Prospect Spotlight: Mike Williams (2023)
The Calvert Hall Cardinals will showcase one of the youngest rosters in the area. Head coach Jason Hasson will feature five freshman in his rotation, which will ultimately means this team will experience a ton of growing pains as they adjust to varsity level basketball in the MIAA A Conference. One of the talented freshman is a 6-foot-3 guard by the name of Mike Williams.
Williams has played with and against high level talent for his age during his time with Team Thrill on the UAA Circuit. It was there where Williams showcased his explosive athleticism and ability to be a difference maker in a league as challenging as the MIAA.
The Cardinals have had a couple of scrimmages so far this preseason to prepare for their first official game against St. John's (D.C.) this Saturday at Loyola University. Still, Williams has already noticed the difference playing at the varsity level.
"It's much more intense than eighth grade," Williams continued, "it's just higher level basketball. There's much more competition and players are much more stronger, faster and have better basketball IQ."
I recently got a chance to see Williams in action in the Cardinals' scrimmage against Mervo this past Tuesday. He had a few electrifying plays that gave you insight on just how explosive he can be. One play came in transition where Williams rose up head level with the rim to pin an opposing guard's lay up attempt. The other was on the offensive side when Williams' teammate missed a mid-range jumper and he proceeded to rise up for a two-handed put back in traffic.
Williams told me that attacking the rim and what he can bring on the defensive side of the ball are his most valuable attributes. His jumper is something that is a work in progress for Williams, but he has a smooth release and gets fluid rotation on the ball, so as time goes on, I expect that part of his game to improve.
Every year in the MIAA we see a freshman who exceeds expectations. Can Williams be that player? That will remain to be seen, but he should have plenty of opportunities with the amount of time he gets in the rotation.
