June Grassroots Recap: Clutch City Clash – Houston
July is here and in full swing. And although June was reserved for College Camps, let take a look at a grassroots tournament. The Clutch City Clash in Houston, was one of the most organized and well put-together tournaments of…
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Continue ReadingJuly is here and in full swing. And although June was reserved for College Camps, let take a look at a grassroots tournament. The Clutch City Clash in Houston, was one of the most organized and well put-together tournaments of the AAU season. Here’s who stood out.
James Harrison – 6’0 Guard
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Nimitz High School | Class of 2019 | AAU: Tx Takeover – Myron
James has been really tough to guard in the month of June. His shooting range opens everything up on the offensive side of the ball, not only for him, but also his teammates. James is an efficient shooter that doesn’t turn the ball over often and takes good shots which has allowed him to produce over 20 points a game this month. Overlooked is his passing ability, but that typically happens when you can shoot the way he does. However, James is confident in shooting the ball and his range begins as soon as he passes the half court line.
Lonzo Rand – 6’2 Guard
Westfield High School | Class of 2020 | AAU: Houston Flight
Lonzo is an all-around great guard that can do everything on the floor. He is a feisty on ball defender who creates turnovers for the opposing team, sparking fast breaks for his team. Offensively, he does whatever is required of him game to game. His ability to create offense for everyone, including himself, is what makes him special. He rebounds extremely well for the position, has good vision and is a quality passer who keeps everyone involved. Lonzo has looked good this month, receiving the Most Outstanding Player Award at the Clutch City Clash.
Ethan Yancy – 6’3 Guard
Fort Bend Bush High School | Class of 2020 | AAU: RL9 – Willis
Ethan is a scorer that can absolutely shoot the ball, as opposed to being simply a shooter. What has probably surprised me the most is his improvement on the defensive side of the ball. He has great footwork and lateral movement which makes him capable of defending his man 94 feet and pretty quick hands that lead to steals or deflections. All of that is fine and good, but this kid’s forte, without question, is his ability to fill it up. A sharpshooter from deep that is also crafty in getting to the cup, Ethan is poised to have a break out senior season.
Caleb Easly – 6’5 Forward
Columbia High School | Class of 2019 | AAU: Tx Jazz Elite
During the warm ups, the initial thought about Caleb is “okay, another athletic kid,” but as soon as the ball is tipped, he proves that he is much more than that. Although he is able to stretch the floor with his shooting, Caleb is not afraid of mixing it up down low. His athleticism allows him to be a great rebounder and his size allows him to finish in traffic. Caleb scored a tournament high 40 points at the Clutch City Clash so it is apparent that offensively, this kid is a talent, the fact that he is athletic is just the cherry on top.
Jordan Ivy-Curry – 6’2 PG
LaMarque High School | Class of 2020 | AAU: Houston Raptors – Benjamin
Jordan is absolutely a wizard with the ball in his hands. And what is even more impressive is that he always dribbles with a purpose. Typically when a kid can really dribble, they tend to over dribble which stops the flow of the offense. But that is not the case with Jordan. He moves the ball well and uses his dribbling ability to create favorable scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. And oh yeah, he can score the basketball as well. He is a three level score that can absorb contact down low (even with his slim build), manipulate his body and still score.
Michael Imariagbe – 6’7 Forward
Alief Elsik High School | Class of 2020 | AAU: Tx Takeover Elite – Ned
Michael has improved all Summer and at the Clutch City Clash he had all of his skills on display. There is no single way to stop Michael from being effective on the offensive end. He has the ability to shoot the long ball, great footwork in the post, has a solid close to mid range hook shot, capable of turning over both shoulders and scoring and finishes with high regularity in the paint. Defensively, he is already an excellent rebounder and weak side shot blocker but those areas will improve even more once he begins to take advantage of his athleticism more. Michael averaged a double-double at the Clutch City Clash while shooting an efficient 64% from the field.