Run N’ Slam: 16U Standouts
Another memorable trip to the Run N’ Slam is in the books and these are the 16U players who separated themselves from the competition: Malaki Branham (2021) | 6-5 SF | NEO Tru Game / St. VIncent-St. Mary Branham —…
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Continue ReadingAnother memorable trip to the Run N’ Slam is in the books and these are the 16U players who separated themselves from the competition:
Malaki Branham (2021) | 6-5 SF | NEO Tru Game / St. VIncent-St. Mary
Branham — who is young for his grade level — showed some really impressive signs all weekend in Fort Wayne. He’s making a leap as a player in a major way. Elusive slasher with blow-by ability and improved handle, Branham got to any spot on the floor and finished in traffic. The jumper looks great from distance. Very quick off the ground and he rebounds extremely well for a wing, especially on the offensive end. Very long and fluid.
Jainaz Cameron (2021) | 6-6 PF | NEO Tru Game / London
Cameron is a rebounding machine. Corrals boards outside of his area, showing off his combination of power and mobility. Plays hard and physically. Cameron can also elevate, which helps him contest shots at the basket. Strong kid who flashes the ability to power through defenders when attacking out of the face-up.
Sencire Harris (2022) | 6-4 PG | NEO Tru Game / North Canton Hoover
Harris didn’t finish out the weekend, but the slight injury isn’t expected to affect him in the long-term whatsoever. When on the court, Harris’ quickness and skill was the center of attention. Even playing up a grade level in a super pool, Harris often separated himself from the other nine players on the floor. Truly elite quickness and ability to finish ambidextrously. Tremendous defensive instincts. Uses long steps around the basket. Great size.
Outside of a top five national prospect in Buchtel’s Chris Livingston, Harris is positioning himself as the clear no. 2 in Ohio’s 2022 class. Expect the Hoover prospect to draw national attention himself on the Nike E16 circuit this summer.
Isaiah Hazelwood (2021) | 6-5 PF | Nova (Budd) / Worthington Christian
Hazelwood left us intrigued after our first time watching. Projectable forward who already has size that is hard to contain once he gets down-hill on face-ups or in transition. He attacked the basket with physicality and translated that same energy to the glass. Runs the floor. Hazelwood has a motor.
Jarius Jones (2021) | 6-4 SF | Nova (Budd) / Gahanna
Jones put together one of the most impressive defensive performances we saw all weekend on Friday afternoon. Using athleticism and good positional size, Jones is able to keep guards in front of him and contest shots. Jones also rebounds very well and can block shots at the basket on help-side.
He shows signs on the offensive end and we like his long-term projection as a slasher who can make an impact on that side of the floor in a low-usage role. Although he’s not polished at this very second, Jones flashed the ability to drive-and-kick, finish, and knock-down open looks.
Idris Lawrence (2021) | 5-9 PG | Ohio Hoopsters (Tillman) / Pickerington North
Lawrence lived at the rim in their Saturday afternoon game against All Ohio Red. Wasn’t quite able to finish over the trees, but his quickness and ball-handling skill are great traits. Uses an active off-hand and changes of speed to scoot past his defender — just kind of knows how to get to the basket. Showed leadership qualities. Shooting it off the bounce is the next step for Lawrence’s offensive package.
AJ Mirgon (2021) | 6-0 G | Mid Ohio Pumas (Norris) / Bradley
One word to describe Mirgon’s defensive approach: engaged. The multi-sport athlete is remarkably locked in at all times. His attention to detail on defensive recoveries and close-outs is elite. Very good athlete who can cover ground quickly and rebounds the ball at a high level for a combo guard.
On the other end, Mirgon is a slashing player who knows how to attack close-outs. Blows by the first level of defense regularly and has a consistent mid-range scoring game. Makes impressive passes from inside-out late. Finishes in traffic.
Keaton Norris (2021) | 5-11 G | Mid Ohio Pumas (Norris) / Bradley
Norris is a much more effective ball-handler than we’d thought coming into the weekend. Has the “point guard poise” you’re looking for in pressurized situations. Unselfish player who will make you pay if you with the jumper if you respect his passing ability too much. Knows how to play.
Henry Raynor (2021) | 6-5 PF | TNBA Ohio / St. Ignatius
Raynor is a remarkably skilled 6-foot-5 forward who can handle the ball a little bit, score it out of the face-up, and hit open shots. Remains active as a screener and rebounder throughout the game. Likes to go to the spin move, a good way to utilize his size. Understands spacing and knows how to position himself.
Skyler Schmidt (2021) | 6-5 C | NEO Tru Game / Clermont Northeastern
Schmidt controlled the paint all weekend, both as a rim protector and rebounder. Quick off the ground to contest shots and snag rebounds. Fought for loose balls and showed a willingness to dive on the floor.
Maceo Williams (2021) | 6-5 C | Nova (Budd) / Gahanna
Williams’ thick body lends itself to interior scoring and rebounding. However, we came away mostly impressed with his grace in the open floor and ability to finish in transition. Runs the floor. Good hands to corral rebounds in traffic. Able to overpower his way to spots on the floor. Williams also has some ball skills.