Belmont Mega Scrimmage Top Performers
Belmont HS hosted an 8 team scrimmage on Saturday which allowed all participating teams an early chance to see where they currently sit entering the beginning of July. Below were my top performers from the event. Mario Andrews (2020) Belmont…
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Continue ReadingBelmont HS hosted an 8 team scrimmage on Saturday which allowed all participating teams an early chance to see where they currently sit entering the beginning of July. Below were my top performers from the event.
Mario Andrews (2020) Belmont
With the Bison missing their star center Shawn Phillips (2022), it was Andrews who gained my attention. Standing around 6’1, Andrews is a lefty guard that possesses great size for a backcourt player and will surely have size advantages come November. Mario did not force poor shots and looked to move the basketball instead of shooting the ball. Although not immune to taking bad shots, Andrews did take ill advised 3PT shots at times but still impressed.
D’Angelo Champion (2020) Dunbar
With the Wolverines struggling last season, it was nice to see several players impress. Champion was one of the few guys that I wrote down during their scrimmage against Belmont. An athletic guard, D’Angelo made an impact early on with his ability to read passing lanes and create several turnovers on the Bison backcourt. Able to run the floor, he had a few opportunities to score in transition. He will need to better his finishing touch as he missed 2 wide open layup opportunities in the first half against Belmont. Dunbar will need him to be a leader if they are to dig out from bottom of the City League in 2019.
Jalen Tolbert (2020) Stebbins
One of my favorite guards to watch from Stebbins, Jalen is one of the quickest guards in the Dayton area and his athleticism is tough to match. He has great court vision and a high basketball IQ and knows how to distribute the ball to teammates. If not, he can still attack with the dribble drive and is tough to guard when he wants to get to the rim.
Darryl Story (2020) Northridge
After being more of a role player for Northridge last season during their postseason run, Story played a much different role Saturday. Surely their primary scorer, he utilized the dribble drive along with his already proven jump shot to lead the Polar Bears. Now running the point, Story also makes an impact on the defensive end as the best on-ball defender. Already showing traits of being a leader, Darryl will have a chance to an all-league player come November.
Dayjuan Anderson (2023) Ponitz
The top prospect in the 2023 class on display, Anderson impressed me with his confidence on the floor. Possessing a very nice 3PT shot as well as being a very talented defender. What impressed me most was his ability to stay in position when it comes to help defense. Many young players struggle with this early on in their high school careers. Anderson will be one of the names to watch in the City League for years to come.
Malik Simmons (2020) Ponitz
Simmons has been the most improved player without a doubt. Offensively, his confidence has risen as he excelled at getting in the paint at will. Able to finish with both hands he opens up scoring opportunities for his teammates outside the perimeter. His skillset has attracted the attention of Mount St. Joseph who has expressed interest. He should continue to see his stock rise.
Doug Spear (2020) Stivers
With the Tigers’ big 3 in their backcourt missing, Spear stepped up as the go-to guy for Stivers. Doug was in the paint consistently, using his quickness and athleticism to blow by defenders with ease. Defensively, his active hands allowed him to create turnovers in the first half against Bellbrook. Although beaten off the dribble at times, Spear still was an impressive prospect on display and should continue to create a buzz as a role guy for Stivers.