#SpringKickoff2019 Day 2: Talented Bigs
Manual High School in Denver, Colorado had some solid players come compete. There were floor generals, lights-out shooters and explosive wings but here we focus on five big men who stood out. James Shiers — Colorado Rough Riders When you…
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Continue ReadingManual High School in Denver, Colorado had some solid players come compete. There were floor generals, lights-out shooters and explosive wings but here we focus on five big men who stood out.
James Shiers — Colorado Rough Riders
When you take a look at this Rough Riders squad one of the main things that standout is size. Yes, they have one of the top duos you will see for 15U and one of those standouts is Shiers. Shiers is a 6’10 big man that was the tallest player in the gym and he played like it. He was able to get plenty of rebounds as he finished with a double-double of 13 points and 10 boards. He also made it difficult for the opposing team to get any good looks at the rim as he kept his hands up and he was aware of his surroundings. He got a few blocks, altered shots and finished relatively easy over smaller defenders with both hands. Shiers is a skilled big man with a ceiling that not many have that just has to keep progressing as the summer continues.
LaMarius Royston —Colorado Hawks
Out of 15U it was Royston that was able to take advantage of the mismatch often. He is an athletic big man that is far too quick for other big men but too strong for guards and that is what seperates him. He has a high motor and runs the floor. He keeps the ball alive for offensive rebounds and finishes well around the rim as well. The Hawks came out and completely dominated which made it difficult to see all of the things that make Royston special but from what was seen is he has good size, is a hard worker and is far too strong to be slowed down.
Charles Snyder – SSA Elite
Although SSA Elite lost to Buddy Buckets it was the big man that made his mark in the game for SSA Elite. Buddy Buckets is one of the teams in the country for 16U but Snyder made it interesting for them for awhile finishing with 16 points and challenging opponents at the rim. He is an excellent rebounder that moves well. He finished with 10 rebounds and was a huge part of the push that SSA made early on. Snyder is also able to put the ball on the floor and run the break which is not something you typically see from a player his size and he also was able to back down bigger guys effectively. Snyder is a skilled big man who when it all comes together will be able to change the outcome of the game. He had a solid showing on Saturday.
Sam Somerhalder – Team KC
Samerhalder put his stamp on the game in many ways. He finished with 12 points but he also recorded 11 boards and had two blocks to go along with it. He was able to get to his spots and has a never-ending motor and understanding of where the ball is going to go and times it perfectly. He is able to sense a double-team coming and get rid of it to find the open man. He was able to make a move with his back to the basket and has soft touch around the rim as well. Defensively he kept his hands up and pushed guys out of their spot. He has active hands and communicates.
Raef Osterhaus — SSA Elite
Osterhaus was one of the first big men that stood out on the day and he did it with his work on the glass. He is a tremendous rebounder that uses his size. He boxes out and is very active down low while setting very solid screens. He also patrols the paint and is able to switch and close out on shooters and get back down low on the switch. Offensively he has soft touch around the rim and is able to feel the defender then make his move. He was able to finish with contact and is a player that you do not have to run plays for to have a good game. He finished with 16 points with most generated by just outworking the other team. Liked what I seen from Osterhaus and he will only get better with time.