Las Vegas Day 3 Standouts
LAS VEGAS — Pool play came to a close on Friday in Las Vegas. Who were the top performers and stock boosters from day three with bracket play on the horizon?
TOP PERFORMERS
Malik Abdul-Wahid – 2020 – F – Ray Allen Select
Abdul-Wahid’s hustle give Ray Allen Select a big lift in their win over 1 Nation. The 6-foot-4 forward just made things happen when he was around the basketball. A raw, but athletic forward with good upside, Abdul-Wahid was seen blocking and altering shots around the rim. From there, he was able to turn defense into offense, jump starting the fast break. A bouncy forward with good body control, Abdul-Wahid took defenders head on and challenged them at the rim, including a late dunk over the opposition that pretty much sealed the deal for Ray Allen Select.
Jaylyn Kelley – 2020 – PG – Wisconsin Surge
Kelley looked good in a loss to Vegas Ballers Friday morning. The Tosa West product connected on some tough 3-point shots, shaking defenders and pulling up from beyond the arc. Kelley has terrific handles, along with some eye-opening burst and explosion on the ball. He’s a little undersized, but his quick first step helps Kelley get to the rack before the help-side defense can react. Kelley finished with a game-high 16 points in the loss.
Karter Thomas – 2020 – PG – Ray Allen Select
Thomas continued his big summer by scoring 23 points in a win over 1 Nation. The Oshkosh West point guard has been fantastic shooting the basketball, both off the catch and off the dribble. If there’s a hand down, Thomas is comfortable shooting the basketball, even from well past the 3-point arc. Thomas also played well down the stretch. The strong lead guard used his body well at the rim to convert some late buckets that helped keep Ray Allen Select in the driver’s season.
Javeon Tolliver – 2020 – G – Wisconsin United
We were eager to see how Tolliver performed on a bigger stage. In the Fab 48 against a solid Colorado Miners squad, the Milwaukee Lutheran standout poured in a team-high 19 points. Wisconsin United found themselves down by double digits in the second half and Tolliver orchestrated a late comeback. A high-upside guard that’s still scratching the surface and needs to/will fill into his body, Tolliver’s best days are down the road. As of now, this looks like a borderline Division 1/2 prospect.
STOCK BOOSTERS
Jordan Davis – 2020 – SF – Playground Warriors
It’s getting to the end of the July evaluation period and guys are getting tired. Davis was able to power through and give the Playground Warriors a spark in a win over Grassroots Sizzle. PGC struggled for a large chunk of the game, but Davis carried them. With shots not going down against the zone, Davis was able to slash and get into the teeth of the defense and knock down a few triples. A kid that’s just as consistent as it gets, it was good see Davis take his game to another level when his team needed it and they certainly depended on him Friday.
Mandela Deang – 2018 – F – Wisconsin Starz
Like what Deang brought to the table Friday night. It was a rough start for the Starz, but Deang seemed to keep them afloat. A built and more athletic than you’d think forward, Deang was easily the strongest player on the floor. While he can bully his way to the rim, the lefty also has a soft shooting touch, particularly from mid-range. Deang impacts the game in a lot of ways. He switched onto the other teams’ hot shooter and shut him down. An imposing presence, Deang rebounds and protects the paint well on the defensive end.
J.T. Hoytink – 2020 – G – Ray Allen Select
Hoytink made an impact in a variety of ways against 1 Nation Friday morning. A blue collar guard, Hoytink made his presence felt on the defensive end, cutting off drives and playing physical without fouling. Offensively, Hoytink was able to muscle his way to the rim on a few occasions, giving Ray Allen Select a good spark.
James Randolph – 2020 – F – Wisconsin Surge
Randolph has a long way to go, but definitely flashed his high upside on Friday. The 6-foot-4 forward impressed with his overall activity, finishing well under the rim and protecting the paint. A plus-length, athletic forward, Randolph opened some eyes with his post footwork down on the block, able to get to some impressive secondary moves involving a reverse pivot. Randolph also showed some ability to face up and slash to the basket. Definitely a lot of work needs to be put in before he’s a college prospect, but this is a player small schools will want to keep tabs on.