Memorial Day Classic: Top Offensive Threats from WA – 17U
Over the Memorial Day weekend, the Salem Hoop hosted its annual Memorial Day Classic. This article reviews the top offensive threats from the state of Washington that appeared in the 17U division of the tournament.
Clayton Whitman – 6’5 – Seattle Select High Academic – Lynden High School – Class of 2019
Clayton Whitman is 6 feet and 5 inches of pure athleticism. Between his length and vertical, he is able to rise up over people, as well as hang in the air longer than defenders, allowing him to get off his shot around the hoop in most situations. Add in his ability to knock down the three-ball, and Whitman puts great pressure on defenses inside and out.
Brandon Barron – 5’10 – Total Package – Olympic High School – Class of 2019
Barron may be the smallest of anyone on this list, but he packs a great scoring punch. With quickness and toughness, he is able to explode past defenders on the perimeter, and is a strong finisher in the paint. Perhaps his most effective offense was when he was pulling up for a mid-range jumper off the dribble. Barron is one of those players that finds ways to score, no matter what the defense is doing.
Elijah Nnanabu – 6’2 – Local Hoops – West Seattle High School – Class of 2018
The only way any team was able to stop Nnanabu this weekend was to double-team him. He has a complete arsenal of offensive moves, varying between mid-range step-back jumpers driving either direction, pull-up three-pointers in transition, and strong finishes at the rim in the form of contorted layups and poster dunks. His strength and athleticism allow him to continuously attack the paint, but he has the counter moves to use when the paint is walled off by the defense.
Ethan Smith – 6’0 – Iron Athletics Sixers – Union High School – Class of 2019
Ethan Smith is known as a long-range shooter, but he also displays the ability to get to his spots on the floor with regularity. He uses great footwork and quick handles to create advantages against his opponents, whether that be to shoot the three-pointer, or to attack the rim. He gets to the foul line at a pretty good clip, as he knows how to use his body and arms to draw contact on his drives.
Charles Elzie III – 6’1 – Seattle Select High Academic – Bellarmine Prep High School – Class of 2019
Elzie III is a tough and confident guard, running the point for Seattle Select with great composure. While Elzie III puts pressure on defenses with his ability to break his man down off the dribble and finish strong in the paint, he also uses his breakdown skills to create looks for his teammates. He is very good in transition as well.