Hoopfest Takeaways Part Two
Time for Part Two of our takeaways about some of the North Idaho players participating in Hoopfest 2019. If you missed Part One, check it out here. Cross Pilgrim- Class of 2019, NICS Through seventeen hours of watching basketball…
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Continue ReadingTime for Part Two of our takeaways about some of the North Idaho players participating in Hoopfest 2019. If you missed Part One, check it out here.
Cross Pilgrim- Class of 2019, NICS
- Through seventeen hours of watching basketball at Hoopfest, Cross Pilgrim was the quickest player that I saw. He has game-breaking speed. Playing on asphalt, most players struggle to exploit their quick first step. Cross certainly did not have that problem. His speed in both half-court offense and defense tantalizes the brain at the thought of what he could do during a full-court game. While projecting at the next level as an undersized point guard, he scored most of his points off-ball using his speed to get easy back cuts. When he was the primary ball handler in pick-and-roll action, he was able to facilitate nicely for his teammates. During his senior season, Cross was an All-League player in the Mountain Christian League for the four time consecutive champion NICS. If there is an NAIA/DIII/JUCO program that wants a proven winner, who could fit in a Princeton style offense, or be a key defensive cog in an aggressive full-court press, Cross Pilgrim is your guy.
Jacob James- Class of 2020, Timberlake
- Currently, Jacob James is the 40th rated player on Prep Hoops Idaho 2020 Rankings. Jacob is a perimeter player with a long wingspan and decent size. Using that length, he was able to eliminate defensive pressure on his shot, compete on the defensive glass, and disrupt passing lanes. His best attribute is his shooting ability from behind the line. During warm-ups, he was taking and making impressively deep 3s. When it was game-time, whenever there was a defensive lapse, Jacob would make the opposition pay by knocking down shot after shot and making it look easy. Jacob’s team went on to win their 16 team bracket at Hoopfest. During his 2019 season, Jacob was a 3A All-League player in the Intermountain League. Additionally, he is a multi-sport star athlete for Timberlake High School.
Benny Kitchel- Class of 2020, Moscow
- Benny Kitchel is a pure wing scorer. With decent height on the perimeter at 6’4”, he was able to bulldoze shorter defenders on the way to the rim. Once he got to the hoop, he could finish at the rim through contact. When the defense was trying to guard the drive, Benny proved that he could knock down open jump shots as well. Kitchel used his length and athleticism to block shots, compete on the defensive glass, and did not back down from the physicality of the game. Benny plays for the three time consecutive 4A Inland Empire champion Bears of Moscow High School.
Seth Neely- Class of 2020, Genesis Prep
- A big game tested player from 1A powerhouse Genesis Prep, Neely’s game translated well to a setting like Hoopfest. He shoots the ball with a high release point that can remind you of the shooting form of Adam Morrison. With that high release point, he was able to shoot over the top of players in post-up situations. He is a bullseye shooter from the corners. During the tournament, he did not shy away from contact, but he showed an understanding of how to finish through that contact with his near unblockable release. Going into his senior year, Neely will be able to prove himself as a solid scoring option for the Jaguars in the upcoming season.
Josh Neilson- Class of 2020, Lakeland
- Josh Neilson has scoring chops. Undersized for a wing player, he uses his above average athleticism to get to the hoop and finish against size. He has a great wing-span that, coupled with his athleticism, helps him finish tough shots at the rim. If you leave Josh open, he is going to knock-down shot after shot. He was relentless in attacking the hoop and played with passion for the game. Going into his senior year, Josh should have the opportunity to prove that he could be a consistent scorer for a college program.