Grand Rapids Fall League Recap – Week 2

Week 2 of the Fall League got off to a great start with an interesting match-up between two of the area's top point guards. Grand Valley State University commit,  Jen Deboer and the South Christian Sailors took on the University of Vermont commit, Jessica Fuller, and the Forest Hills Central Rangers.

Jessica Fuller is a strong athletic point guard the looks to push the pace and distribute the basketball to her teammates. She can shoot the three ball and is able to finish at the rim with contact.  Jessica has a high basketball IQ and was very impressive in her ability to lead her team.  Jen Deboer is also very quick and athletic at the point guard position. She is deadly from behind the three point line and is able to get into the cracks and attack the lane.  She has a high basketball IQ and is the unquestioned leader of the South Christian team. Both of these teams will be good this year.

Game of The Night

An overtime thriller between East Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Christian was beyond exciting. The game became a physical match-up between long time conference rivals and was just a snippet of the level of intensity these two teams will have this year in their conference games during the regular season and even maybe a third if they meet in the state tournament. GR Christian had a couple key players out with injuries but it didn't seem to matter to either side.  The game had a playoff feel to it.  East Grand Rapids jumped out to an early lead and played most of the game with a chip on their shoulder. They were led by seniors Megan Belke, who dominated the boards as well as inside the paint, and the slash and dash play of Onika Barkley. In the end, the depth and talent of GR Christian was just too much to overcome. Led by seniors Mariah McCully and Arnetta Abb, Christian went on several runs, applied full court pressure and when in need of a big time basket, Mariah McCully simply was untouchable. Grand Rapids Christian wins the nail-bitter in overtime.

Player Highlights

Markayla Vander 2016  5'9” Wing  South Christian
Markayla is a fearless, extremely athletic guard that is strong and quick enough to defend both guard positions. She can attack the basket with authority and rebound. She continues to improve her outside shot.  In my opinion, one of the most underrated players in the 2016 class and is going to make some college coach look really smart for realizing her potential.

Mickey Ivy 2018 5'10” Post  East Grand Rapids
Mickey rebounds, is an excellent defender, can play with her back to the basket, can finish at the rim with either hand and most importantly has a non-stop motor.  She dives after every ball.  She is starting to develop a nice touch from outside and once that happens, look out.

Mariah McCully 2016  5'9”  Point Guard  Grand Rapids Christian
Simply put Mariah is a complete player! She has the size, speed, athleticism and heart to play anywhere.  She holds multiple D-1 offers and I am surprised that her list of offers is not a lot longer. She can shoot from anywhere on the court, can finish with either hand and is one of the better ball handlers in the state of Michigan. 

This story was written by LBI West Scouting Director Jonathan Bates he can be reached via email jbates@lbiscouting.com also follow him on twitter @coach_jonathan