Great American Shootout 2019 Standouts
The live period continued this past weekend with the Great American Shootout (GASO) in Duncanville, Texas. Numerous gyms in Duncanville and Cedar Hill hosted teams from the Ark-La-Texas, Oklahoma, and other states nearby. Some of the players from the class of 2019 played well during their time on court. We will look at some of the upcoming seniors that made an impression with their play during this live period.
Calvin “C.J.” Carpenter / Louisiana Roundballers / 6’3″ / CG
Even though the Roundballers did not have a successful tournament, Carpenter showcased what makes him one of the top combo guards in Louisiana. The lefty showed improved man-to-man defense in the half court. On several occasions, he tipped the ball away from his man, gathered it, and processed down the court. Carpenter also pushed the ball from end to end on fast break opportunities for his team. He was able to finish against two defenders being back on defense by making layups or getting fouled. His vertical leap, speed, and athleticism allow for this. For a guard, C.J. also secures defensive rebounds well which allows him to push the ball on offense. In closing, Carpenter did not shoot the outside shot very well this weekend. However, he displayed various skills that should make him sought after as his recruitment moves forward.
Kalaas Roots / Louisiana Select Team Millsap / 6’2″ / PG
Roots has always been a multi-talented guard who can do what his coach asks of him. These traits were on full display at the GASO. Because Roots plays the point so much and facilitates so well, at times he is not in the best offensive flow with his own shot. When it comes to crutch time however, he is locked in. This was the case during his team’s first game. Having trouble with his jumper, he played defense at a high level. Then when his team was down one, he made the game winning floater in the waning moments. To not have the best offensive game and yet be ready to take the winning shot is not a trait that all players have. Roots showed that he can step up at big moments and make big plays. This type of play also helped him garner his first two college offers. With this type of game play, Kalaas showed why he is one of the standouts from the GASO.
Joseph Wiggins / Louisiana Select Team Millsap / 6’4″ / Wing & Post
Wiggins is one of those players who does a little bit of everything on the floor. During the GASO, Joseph had to play more post because of his prior experience in that position. Even with the position change, anyone can see his talent. Wiggins can switch on guards or wings in pick and roll or high screen situations. He rebounds the ball very well for his slight frame. Joseph is quick off the floor with his leaping ability which allows him to change shots as well. On the offensive end, his hops helped when his shot was blocked on a couple of instances. His shot was blocked and while it was in the air he jumped again, gathered, and finished at the rim. Lob sets were run to showcase his leaping ability also. Wiggins is definitely a high riser. Joseph changes ends like a gazelle as well. Whether it is off of a steal or a rebound, he can put it on the deck and fly to the other end. Wiggins is an offensive talent that can be polished into an outstanding wing player. His athleticism alone was a reason he was one of the GASO standouts.
Aaron Davis / Houston Cowboys / 6’4″ / Wing & Post
One of the better teams during the Great American Shootout was the Houston Cowboys. They won their pool and their bracket during the tournament. One of the big reasons was the play of Aaron Davis. This young man was outstanding on both ends of the floor. Davis showed the ability to read defenses well and make timely cuts for layups or to draw fouls. He cleaned up the glass on the offensive and defensive ends creating scoring opportunities for himself and others as well as helping to reset the offense. Aaron is super athletic and has a high basketball IQ. His effort is contagious as well. In one game he chased down a guard who was ahead on a fast break and had a Lebron-like block to stop a sure basket. A player that is heady with athleticism can go a long way at the next level. The reason why Aaron Davis was one of the standouts at the GASO was because of his mixture of the two. He will be a player who will excel in the right situation at the next level.
Branden Holt / Houston Cowboys / 6’5″ / Wing
One of the more impressive players at the GASO was Branden Holt of the Houston Cowboys. His game is smooth and silky. He plays as if the game is not too fast for him. Holt plays both ends of the floor. He can defend three to four positions with quickness and athleticism. Branden also displayed an ability to play great help side defense. On the offensive end, Holt seemed to do it all. He can hit the three, drive to the hoop, and offensive rebound. Holt passes the ball well also. He makes winning plays. If he makes a mistake, he tries to make the right play to make up for it. At 6’5″, Branden is the height that teams are looking for on the next level to help them win. The things Holt does on the court help to make his team successful. His total game was why Branden Holt was a GASO standout.
The Great American Shootout is always a good tournament to catch next level talent. These players highlighted stood out from others because they made winning plays even if their team did not win. That is how players stand out. Look for these players, and others, from the GASO to be a success on the next level.