Centennial State Grandstand—Sunday’s Bigs
The Centennial Grandstand opened up the live period portion with head-to-head games with some of the best talent in Colorado and various other states going at it in a showcase. On the final day we got the opportunity to check…
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Continue ReadingThe Centennial Grandstand opened up the live period portion with head-to-head games with some of the best talent in Colorado and various other states going at it in a showcase. On the final day we got the opportunity to check out some of the state’s top bigs as well as a few players from out of state. Here is who stood out.
Nolan Marold – Thunder Ridge
Marold is a standout big that does all of the intangibles that you want in a big man. He uses his massive size and brute force to make plays as he is a physical big man that runs the floor well, sets solid screens that are difficult to get around and rebounds well. He is a glass cleaner that does not allow many second chance opportunities. He makes the right decisions, does not force much and is a defensive shot blocker that alters plenty of shots. While his offense was not on, he did show that he is still able to impact that game on the offensive end. In a showcase setting it is difficult to see all of the things that he brings as he is great in a system with his discipline and motor.
Caden Showalter—Mancos
The eye test served me wrong in this one. While Showalter is a lot bigger than the other big men at the event and not a physically dominant player he happened to always be at the right spot at the right time and making plays. Not only did he have a solid Saturday but he carried that strong play into Sunday and was a standout for the event. He rebounded at a high level, scored at will and was a big man that seen the floor well. He brought great energy to the floor and made sure that his play was recognized. Showalter is a player that I will definitely be keeping an eye on this upcoming year as a stock booster that excites me.
Elijah Davidson—Bosque (NM)
Davidson is a double-double ready to happen as he brings plenty of positives as a big man that you can play at multiple positions. He does everything as a wing but due to strength he showcased the ability to adapt and pay well down low. He is ultra-athletic with great strength and was able to make plays for himself and others with his motor. He is moving at all times and generating opportunities due to how active he is. His play was contagious and he was able to excel in his role as he scored at will and kept loose balls alive. He rebounded in bunches and was able to start the fast break. He was also able to space the floor as a springy shooter that can also dunk through traffic. He defends well on the block and is able to switch onto the guards and hold his own as one of the best defenders at the event. Good showing from him Sunday.
Samuel LeCholat—Sheridan High School (WY)
LeCholat was one of the better playmaking bigs that I got the chance to see on Sunday. He is a passing big man with great size and court awareness. He is a high IQ player that creates points both down low and on the perimeter as he can play inside-out. He was one of the bigs setting back screens to open up the offense and was in constant motion. He also showcased a turnaround game with his large frame. What stood out was his rebounding as he had multiple put backs, created second chance opportunities for his teammates and was making great decisions with the ball.
Donta Dawson—Harrison High School
It was my first time seeing Dawson play in person and he made a few plays. He is active on the boards and is an agile big man with the ball who is aggressive offensively. He used his bigger size to put his body into the defender and strength to finish despite the contact. Dawson is good at getting the defender to bite on a shot fake and once he gets him in the air he is smart enough to force the contact for easy scoring opportunities and he did that on Sunday. He rebounded well and did not try to force too much, was a good playmaker despite being on the block and showed that he isn’t shy to try and score the basketball. Dawson is a player I will make sure to get out and see this upcoming year as I know in an offense tailored to his game he can score.