NW Summer Invitational: Backcourt Standouts
June high school ball has started and this past Saturday, we got a chance to drop by the NW Summer Invitational put on by Hoopsource at Liberty High School to catch a few games. Schools from the Portland Metro area…
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Continue ReadingJune high school ball has started and this past Saturday, we got a chance to drop by the NW Summer Invitational put on by Hoopsource at Liberty High School to catch a few games. Schools from the Portland Metro area – including SW Washington – were in the house and here are some of the top backcourt performers we witnessed during our time in the gym.
George Sadi (2020 De La Salle North) – When it comes to explosive offensive players in the Class of 2020 in Oregon, there’s no question Sadi ranks up there. At the tournament, the 5-foot-9 guard did it all whether it was drain threes or take it strong to the hoop. What was nice to see was that Sadi didn’t just look for his own offense but also looked to pass it some as well. He missed the latter half of the spring AAU season due to track, but noted that he will be playing with Maeko again this summer.
Lamar Washington (2022 Jefferson) – We only caught one half of Jefferson’s first game on Saturday but Washington was definitely effective in what we saw. The 6-foot-3 wing didn’t make – or actually take – any threes but was really good going to the basket, especially leaking out for some easy transition baskets. While Washington is unquestionably an offensive-minded player, it’s not all about his own points – he’s a good and willing passer to can rack up assists as well.
Micah Garrett (2020 Jefferson) – Saturday was the first time we have seen Garrett in action with the Demos since joining the team from West Linn and there’s no question his addition will make an impact further than just on paper. The 6-foot-3 guard did his best to fit in and he largely played off of the ball, nailing a couple of catch-and-shoot jumpers while also converting a couple of drives to the basket.
Tai Warner (2020 Grant) – Warner just recently enrolled at Grant to ensure his eligibility for the fall. There’s no question the 6-foot guard can shoot and score – he nailed some long-range threes and used his body to create off the dribble. What will need to be developed is his ability to get his teammates more involved as there were times when he solely looked for his own shot, but there’s no doubt that Grant head coach Robert Key will be working with him on that.
Emanuel Steward (2020 Grant) – Steward’s reputation is as an outside shooter but over the course of this spring going into this summer we have started to see more from the 6-foot-2 rising senior than just launching threes. Steward is taking the ball to the basket and converting layups and pull-ups, and he’s also shown himself to be a willing passer. Another aspect of his game that has been evident is his willingness to hit the defensive glass and grab rebounds.