Timesland Invitational: Senior Standouts
I took a trip to Roanoke, VA (my third home) on Sunday for the fourth annual Timesland Invitational at North Cross School. Ran under Dr1ven Training the last few years, event host David Williams ran it this year under his new company ESD (Exercise Skill Development LLC), and while the name was different the event still was a great opportunity for kids to go through developmental drills, specific game situations and live games in front of myself and double digit college coaches in attendance. It was a great way to see a lot of talent from the Roanoke, Lynchburg, New River Valley and SWVA parts of the state.
With that being said, here’s a look at five seniors who stood out on Sunday.
Kasey Draper | 6’4” WG | Northside
If there were event awards, Draper would likely have been voted MVP with his performance in the live game at the end. After watching him develop over the past two seasons, the Northside senior has improved from an undersized and crafty forward who scored around the basket a lot to a legitimate three level scorer who can play all over the court. His good size on the wing allows him to add another rebounder to his team on the floor, he knows how to use his body around the rim to score and he’s a much improved and now deadly shooter from deep. Expect Draper to play a big role for a talented Northside team this year and he’ll be one of the best players in Roanoke as a senior.
Isaiah Donaldson | 5’11” PG | Salem
The best way to describe Donaldson is consistent and solid, as I always see him do the right thing and make the right plays every time I see him. He was very good at the Prep Hoops Top 250 in Hanover a few weeks ago, and he showed his ability as a drive and kick and good on ball defender at the next level at the Timesland Invitational. He isn’t the biggest guy but he’s strong, quick and skilled, he has a nice midrange and he takes pride on both ends of the court.
Joe Lichtenstein | 6’7” PF | Hidden Valley
A skilled big man with next level ability, Lichtenstein was a nice surprise with his hard work and high motor throughout the event. One of the bigger guys there, he showed the ability to shoot the deep ball both in drills and in live games, making him an option as a stretch four that can open the lane and cause mismatches. He also showed all of the intangibles you want out of a big man in a guard dominated event, as he screened well and never sulked when he didn’t touch the basketball.
Cayden Sutphin | 5’11” PG | Floyd County
The best way to describe Sutphin is smooth, as he isn’t the most explosive guard but he’s able to get where he wants to get on the court and he can make plays with the ball in his hands. He has a good handle that isn’t super flashy but gets the job done, he can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court and he’s got great feel and a high IQ. He showed good finishing ability in traffic and in the midrange and he showed great toughness and competitive spirit as well.
Marshal Snider | 5’8” PG | Glenvar
Speaking of toughness, Snider was the smallest guy at the event but he didn’t back down from anyone. He was one of the hardest working and most competitive guys whether it was skill development, 3-on-3, situational gameplay or live gameplay. He showed a good handle and consistently made the right play with the ball in his hands, he wasn’t afraid to take and make big shots and he showed good range off the bounce. His size may turn some off but he’s shown time and time again that he can be effective and finds ways to get his shot off despite his height.