Thanksgiving Hoopfest Player Recaps (Part I)
The 10th Annual Thanksgiving Hoopfest hosted by Glenn Smith was held this weekend at Duncanville High School. The two-day event truly brought out the best of the best and contributor Brandon Jenkins was on bored to catch it all. He will recapping the best players on each team. This article highlights: Austin Lyndon B. Johnson, Dallas St. Mark’s, Richardson J.J. Pearce, and Red Oak.
Austin Lyndon B. Johnson
Brian Batts / 6’0″ / SG / Austin Lyndon B. Johnson / 2019
Hidden Gem
The unsigned senior is a physical combo guard with a strong body. Brian was one of the two bright spots within LBJ’s offense. He displayed a nice jumper from deep knocking down four threes in the loss.
Final Stats vs. St. Mark’s: 16 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals
Jordan Teal / 6’2″ / SG / Austin Lyndon B. Johnson / 2020
Hidden Gem
Jordan is an off ball guard with a slender build who is comfortable with his middle game offensively. He look good finishing opportunities in transition and finding the open spots inside the arc to score.
Final Stats vs. St. Mark’s: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Dallas St. Mark’s
Harrison Ingram / 6’7″ / SF / St. Mark’s / 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The nationally ranked small forward runs the point guard position well for St. Mark’s. Ingram displayed great decision making and poise while initiating the offense. He also created nice opportunities for others by finding the open man when backing down isolated defenders on the perimeter. Ingram calmly scores off slow but savvy moves when getting into the paint and can hit spot up threes off the dribble.
Final Stats vs. Austin Lyndon B. Johnson: 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists
Andrew Laczkowski / 6’6″ / SF / St. Mark’s / 2020
I have been very critical on Andrew lately, but he showed me something after having an impressive scoring performance. Andrew stretches the floor and is a great target for catch and shoot threes. He has a pretty stroke on his release and plays within the offense. Andrew got to the foul line a lot and converted on nearly all of his attempts.
Final Stats vs. Austin Lyndon B. Johnson: 28 points and six rebounds
Colin Smith / 6’7″ / SF / St. Mark’s / 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Colin surprised me with his ability to hit the three-point shot. If he can consistently be a threat from deep, St. Mark’s will be dangerous in SPC play. He must continue to get stronger and fine tune his skillset, but it was good to see what he brings to play offensively.
Final Stats vs. Austin Lyndon B. Johnson: 16 points and five rebounds
Richardson J.J. Pearce
Drew Timme / 6’10” / PF / Richardson J.J. Pearce / 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Drew Timme was at it again backing up his five-star status. During his game, I realized that he would still be able to play at the next level even if he was 8-12 inches shorter because of his elite ability to see the floor. His court vision for a player if his position and size is truly outstanding. The recent Gonzaga signee finds his open teammates by threading the needle within the little cracks of a defense. Outside of the elite passing, Drew was Drew scoring in the paint and beasting on the glass.
Final Stats vs. Wauwatosa West (WI): 12-point Triple Double
Red Oak
Marcus Sasser Jr. / 6’2″ / SG / Red Oak / 2019
⭐⭐⭐
As a coach, when you have an elite scorer of the basketball on your team, you have to let him rock out and give him the green light. That is exactly what head coach and uncle Jason Sasser (former NBA player for the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks) lets Marcus Sasser Jr. do.The Houston signee is a terrific three-level scorer who is at his best when attacking and finishing at the basket.
Final Stats vs. Wauwatosa West (WI): 29 points and five assists
Josh Miller / 6’6″ / SF / Red Oak / 2019
I have not been too high on Josh after not having the best summer; however, he looked the best he has ever looked in my eyes at the Hoopfest. He took smart shots from the perimeter off the dribble, handled the ball in the open floor, and actively used his intriguing length on the defensive end. The unsigned senior will have a mid major chance if he waits to sign late.
Final Stats vs. Wauwatosa West (WI): 19 points, two rebounds, and two assists
*This recap is part one of eight Thanksgiving Hoopfest Recaps*
*For final score recaps view Brandon Jenkins’ Twitter account @brandon_jenkin5*