Prep Hoops Spring Kickoff: Friday’s Top Performers
We opened the Prep Hoops Spring Kickoff Friday night with 15U play at Manual HS and the Denver School of Science and Technology.
I took in the action at DSST, coming away impressed with several of the top 2022 prospects in Denver this weekend.
Jackson Keil (2022) | 6-2 G | Colorado Hawks / Sterling
Keil is a potent offensive weapon with his ability to create and make shots. Scored it from distance and the mid-range off the bounce — mostly using a size-up dribble before letting it fly. Keil also impressed on a double-clutch layup in traffic. Defensively, he was terrific on the ball. Strong chest that he uses to cut off drives. Made opponents uncomfortable by playing physical and tight defense.
Malachi Murrell (2022) | 6-3 F | Gamepoint Inland Empire / Shadow Hills
Murrell does most of the heavy lifting for Gamepoint in the paint. For what he lacks in height as a 6-foot-3 post, Murrell more than makes up for it with length and a strong body. He ripped rebounds out of opponents’ hands and blocked shots. Good outlet passer off the glass. Murrell is also pretty fast for a forward and was able to score it in transition. Seeks contact when he drives.
Lamarius Royston (2022) | 6-6 C | Colorado Hawks / Smoky Hill
We loved that Royston maximized his size advantage by playing to his strengths. Very powerfully-built young man who finished through contact, rebounded the heck out of the ball, and used his body to set effective screens. Royston also flashed passing ability out of the post when he hit an open cutter with an assist.
Jakob Sanchez (2022) | 5-10 W | Gamepoint Inland Empire / Temescal Canyon
Sanchez has the ability to score the ball, but he also excelled at the “little things” that make all of the difference. First of all, he plays larger than 5-foot-10 — he’s long and effective in the lane. Communicates very well. Sanchez is a capable shooter but his elusiveness as a slasher — including a signature spin move — was the most impressive piece of his offensive package. Uses his length to avoid shot-blockers at the basket.
Jackson Brennan (2022) | 6-1 G | Chauncey Billups Elite / Cherry Creek
Brennan is not only a knock-down 3-point shooter with his feet set, he’s also very strong with the basketball and has a nice mid-range game. He was pretty much automatic as a shooter throughout. Also provided defensive rebounding by crashing from the perimeter and handled the ball well under pressure. Quick shooting release, too.
Micah Leslie (2022) | 6-4 W/F | Chauncey Billups Elite / Valor Christian
Leslie closed this game out for Billups Elite by stretching the opposing forward out to the perimeter and blowing by. On one end, he was able to defend the rim and control the glass against size — a testament to both his athleticism and effort. Then, Leslie’s ability to put the ball on the floor was too much to handle. Showed great footwork on straight-line-drives and post-ups. Also very physical in the paint.
Deuce Benjamin (2022) | 5-11 PG | New Mexico D1 Ambassadors / Las Cruces
Benjamin is a blur with the ball in his hands. Playing against Chauncey Billups Elite — maybe the best team to come through DSST tonight — Benjamin was splitting double-teams and dusting defenders in transition. The high-upside point guard is uniquely built with high hips and long arms. Gets to the cup with ease and draws contact with hang-time. Very comfortable shooting the ball off the dribble from distance.
Sean Johnson (2022) | 6-4 W | New Mexico D1 Ambassadors / Sandia
Johnson is another very athletic member of this New Mexico D1 Ambassadors squad. He had the best defensive performance of the night with his impact on help-side. Came out of nowhere to block shots consistently. Very good finisher in transition, too.
Isaiah Carr (2022) | 6-8 F/C | New Mexico D1 Ambassadors / Las Cruces
Carr’s combination of height and shooting ability will grab the attention of colleges for years to come. Really caught my attention with a turn-around fading jumper from the mid-post. Natural shooting stroke. Continuing to use his height and standing reach to make a defensive impact is crucial.
Brock Wisne (2022) | 6-7 F | Colorado Roughriders / Horizon
Wisne has a strong body that he uses to score inside, block shots, and rebound. He’s also very poised when he catches in the open floor or around the arch. Made good decisions with the ball against a press. Quick enough to scoot past opposing posts. Capable outside shooter, too. Overall just really liked Wisne’s blend of skill and size.
Dujan Norton (2022) | 6-5 C | Team KC
Time and again it was Norton who was finishing defensive possessions with a strong rebound or finishing inside in the deep post. Plays with a ton of effort and there’s nothing soft about how he handles business. Norton has long arms, a strong body, and he’s very fluid. Sprints the floor. Finishes through contact.