Hard Work Live Day 3 Standouts
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STOUGHTON — Prep Hoops Hard Work Live wrapped on Sunday as many of the country’s top players and AAU programs put together their final impressions before the doors closed. Capping off the spring evaluation period, who performed well on day three in Stoughton?
Kobe Busch – 2020 – SG – South Dakota Attack
Not sure how to explain Busch’s final performance on Sunday. Simply put, when he shot the ball, it went in…a lot. Busch hit five 3-pointers in a row during a win over the Ohio Celtics, including four on four possessions for South Dakota Attack. The great thing about Busch — he’s more than just a shooter. He’s got great size at 6-foot-6 and can attack the glass for second chance opportunities. He’s got some sneaky athleticism in transition and plays with a really high motor.
Jamal Litt – 2020 – G – Iowa Mavericks
Litt walked in the gym ready to go for his 8 a.m. game. The junior combo guard was scoring at will during a win over Gallo Sports Center. Litt works quickly and plays without a lot of wasted movement dribbles. When he puts the ball on the ground, it’s with a purpose and gives the help-side defense little time to react. Litt finished with a game-high 13 points in Sunday’s win and put the game out of reach with a flurry in the second half.
Tait Nelson – 2020 – PG – Minnesota Heat – Vang
The type of player you love to play with and hate to play against, Nelson has that type of impact on a game. The opposition can’t stand his relentless defensive pressure, picking up for 94 feet, always looking for steals, and not letting his man relax for a second. He’s extremely difficult to guard because he’s always moving, even if he has no intention of scoring. As for the effect on his team, the ball movement is outstanding when Nelson is on the floor. He’s always one step ahead and knows what he’s doing with the basketball before it ever comes and it never sticks in his hands. Nelson could be more assertive as a scorer and needs to develop those parts of his game, but if you’re a coach, you’ll take him in a heartbeat.
Jackson Noll – 2020 – PG – Wisconsin Academy
We always knew Noll was a shooter, but he showed us a new side to his game during Sunday’s finale. Against an aggressive, trapping defense, Noll was strong with the ball and able to break through countless double teams, creating offense going to the rim. After he hit a couple of three’s early, defenders pushed Noll out well past the perimeter. He countered with a great hesitation fake, getting his man off the ground just enough to get by where he could then get to the bucket or drop it off for a teammate. A prospect we feel is much better than what his high school numbers may indicate, Noll continues to excite on the AAU circuit.
Gavin Ralph – 2021 – SF – Wisconsin Academy
Ralph is a skilled wing prospect that’s at his best when being assertive. The sophomore likes to rip and go from the wing and can finish with either hand. He’s got a great sense for shot blockers in the vicinity and always seems to adjust accordingly, while still being able to finish. Ralph also has good floor vision and can get himself out of trouble when he’s cut off on the baseline or swarmed by defenders. Ralph’s ball handling skills allow him to take over some of the point duties as well when needed. Able to play and defend multiple positions, Ralph still has plenty of upside that college coaches will want to keep close tabs on.
Marshawn Robinson – 2022 – SG – ABC Young Lions
A prospect that’s going to find his way into the top 25 of our next class of 2022 rankings, Robinson showed flashes in a 17U game on Sunday. We’ve always known Robinson had the physical tools, but needed the skills to go with it. In a loss to the Iowa Mavericks, Robinson showed off what he could do with the ball in his hands. Robinson had some electrifying and explosive drives to the rim, leaving defenders in the dust. He’s also improved his jumper, getting a lot more arc and spin on the ball from when we last saw him. A potential Division 1 talent, Robinson has a chance to work his way to the highest level.
Da’Quantae Sawyer- 2020 – PG – Gallo Sports Center
Sawyer made a lot of things happen during a Sunday morning loss to the Iowa Mavericks. A strong, athletic point guard, Sawyer loves to drive and dish and constantly drew attention, which freed up his teammates for open looks. Sawyer looked good in the pick n’ roll, turning the corner hard off the shoulder to force defenders to switch where he could then get a mismatch. A guard with plenty of wiggle, Sawyer is a smooth operator who can shake and explode to the rim.