3 Takeaways: Powerhouse 17U UAA vs. Utah Mountain Stars 16U
Last live period, the Utah Mountain Stars lost a close battle with another one of Arizona’s top 17U teams. This live period, at the West Coast Elite Summer Classic, the Utah Mountain Stars 16U were able to take down Powerhouse 17U UAA.
Powerhouse made a run in the 2nd half to close the gap to 7, as they lost 59-66. However, the stars led by 14 at the half due in large part to their sharp shooting from the perimeter.
Both teams have a number of prospects who will play at the next level. Here are 3 Takeaways from the competitive contest.
1. Shooters
The Utah Mountain Stars weren’t the only ones demonstrating that they can shoot it from deep as Majok Deng let some fly as well. In addition to having success from 3, he got into the paint and got to the foul line often. Deng is quietly becoming one of the most consistent shooters from 3 in the state of Arizona.
In addition to Deng, Corbin Zentner shot the basketball at a high level from 3. In fact, the last play of the 1st half included him coming off of a hand off and knocking down a 3 to extend the lead to 14.
While he did more than shoot the basketball from 3, Ethan Langston demonstrated that he can let it fly as well. While he hit some 3s, more impressive was his versatility and patience. He got into the paint well and made good decisions with the basketball.
2. Mady Sissoko
This might be redundant at this point as everyone has been talking about him throughout the 1st two live periods, but Mady Sissoko is the real deal. He is extremely patient on the block and has good footwork. Dre Harris, of Powerhouse, competed with him well and did all that he could to move Sissoko off of his spot.
However, Sissoko is solid and has great footwork that enabled him to hold his ground and make counter moves. When Harris did win in getting Sissoko off of his spot, Sissoko demonstrated a soft touch from 4 to 6 feet and finished a number of tough shots.
While Harris might be undersized compared to what Sissoko will see at the next level, it was an intriguing match-up to watch as Harris is extremely strong and agile. Further, he has a lower center of gravity which makes it easier for him to use his strength to push Sissoko off of the block.
Needless to say, this battle was the most fun to watch throughout the game. However, the win went to Sissoko as good offense beats good defense.
3. Next Level Wings
While Jordan Mains was relatively quiet, comparatively to his own standards, there is no question that he is an NCAA Division-I wing who can shoot the leather off of the basketball. With that said, another NCAA Division-I wing who did stand out for Powerhouse was Otis Frazier. His length and instincts enables him to make a number of plays on both ends of the floor.
As far as the Utah Mountain Stars are concerned, they had solid play from Richie Saunders and Leo Colimerio. Colimerio might have had the nicest move of the evening as he split a double time with a behind the back and maintained pace en route to an “And 1”. His versatile makes him almost impossible to guard.
While Saunders is not as explosive as Colimerio, he is a stat sheet stuffer who makes game winning plays. He does a little bit of everything for the team. He is an extremely skilled rebounder for his size and his motor never stops. Needless to say, both of these prospects have a bright future at the next level.