Scout Notes: Blackman Scrimmages The Baylor School
The Baylor School really brought a small, big team to Blackman High School Saturday.
The Baylor School squad was only 8 players deep, but they were taller than average at almost every position on the court.
Blackman only has one player taller than average for his position in guard Trenton Gibson (PrepHoopsTN #27). Trenton is more than a veteran guard for Blackman Blaze. He essentially runs the offense, creates most of the shots or at least opportunities, and provides the emotional backbone of the team.
The Baylor School amassed an early 11-0 score and it took a deft pass from Gibson to break the donut. In fact, all three of the first @BlazeHoops made field goals were assisted by Trenton.
Senior teammate Brandon Thomas (PrepHoopsTN #78) will have some big games this season, but he was not overwhelming against The Baylor School. At 6-foot-5, Thomas can struggle against 6-foot-8+ bigs. Though springy, Thomas gave away length to Boris Ristanovic (PrepHoopsTN #31).
Actually Boris Ristanovic was the most effective player on the court Saturday. His touch in the lane was tremendous. He looked to hit some outside shots. Though he missed it appears he believes in that option. Not necessarily fluid, the lanky forward gets into the tough areas and routinely finishes around the rim. He will be a handful all season.
The Baylor School wing Patrick Urey (PrepHoopsTN#47) will struggle to defend the perimeter man-to-man as he stands 6-foot-6 and lacks elite lateral mobility. Still he is very handsy and eagerly challenges ball-handlers.
For the Blaze Charles Bennett got some time alongside Brandon Thomas. It was not a tall frontline, but certainly active.
Blackman has a few good young players in 2020 guard Zoryn Harrington and 2020 forward Jalen Stayton. It will be interesting how much they play, as the starting lineup is:
G Trenton Gibson
F Thomas
G Burchfield
F Nathan Nelson
G Gabriel Martin
Blackman Positives
Trenton Gibson does a lot besides score. Brandon Thomas has a wonderful touch. They need to establish the elusive third scorer.
Gibson draws a lot of fouls.
The Baylor School Positives
Boris is a handful and in a state thin on sizable low post scorers he is one of the best. Ristanovic will be both a dump-down option and potentially a face-up forward.
Niko Simpkins (PrepHoopsTN #36) plays positionally solid. Obviously undersized, the strong Simpkins will outrebound bigger players because he understands timing and spacing so well.
The Baylor School displayed the best team defense of any team this season. They move together and smoothly eliminate gaps as the ball swings around the arc.