Longview Lobos vs. Pleasant Grove- The Unknown College Prospects from East Texas.
Longview vs. Pleasant Grove
Not a lot of people recognize East Texas as a basketball populated area but I got the opportunity to see a very talented Longview High school basketball team that has a couple of intriguing prospects. I arrived their 10 minutes before the game started and I immediately noticed two players a 6ft.8 long athletic kid by the name of Malik Henry that was getting up with ease in warmups and a 6ft.7 kid named Zach McGee that also looked the part. Pleasant Grove started off well and got off to a nice 5 point lead over the talented Longview Lobos. The Lobos eventually settled in and scoring point guard Jr. Phillip Washington began to put his mark on the game by scoring on all three level. Sr. Guard Zach McGee helped them take a lead before the end of the 1st quarter by hitting a nice corner 3 off the catch. They extended the lead to double digits in the 2nd quarter with big contribution from 6ft.8 PF. Malik Henry who played active on both ends. The Lobos in the 2nd half turned it up another notch and ended up defeating the Scrappy Pleasant Grove team 74-44. Longview Lobos/ Zach McGee Finished with 8 points and had 2 threes, Phillip Washington had 22 points and several assists. Malik Henry 12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks.
Top Players/Prospects
Malik Henry / 6’8” / PF / Longview / 2020
Henry is a long athletic forward that runs the floor hard and is very active on the glass. He also understands how to block shots, has good timing and knows when to jump to block the basketball. Still has to work on getting stronger in the post but has decent post moves and a good feel for a post player. His recruitment is currently non existent but come spring he’ll be on multiple college coaches radar.
Zach Mcgee / 6’7 / SG / Longview / 2019
McGee is one of the best shooters I’ve seen in the state for his class. He has good size for position and has a quick release, with good elevation on his jump shot. Zach doesn’t put it on the floor that often unless it’s in the half court set when he decides to penetrate down hill. He knows who he is as a player and doesn’t force the issue. College Coaches who need a shooter with size should definitely come check this kid out.