#GrindSzn Kickoff:Electric Standouts From Championship Sunday
Championship Sunday brought out the heavy hitters to Solid Rock to compete for the rights at being titled, “champs.” I handled court 2 duties and with that there were some big-time performances. Here is my list of the biggest standouts…
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Continue ReadingChampionship Sunday brought out the heavy hitters to Solid Rock to compete for the rights at being titled, “champs.” I handled court 2 duties and with that there were some big-time performances. Here is my list of the biggest standouts on the day no matter the position.
Thomas VanTrier – NTX Crush
In first game of the day one of the most complete teams was NTX Crush. Crush is a team that overwhelms you with their depth. They are able to lock in on both ends of the floor and have a deep bench. Their best player on the day was a part of a dominant second unit. Big man VanTrier impacted the game the moment he touched the court. He came right in and was not shy offensively as he knocked down jumpers and also mixed it up with the other bigs inside. He also had great activity and was very productive with the ball in his hands as he was used as a playmaker. He had 21 points and is a versatile big that is confident with the ball, he can space the floor with his shooting and also can put the ball on the floor. He is an excellent passer that sees the floor well and on defense was used in a variety of ways but what really stood out was how he was in the front of the press forcing errant passes. VanTrier is a really good player with high upside.
Ty Archibald – FYN All Stars
Archibald just might have had the best offensive performance on the entire day. He is a leader for this group and what really stood out was his high basketball IQ. He tends to make the right play and does not force much while the game slows down for him. He is a heady guard with immense strength for his size that got where he wanted and dominated. He can attack off of the dribble and hit a few pull up transitions which displays his array of offensive weapons. He was one of the most dominant guards on the day as he can affect the game in all aspects and the opposing team found that out the hard way as he finished with 31 points and a half dozen assists to go along with it. Schools should get on Archibald and fast..
Sean Pedulla – Team Buddy Buckets
In the platinum championship in the second-round game it was Pedulla who led the way with a game-high 22 points. Pedulla was one of the most complete guards that I saw this weekend as he was able to carry the scoring load by mixing it up both knocking down countless shots and finishing amongst the trees. In the game he knocked down four 3-pointers and made sure that the defense had to account for him at all times. He broke defenders down off of the dribble and found the open man. He excelled in the pick and roll and extended the defense. He is a tenacious attacker offensively that remained calm while running the offense to perfection. When the offense breaks down he is able to get going, finishes well through contact and is a complete floor general. He was one hardest workers in the gym as well as he challenged himself defensively. He is a great on-ball defenders as he took the challenge of taking on the best ball handlers each time down. Pedulla was one of the most intriguing prospects this weekend that many schools should have on their radars early.
Jordan Thompson – Team Buddy Buckets
I feel confident in saying that Thompson was the best shooter in the entire tournament. Defenses did not know what to do with him and made sure to keep a man on him at all times even in zones. He was still able to get himself going as he guided his team through the Platinum division. He is a guard that creates off of the dribble but is lights out if he gets a half-second to get his shot off. He goes through screens and is smart off-ball at getting whatever shot it is he wants. With his shot being so well he is also able to show off his handles and get to the rim which makes him an elite offensive weapon that generates points. He understands how to free himself up and feels the double team as well and is an above average ball handler and passer. In Buddy Buckets win over Team KC it was the Thompson show as he finished with 24 points and made his mark as a deadeye specialist.
Nate Straughter – Gateway
Straughter played for the Gateway 15U team and helped them advance in the platinum division as he finished with 20 points in their 77-66 win. In a fast-paced game, it was Straughter who got out and led the charge as he was the difference in the game. He played fearless and was the go to guy for Gateway. He did not back down although he was getting different looks, showed off his strength when finishing at the rim and showed off his toughness on both ends of the floor as often times he was on a bigger guy and held his ground. Straughter took over in the game as he handled the ball well and picked his spots. He did most of his work from the inside and also showed how well he is in transition. Straughter is a young prospect with a high ceiling that is only going to be better with time. As long as he remains aggressive for the entirety of the game it is going to be difficult to beat him.