Battle at the Lakes: Scott’s Friday Standouts
PrepHoopsIllinois opened up coverage of Battle at the Lakes in Minnesota on Friday night! We checked out four 16U contests. Here are Scott’s Standouts from the opening night of action.
PF Seryee Lewis (Young & Reckless 16U)
Lewis is one of the most talented post prospects in the state of Illinois in the 2020 class. It is all about getting a consistent motor out of him. When he does that he is scary good. The Kenwood big man played at a high level Friday night allowing his athleticism and quickness to take over the game inside. He won 50/50 balls high pointing them in traffic and grabbing them out of the air. Offensively he utilized quick and aggressive moves including a go to right handed hook shot. Also had a posterizing dunk! Ran the floor well. About all you can say he struggled at was shooting free throws. He had 14 points.
SG Johnny Close (Young & Reckless 16U)
Close is a 6’2” wing from Rockford Boylan that can flat out shoot the rock! He did exactly that on Friday night for Young & Reckless. Close was lights out shooting from deep drilling an array of threes off the catch. When his feet are set it is straight money! He has a picture perfect release with elevation off the floor. Mixed in some transition finishes and a straight line drive. His passing and defense also showed well. If he can continue to diversify his game that will only help his recruitment as he is one of the best pure shooters in the state.
PF Kendale Anderson (Young & Reckless 16U)
Anderson like his older brother is a beast rebounder! The junk yard dog 6’6” four man absolutely owned the glass in the first half. He is a physically strong big man that boxes out rebounding both in and out of his area. Grabs grown man boards! He was noticeable on the defensive end as well getting in passing lanes and playing with a high motor.
G Davis Walker (Team RWA 16U)
Walker is a home schooled 6’1” combo guard that really impressed with his play for Team RWA. The 2020 wing was lights out for the most part drilling mid-range pull ups from all over the floor. Also connected on a pull up three to open the game. Good strength and athleticism out of this guard which allow him to finish in the paint. He is more than just a scorer as he displays a solid understanding of the game making crisp dishes. Defensively he moves well laterally and got several steals. Went for 14 points.
PG Beau Frericks (Team RWA 16U)
This Cary Grove 6’0” point guard can really shoot the basketball! He has a crisp pull up game that he sets up with strong shot fakes. Clean release from both mid-range and three. Knock down shooting point guard that is fundamentally sound. He had 13 points.
C Dain Dainja (Grassroots Sizzle 16U)
This 6’8” 2020 post is a very physically impressive prospect. Excellent size on the interior with a thick upper body. He is a beast area rebounder that snatches them out of the air in traffic. The area I noticed the most improvement since I saw him a year ago was his athleticism. He had a couple explosive slams. Also handle it some in the open floor. They won in a blowout, but the Minnesota prep standout showed why he is such a coveted prospect in the first half.
SG Josh Brown (Grassroots Sizzle 16U)
This 6’2” Park Center (MN) two guard had a hot first half scoring the rock. He was scorching from the perimeter knocking down threes off the catch. Drilled multiple with a clean looking release. Also mixed in a runner. Scoring two guard that plays with a motor.
PG Joe Bachinski (Minnesota Fury 16U)
Bachinski is a lead guard from Lakeville South (MN) that is the gritty leader for Minnesota Fury. He pushes the ball in transition on a consistent basis always having his head up looking to make a play. The 2020 guard made quite a few excellent passes in the half court as well especially working in the pick and roll. Tough finishing around the hoop on some difficult conversions.
C Jacob Hutson (Minnesota Fury 16U)
Hutson is a country strong 2020 post from Edina High School (MN). Knows how to use his size and strength on the interior. Hutson is a good area rebounder that boxes out well. He finished around the hoop with power through opponents along with quick spin moves.