Summer League Week 1 Recap (Part 1: 6/3-4)
Summer league games kicked off last week in Georgia; there was action to catch every day and lots of good games. Pace on Monday, Kell on Tuesday, Milton on Wednesday, Holy Innocents’ on Thursday, and then Georgia State and Georgia…
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Continue ReadingSummer league games kicked off last week in Georgia; there was action to catch every day and lots of good games. Pace on Monday, Kell on Tuesday, Milton on Wednesday, Holy Innocents’ on Thursday, and then Georgia State and Georgia Tech Friday-Sunday is what made up the week for me. It was good to get a bit of a preview of what teams will look like in 2019-20. This first portion will recap Monday & Tuesday and the second will go over Wednesday & Thursday before taking a look at the Georgia State and Georgia Tech camps in Part 3.
Pace’s Shot Clock Summer League started last Monday, with 8 teams competing every Monday and Wednesday this month. To go along with Pace, Holy Innocents’, North Atlanta, Riverwood, Mt. Bethel, Marist, Mt. Vernon, and Pebblebrook are part of the league. The first night had some typical play that you would expect early in June, but also included a few pleasant surprises.
The first game between HIES and North Atlanta was a rough one offensively for both teams. It ended in a 36-30 win by HIES, led by Garrison Powell and Landon Kardian. Powell finished with 20 points, scoring some important baskets down the stretch that helped them secure the victory. Kardian, known for his football skills, will be very important for the Bears this season. He brings football physicality to the basketball court, rebounding well and finishing through contact in the paint. These two and Justin Wilson should lead the team throughout June, Chance Moore will still be out with injury.
The 2nd game of the day saw Pebblebrook take down Mt. Bethel by a score of 64-48. The Falcons have a tremendous core of 2021 prospects but a rising sophomore stole the show in the 2nd half. Nyle Hillmon finished with 21 points to lead Pebblebrook, hitting 5 3’s that included a barrage in the 2nd half that propelled them to victory. Jamall Clyce had a solid game also with 15 points, displaying his signature mid-range game. Blake Hadley and Tyler Shirley were productive as well; they scored, rebounded, and made an impact on defense. Pebblebrook was also at Kell the next day, so more will be coming on them later in the article.
Marist defeated Mount Vernon in the next matchup, breaking the game open in the 2nd half on their way to a 65-43 win. John Treanor led the War Eagles with 16 points, scoring in a variety of ways and using his size well against a smaller Mount Vernon group. Thomas Law scored 14 in the game. He shot well, hitting multiple 3’s and a few contested mid-range shots. As usual, Cody Gaynes played a well-rounded game and made winning plays throughout. He will be the straw that stirs the drink for Marist this season. They have numerous role players who come in and contribute also.
To end the night, Riverwood took home a solid come from behind victory over Pace. The Raiders never let their effort fall off even when things were not going well for them. Nate Henderson was terrific in the 61-57 victory, going for 24 points and 9 rebounds. His physicality and energy could not be matched, getting what he wanted in the paint throughout the game. Henderson bangs around down low but also showed the ability to take the ball in transition and make plays while staying under control. He finished well and energized his team during the comeback effort. Most impressively for Pace was Logan Baker. He was extremely active and had an efficient offensive performance. Baker snuck in for offensive rebounds and showed some toughness playing physical among bigger opponents. He was the lone player for Pace that was steady and productive for the entire duration of the game.
I went over to Kell on Tuesday; the Longhorns welcomed Sequoyah, Pebblebrook, Kennesaw Mountain, Pope, Walton, Sprayberry, Osborne, and Central Gwinnett for a day of games.
Sequoyah brought their fast-paced style as expected, taking on Kell first and then Osborne later on. After a slow start that they could never recover from against Kell, the Chiefs got a win over Osborne in their 2nd game. In this matchup, they were as balanced as you could ask for. They won by a score of 65-56, with 3 guys scoring 11 points and two others with 9 and 8 respectively. Sequoyah will be led by Jacksen Greco, Donovan Shipp, and Myles McGee. The seniors have different skill sets but all 3 look to impact the game in multiple areas and never lack aggression. Ayden Watson, Arthur Parker, and DJ Robinson give the team versatile wing/frontcourt players. Watson is a hard-nosed wing with athleticism; he attacks the basket hard and rebounds well. Parker has a solid build and can stretch the floor with his shot. He helps them rebound also. Robinson is a long, mobile forward. He serves as a drop-off finisher, rim protector, and impacts the game with his length. Rising sophomore Dylan Wolle seems to be ready to be a key contributor for the Chiefs. He didn’t have his best shooting day Tuesday at Kell but has a really compact shot and has done well in their other games so far.
Kell defeated Sequoyah in their first game before losing to Pebblebrook in their next matchup. 2022 PG Scoota Henderson was good like he had been throughout the entire spring with Game Elite Big 5. He can do just about everything, giving the Longhorns solid production in numerous areas in both games. I was also impressed with Isiah Dubose. He played particularly well against Sequoyah, hitting outside shots and making plays above the rim. His jumper is pretty reliable and he uses his athleticism on both ends. Dubose has good timing as a shot-blocker and can extend for rebounds and lobs quite well. I think he could be even more assertive as a rebounder. Najhae Colon did some good things Tuesday as well. He showed a lot of the same qualities that you see from him with the Hype Hawks, but also takes on more of an offensive load with Kell.
Although they were taking on Pebblebrooks’ 2nd team, Kennesaw Mountain has some solid pieces that will produce for them this winter. Perry Robinson will lead them; he’s a versatile forward with a good body. Robinson can put the ball on the floor, step out and shoot, and play through contact inside. 2021 Nick Hein gives them a scrappy shooter who will rebound and makes the right play. The development of Zyon Gaddis will be huge for the Mustangs. He has some good tools to work with; Gaddis has a huge bod, decent hands, and some touch.
Sprayberry defeated Central Gwinnett in the game I saw of them. After having tons of offensive options last year, Saigon Kitt is ready to be the main guy fir the Yellow Jackets this upcoming season. He scored 18 of their 45 points, hitting 4 3’s. Kitt is a confident lefty with a quick release from deep. He can shoot off the catch or put it on the floor to pull up, and has nice touch on floaters. Josh Odonoghue was good for Sprayberry also. He has a good body and provides the jackets with another ball-handler. Odonoghue made some nice moves off the dribble, facilitated, and was effective as a finisher.
Seeing Pebblebrook again, they won their matchup with Kell by a score of 69-52. After a sub-par game Monday, Danny Stubbs looked like himself again on this night. He was in attack mode throughout and led Pebblebrrok with 15 points. Kaleb Washington did not suit up at Pace, but had a solid 12 points in this game. He continues to show why he is one of the best long-term prospects in the entire state with his size, length, mobility, and shot-making ability. Blake Hadley was good again, being a physical force on both ends and converting at the rim. 2022 Andre Young stepped up also with a good scoring game.