Play By Play Classic: Top Guards
Last night’s Play By Play Classic featured three Cincinnati teams we consider State Championship contenders — Moeller, Taft, Deer Park — and a youthful Hughes team who looks completely different than last year. The games were exaggerated versions of what…
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Continue ReadingLast night’s Play By Play Classic featured three Cincinnati teams we consider State Championship contenders — Moeller, Taft, Deer Park — and a youthful Hughes team who looks completely different than last year. The games were exaggerated versions of what we should’ve expected, Moeller pummeled Hughes, 89-45, and Taft handled Deer Park 78-67.
But the best part of last night’s double header was the collection of talent on all four benches. To start our recap coverage, let’s look at the top guards.
Miles “Deuce” McBride (2019), 6’2” G, Moeller
After working back from injury last season, McBride appears fully healthy again. He’s once again bouncing around, exploding on cuts, and getting great lift on his pull-up jumpers. The West Virginia signee scored 15 points, adding five rebounds and two assists, and had his way in the lane. Whether it was curling off screens or taking his man from the top of the key, McBride’s athleticism and skill showed itself on contested finishes.
McBride dominated the primary ball-handler matchup, which should continue to be Moeller’s greatest personnel advantage this season. He puts pressure on the defense with his speed and will almost always stop on a dime with a behind-the-back dribble at the elbow to set up the offense. Defensively, getting a bucket on him will require a ton of work and skill as he really sticks with you.
William McCracken (2021), 6’3” G/W, Moeller
McCracken came off the bench and provided immediate energy, scoring six points and grabbing four boards. Although the sophomore has proven to have a lot of midrange skill during the grassroots season, we appreciated his commitment to his role — McCracken provides energy off the bench, crashes the glass, gets on the floor for loose balls, and defends multiple positions.
Camron McKenzie (2021), 6’2” G, Hughes
McKenzie showed skill around the basket as a rebounder and finisher. He converted a few tough floaters in the lane over taller defenders where the ball hung in the air forever. These shots looked gimmicky at first, but it turned out to be a consistent option for McKenzie. He also proved tough on the glass, grabbing a team-high six rebounds.
Paul McMillan IV (2022), 6’1” G, Hughes
McMillan definitely knows how to score the basketball around the rim. His ability to avoid charges and shot blockers with his gather steps on layups is advanced. Often coming full-speed, McMillian is able to patiently counter whatever the shot-blocker throws at him to throw up a clean attempt. He will be even more dangerous in the lane once his left-hand is developed as a finisher. McMillan likes to push pace off makes, which will bother a less prepared and experienced opponent.
Steven Gentry Jr. (2020), 6’0” PG, Deer Park
Gentry played a very solid game against Taft, an opponent known for the pressure they apply to opposing ball-handlers. Besides a shaky moment in the second quarter, Gentry handled it very well. His quickness and ability to change speeds with the ball is his best asset. Those hesitation moves allow Gentry to get into the lane, where he was pretty tough in drawing contact. Gentry finished with 12 points and three rebounds.
Mark Wise (2020), 6’4” G, Deer Park
Wise’s physical progression is very impressive. The combo guard has become noticeably bigger in his upper body. Even though he may not be the quickest athlete, his pace works because he can just move defenders with his shoulders and arms. Wise has also been working on his 3-point shot, connecting on two last night. He’s pretty good when he has space for the shot, but the release is far in front of his face. More than anything, though, Wise’s leadership stuck out. He communicated well on defense and at least tried to take over as a scorer when their lead was slipping.
DeMarco Bradley Jr. (2019), 5’9” PG, Taft
Bradley powered their 23-point second quarter, scoring all eight of his tough points in that period. Because of his size, Bradley has a lot of experience taking and making tough shots — he did so Friday with two pull-up triples and a ridiculous runner. Bradley also frustrates opposing point guards with his quickness and relentless pursuit of steals.
Muhammad Metz (2020), 6’0” G, Taft
Metz provided a much-needed spark off the bench with his unorthodox 3-point shot. He likes to run to the wing in transition and pop a quick one before the defense can find him. It worked, scoring 13 points with three 3-pointers. His skill-set compliments their top three because Metz doesn’t need the ball to be effective.