Mason’s Saturday Notebook: #HardworkSZNKickoff
On Saturday, I was at the #HardworkSZNKickoff in Council Bluffs, Iowa. I saw a lot of talent but there were a few players and teams who really stood out. I caught ten games and was able to see a lot of different and talented players. Here are the top three things that stood out to me.
Dylan Holston Continued to Impress
I saw Holston and his Powerhouse Hoops team play yesterday but today I thought that he was on another level. Holston is probably an undersized wing at the next level but he is just so strong. Holston is quick with the ball and has the ability to step out and shoot it just a little bit. The thing take I like the most about Holston is that he is a true team player. From what I have seen, and from what I can hear him saying on the floor, I would guess that he is a great teammate. He is encouraging to his teammates and is a very vocal leader. He’s got really solid playmaking ability and good floor vision. I would imagine that his intangibles are up there as some of the best in the state. Holston is just such a powerful and fluid player who just kind of catches you off guard when he plays. He’s got a great motor as well and he’s a guy who’s recruiting will see an uptick this summer playing on the PrepHoops Circuit.
Max Murrell is Getting Ready to Take Off
I don’t generally like to write about guys a couple days in a row because I try to spread my coverage out in these notebooks. But for Murrell, I have to make an exception. He was great once again today and in the 17U semifinals he propelled his team to the win. Murrell is such an athletic guy for being 6’9. He has the ability to put the ball on the floor and blow by guys but also know down the 3-pointer. He had a stretch tonight where he just looked dominant, not to mention getting the game winning block as time expired to send Team Factory Gold to the championship game. Murrell has an offer from UMKC but I won’t be surprised to hear that he gets quite a few more in the live period. In fact, I would be extremely surprised if he didn’t. You’ll want to watch this Team Factory Gold team because they are a very talented bunch led by Murrell.
Beau Frericks, Top Shooter in the Event?
Frericks put on a show in the 17U semifinal against Murrell and Team Factory Elite. I remember watching him earlier in the day and he made a couple threes but was someone I definitely wanted to watch when he was on. In the final game of the night Frericks was definitely feeling it as he dropped 20 points and hit six 3-pointers. He’s a pure shooter who might just be the best shooter in the state of Illinois. Love his aggression and he doesn’t meet a shot that he doesn’t like. If you leave Frericks open, he’s going to knock down some daggers. Look for his recruiting to pick up soon playing on the Prep Hoops Circuit as there are a ton of teams that could use his services.