Summer Awards – Class of 2020
The spring and summer grassroots season came and went and now it’s time to focus on the PrepHoops 250 event as well as get ready for the high school season. With that being said, there were a few players from the Class of 2020 that stood out as we give out awards. Check out who made our list for best shooter, point guard, big man, MVP of the summer and most improved.
Player that proved the most over the summer?
It was tough to go away from Luke O’ Brien, but ultimately it was Ty Foster that headed into this summer looking like a man on a mission and he certainly didn’t disappoint. He didn’t play in state for grassroots season but definitely stood out on the national scene as his New Heights team finished no. 9 overall in the country as they won the Eastbay Invite division and he was a huge part of the reason the team was so successful. He shot, scored, defended and rebounded his way to having one of the best overall grassroot seasons from any level. The way that Ty attacks the rim on the offensive end is what separates him as he is a tough guard each time out. He finishes above the rim and clears the lane with the way that he moves to the rim with a purpose. He sets teammates up and makes all around him better and was the biggest standout of the summer.
Most improved player?
It was hard to only go with one guy as two players stood out as having the most improved summer as they displayed some of the same things that stood out. Isaiah Hayes and Lian Romero both entered the summer as glue guys that make their team better with their effort, their defense and ability to play-make. To end the grassroot season both ended up being their teams primary ball handlers and go-to guys as they had big showings in tournament For Hayes, he’s a guy that it’s hard to pinpoint his best attribute as he literally does it all. He can handle the ball, set up others, be placed on the best ballhandler as well knock down shots. For Romero, his ability to free himself in the open court and either make the smart play or finish is what impressed most about this summer. Both play on talented high school teams where they aren’t asked to do as much so it was refreshing to see them both be one of the lead guys and carry the team at moments.
Best point guard?
Quinten Rock is different. He’s a guard that the game seems to come easy to as he plays up in age during his grassroot season and that still doesn’t derail is productivity. He’s a scoring point guard that can knock down any shot on the court and really excels from beyond the arc. When he’s open, its most likely going to fall. Quinten has gotten better with setting up his teammates as well as feeding the post and finding the open spot after, either to finish at the basket or knock down the shot. He’s a fierce competitor and natural born leader that brings it each game and has very quick hands which generates a few steals.
Best shooter?
Devin Carter was on a roll this summer. He might’ve easily had the best summer when you take a look back at how he was on a national scale. He competed in various tournaments and stood out each game and the difference between him and most is he literally can shoot the ball from ANYWHERE on the court. His arsenal for shots are second to none as he knocks down the mid-range, pull-up jumper, turn-around jump shot and has a deep ball with unlimited range. His ability to knock down jumpers opens up everything else as the defense has to try and figure out a way to stop him from shooting and then he just beats them off of the dribble and finishes at the rim. He has one of the best overall games for anybody in his class and him being able to knock down jumpers makes him that much more dangerous.
Best big man?
If you’re looking for a player who dominated the glass, controlled the paint of both ends of the court and improved overall in the post, look no further than Caleb McGill. Caleb did it all for Colorado Chaos as he was the best player on the court almost each time out. He can change the game with his size and mobility. Caleb has a soft touch around the rim and can knock down the mid-range jumper with ease which makes him a tough guard. He has an improved back to the basket game and really showed that he’s been working on staying aggressive on the glass. With his size he runs the floor well and has great hand-eye coordination which allows guards to use him well in the pick and roll as he sets great screens and finishes at the basket.