Summer League Primer: Notes from the Mustang Challenge, Day 1
The 2nd year of the Mustang Challenge kicked off in the HoopState at Middle Creek High School on Friday. Here’s a look at some of the takeaways from Day 1. Middle Creek sounded off from behind the arc The Mustang…
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Continue ReadingThe 2nd year of the Mustang Challenge kicked off in the HoopState at Middle Creek High School on Friday. Here’s a look at some of the takeaways from Day 1.
Middle Creek sounded off from behind the arc
The Mustang Challenge got off to a fast start with a number of teams in the Triangle area getting their groove back in summer ball. Day 1 saw over 30 games played and there were a number of prospects that stood out. 2021 guard Nathan Kiger stood out with his ability to knock down the 3-ball and create off the dribble. He made a good number of 3-pointers in the host team’s opening game making things easier for the rest of his teammates.
2020 forward Sam Perez was another player that really got it going from behind the arc. He’s a player that’s hard to defend at 6-foot-8 on the perimeter and once he gets hot, he’s a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Watch out for the Millbrook Wildcats
The Millbrook Wildcats were in action, showcasing some up-and-coming talent they have in the stables. Some names to know are 2022 forward C.J. Jordan, 2022 guard Silas Demary Jr. and 2021 big men Quaveon Anderson and Diego Pounds.
Jordan is a prospect that can make plays off the dribble with his scoring and passing ability. He can get to the rim off the dribble and is a pest on the defensive end. He’s one player that’s set to do big things at Millbrook.
Demary is an emerging guard prospect that can score on all three levels with relative ease. When things were close against Wakefield, he took things into his own hands, getting to the free throw line and securing the win down the stretch for his squad. He’s got a lot of potential at Millbrook as a rising sophomore.
Anderson does a lot of the little things well. He battles inside for rebounds on both ends. He can finish strong through contact on tough lay-ins and on defense, he’s altering shots and keeping his man in check. He’s an emerging forward that has all the potential to contribute to Millbrook’s rotation in 2019-20.
Pounds has nice size at about 6-foot-6 and uses his size well to establish position on the inside. He’s one prospect that has a ton of room to grow between now and the beginning of the season.
Pine Forest made some noise
Pine Forest was another squad that turned heads with their performance. 2020 guard Marquis Eskew won the game for his squad over Athens Drive High School in sudden death with a floater in the paint in sudden death overtime. Eskew got virtually anywhere he wanted on the floor and had a number of big finishes to lead his squad to their first win of the day.
2022 guard Tristan Harkins was another prospect whose play stood out for Pine Forest. Harkins had it going from behind the arc and slashing to the basket, showing off his ability to play big in tough moments.
Wakefield and Apex Friendship can be two top teams in the state again
Wakefield and Apex Friendship High School squared in the final game of viewing of the day in a rematch of sorts from last year’s State Tournament game. 2020 forward Nick Farrar was his usual self, making plays and getting buckets. He looked good matched up against 2020 forward Vernon Fraley Jr. Fraley established himself in his own right on the boards and in the paint. As his outside shot develops, he’s the emerging X-Factor for Wakefield in 2019-20.
2020 Wakefield point guard Brenon Rogers looks like a player that’s ready to carry most of the load next season. Rogers showed off his shifty handle and shotmaking ability in the game. He’s an emerging two-way threat in the way that he can go get a steal if/when he misses shots and has all the makings of a leader. As he learns to use his weapons and run the offense, he has a chance to have a strong senior year.
2020 guards Jackson Spencer and Jayden Beloti were their usual selves for Apex Friendship. They showed off their abilities to find each other and other teammates for open 3’s. Their offense bodes well for the type of rotation they have with 2021 guard Kenny Noland and 2020 point guard Jeremiah Baker.
Both teams will face each other during the 2019-20 season.
The Mustang Challenge will be back in action for Day 2 back at Middle Creek High School starting at 9 AM.