Grassroots Update: Local Hoops
Local Hoops AAU is based out of the Seattle area and has put together some competitive squads in recent years. Coach Trey Edwards recently caught PrepHoops up with the top players on his team and their games and recruitment so far this spring heading into the summer.
Here’s a breakdown:
Michael Gray Jr. (2019 Lindbergh HS) – Gray has been with Local Hoops for several years and can flat out score the basketball. Last year he put up 60 points in a game and while he hasn’t hit that many in a game this spring, he continues to showcase his ability to put the ball in the hole. Undersized for a scoring guard at 5-foot-10, he has garnered some recruiting interest from Seattle University and many junior college programs.
Cameron Bayer (2019 Eastside Prep HS) – Bayer, who is a year younger than his grade, has shown good athleticism for his size (6-foot-7) and has been playing both the four and the three for Local Hoops. His jumpshot has been improving and he has pretty good ball-handling skills. Despite the fact he’s missed most of the spring with an injured ankle, a number of Big Sky and other Division I and II schools have shown interest.
Elijah Nnanabu (2018 West Seattle HS) – Nnanabu played well in the spring and impressed with his athleticism and shooting ability. The key for him moving on at the next level is how he improves his decision making at the point guard spot. He will be playing the 2018-19 season at a prep school yet to be determined.
John Misel (2019 O’Dea HS) – Misel has solid size on the wing at 6-foot-4 and has shown potential as a catch-and-shoot performer. He has solid ball-handling skills and a feel for the game but needs to improve on the defensive end of the ball. He has garnered Division III and JUCO interest.
Michael Jessie (2019 Garfield HS) – Jessie, who is a year younger than his grade, is a wing who makes a mark defensively with his size (6-foot-4) and length. He has shown the ability to knock down perimeter shots but needs to improve with his confidence in that area. His combination of size and athleticism should bring him at least JUCO attention recruitment-wise.