Summer Takeover Sunday Takeaways
OLNEY, MD — Summer Takeover played host to some of the best talent around the DMV and beyond. Dozens of coaches made the trip to Good Counsel to evaluate. Here’s what we learned during the two-day event.
TEAM TAKEOVER ORANGE ON FIRE
This team could not be stopped on their way to the 17U Championship. Led by floor general Darius Hines, TTO ran their sets to perfection. Sharpshooters Matt Becht and Matt Urbach were hot most of the day. 6’6 Ian Robertson proved to be a mismatch problem with his ability to make shots from the perimeter and mix it up off the dribble. Collin Nnamene provided a vital boost in the paint, where he was a force on both ends of the court. All five of these players have a lot of ability, and can play at a very high level. This team is a lot of fun to watch, and there were plenty of schools on hand to evaluate. Don’t be surprised to see this group begin to pick up offers and interest from division one programs.
ROACH, TAKEOVER 16S CRUISE TO EASY SHIP
It was a total team effort for TTO 16’s, but Jeremy Roach was simply dominant. The rising sophomore guard got wherever he wanted to on the floor, and defended well on and off the ball. 6’9 St. Stephens St. Agnes big man Charles Thompson had some nice moments on both ends of the floor. Jahmir Young gave his team great minutes, and played with high intensity while on the floor. This group has lost just one game all season, and has a good chance to win out in Vegas as well.
JOJO FREEMAN PROPELS TAKEOVER 15S
After a quiet start in the championship game against Team Melo, Josiah Freeman got it going in the second half with 8 quick points. He didn’t slow down from there. Freeman, who has been labeled as a professional scorer, is not far off. He can get it done from all three levels, and can play on or off the ball. Freeman will certainly be asked to do more of the same in his sophomore season at Paul VI.
JUSTIN LEWIS COMES ALIVE
Despite the loss, Justin Lewis had some bright moments for Team Melo. The rising sophomore consistently commanded double teams, but it didn’t matter. Lewis didn’t force the issue, and knew what to do with the ball while in possession. Lewis was tremendous on defense, where he was a vocal presence and a forceful rim protector. Kansas State, who was in attendance for this contest, offered Lewis a scholarship afterward.
MARCUS ZEGAROWSKI SHOWS TOUGHNESS
Expressions Elite trailed 15-0 at one point in their semifinal matchup against TTO Orange. Marcus Zegarowski made sure his team didn’t get completely embarrassed. In the end, they made it respectable. Zegarowski did everything he could to try to keep his team in contention, finishing with a game high 23 points.
LAQUILL HARDNETT TAKES OVER
After going scoreless in the first half, LaQuill Hardnett absolutely dominated the second half in Team Melo’s EYBL matchup vs. Team Takeover. Not only did he pump in an easy 14 points, but he hit the boards, went strong to the rim, and did a nice job creating for his teammates. A handful of mid-high major coaches were on hand for this. Don’t be surprised to see Hardnett pick up a new offer or two.
MELO’S YOUNG BACKCOURT IMPRESSES
Tyler Brelsford and Rahim Ali were very good in the back court for Team Melo 15U. Brelsford, who looks like he’s in the middle of a growth spurt, demonstrated a smooth handle and an efficient jump shot. Ali was aggressive on both ends of the court, and did a great job running the show. Both guards look like solid division one prospects, but still have some room to grow.