block that he pinned high off the glass. His quickness and speed helps him with on-ball defense as well being aggressive in passing lanes. Finding more ways to utilize his burst on offense will be crucial, as he often spots-up beyond the 3-point line instead of being involved in the action.
Sahmi Willoughby (2019), 6’4” F, Ohio Hoopsters – LBC / Reynoldsburg
Willoughby is an avid rebounder with promising physical tools, especially length. He kept possessions alive time and again by attacking the offensive glass on Thursday evening. Although his jumper needs work, Willoughby provides consistent effort and understands his role as an energy guy. He can also switch onto guards with length.
Division III programs, including Otterbein, are interested in the blossoming big. He played JV as a junior.
CJ Anthony (2020), 6’0” PG, Ohio Bulldogs / Harvest Prep
One weekend removed from shooting 93 percent for Ohio Rebels at the UA Challenge, Anthony was back with his primary team. Anthony willed them to a victory by being exceptionally disciplined on both ends. He took a pair of charges, advanced the ball on the secondary break, made timely catch-and-shoot triples, and used the jump stop in the lane to draw contact on finishes. We expect MAC offers in the near future for Anthony.
Joey Holifield (2020), 6’1” PG, C2K Elite / Cardinal Stritch
Holifield continues to impress this season despite his sacrifices as an offensive playmaker. He has shifted his focus to playing handsy defense against wings and is able to disrupt their drives with a strong frame and timely swipes at the ball. Holifield also plays his physical brand of on-ball defense without fouling.
Ryan Magill (2021), 6’2” G, Ohio Bulldogs / Fairfield Union
Magill is a very young-looking kid who has some growth potential and a nice offensive starting point. His catch-and-shooting ability along with the one-dribble pull-up were consistent scoring options for the kid. Although he has a slight build, Magill was scrappy around the rim as he mixed it up on rebounding battles. Doesn’t blow you away athletically but knows how to score it.
Tayt Birnesser (2021), 6’2” W, Northwest Ohio Basketball Club / Columbus Grove
Birnersser couldn’t have been happier to see the opponent come out in a 2-3 zone. The sturdy 6’2” wing thrived as a playmaker at the elbow, where he found shooters and consistently dropped in floaters. Birnesser is also a nice spot-up 3-point shooter even though his shot is flat. He can exploit weakness of smaller guards around the basket, as Birnesser is built like a full back.
Phil Hughes (2019), 6’7” F, Nova (Morgan) / Marysville
We’ve regarded Hughes several times on this site for his energy and toughness at the rim. On Thursday, he showed some skill as a passer on the dribble drive and open floor. Along with a couple dimes to cutters, Hughes drilled a contested triple over a lengthy defender. The kid keeps improving.
Anton Webb (2019), 6’7” F, Dayton Metro / Dayton Christian
Webb really moved the needle for Dayton Metro when he was in the game. The looong forward runs the floor like a wing and is able to finish with great body control once he’s rewarded with the pass. Webb also looks super comfortable defending anybody, whether it’s a quick guard or big post. His length is an asset defensively, and it also allowed him to shoot a contested triple from the top of the key.
His shooting release is a little slow and he could be better as a rebounder. However, if Webb leaves the summer without a D-II offer, we’ll be shocked.
Bash Wieland (2019), 6’4” G/W, Dayton Metro / Lakota East
Big fan of the way Wieland stepped into a new team and perfectly meshed into their system. He has great offensive and defensive principles in the half-court. A great defensive communicator who is always in the right position to help. On offense, Wieland can definitely hit open jumpers. But, more than anything, he also sets off-ball screens with a purpose and never stands still for too long. Very positive body language.
Dashawn Brown (2019), 6’7” F/C, Dayton Metro / Fairmont
Brown has a wealth of physical tools. The big man has a super strong frame, can get up and down the floor, and has solid bounce. We finally saw him assert himself on the block on Thursday, which is all he needs to do to make it to the next level. Brown showed some skill with drop steps over either shoulder and controlled the defensive glass. Whoever can improve his hands and find a way to get him to play with consistent energy will get a steal in this 2019 recruiting class.
Nathan Bruns (2019), 6’7” W, Northwest Ohio Basketball Club / Marion Local
Bruns, who made an early commitment to Findlay before the Live Period kicked off, was playing on Thursday night like he was back in the State Championship game. His noticeable competitiveness and vocal leadership are assets to a team.
As far as skills, Bruns is a handful as a primary ball-handler. He combines a tight handle with size to dominate guards and other wings. He didn’t settle for too many jumpers. Instead, Bruns took the dribble drive all the way into the post for over the shoulder finishes, which is an area of the floor where he’s wildly consistent.