Highland Shootout (Under the Radar Standouts)
The 28th annual Highland (IL) Shootout was a high-level event with plenty of star power from the Midwest Region. That being said, there were a number of excellent performances by players who put in the work in the shadows of…
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Continue ReadingThe 28th annual Highland (IL) Shootout was a high-level event with plenty of star power from the Midwest Region. That being said, there were a number of excellent performances by players who put in the work in the shadows of their big time teammates. Here are some of those top under the radar players from the Highland Shootout:
Tyler Cline 6’1″ Poplar Bluff (’19) – The talented sharpshooter scored a game high 20 points in the Mules victory over host Highland. Cline’s ability to knock down deep 3-pointers serves as a perfect compliment to the attacking style from bullish PB star Dominique Hardimon. Cline is also a steady ball handler who moves well without the basket.
Harrison Vickers 6’4″ Chaminade (’20) – The athletic wing scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds and shot 50 percent from the field against a very ball and athletic Nicolet (WI) team in a 71-62 loss. Vickers is a versatile lefty who attacks the basket hard and rebound well on the offensive glass. He also knocked down a 3-pointer.
Ari Jackson 6’4″ CBC (’19) – The smooth wing player scored nine points in the Cadets’ 67-66 victory over Rock Bridge. He is an excellent spot up shooter from distance. He also played well on the defensive end and came up with the dramatic play of the game when he stripped Rock Bridge’s Jamonta Black to prevent a potential game-winning 3-point attempt.
Robert Martin 5’9″ CBC (’22) – The precocious freshman point guard scored nine points and handed out four assists in the victory over Rock Bridge. Martin played with a lot of poise and confidence on the huge stage of the Highland Shootout. He is excellent in the pick and roll and had the ball in his hands in the fourth quarter quite a bit and he constantly made very good decisions with the basketball.
Phillip Russell 5’11” Vashon (’20) – The junior combo guard scored 12 points and made four 3-pointers in the Wolverines loss to Belleville West in the featured game of the event. He is a knock-down 3-point shooter who makes big shots when they really matter in a close game. He is a solid ball handler who also does a nice job pressuring the ball as an on-ball defender.
Matteus Case 6’5″ Chaminade (’20) – It was my first time seeing the transfer from Canada and I was impressed with his all-around game. He finished with 14 points, six rebounds and a game-high five steals against a very good Nicolet team. He is very skilled and has nice length, which came in handy on the defensive end. He hit a couple of corner 3-pointers and he was very good in transition.