Summer Madness: Day 2 Standouts
It was Championship Sunday today at the Summer Madness event in Las Vegas. While maybe not the most organized event I have watched, there was an extraordinary amount of talent. Here is a look at the players that stole the…
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Continue ReadingIt was Championship Sunday today at the Summer Madness event in Las Vegas. While maybe not the most organized event I have watched, there was an extraordinary amount of talent. Here is a look at the players that stole the show on Championship Sunday.
Taj Degourville Chosen Few 2024 – I don’t spend much time covering 8th graders, but when you watch one dissect players 3 to 4 years his elder in leading his team to a championship it’s difficult to ignore. The 6’2 Degourville showed a knack for taking and making timely shots. He’s a pure scorer with catch and shoot ability. The combo guard can shoot it off the dribble and is effective attacking the rim. Degourville looked very comfortable playing either backcourt position. For a player his size at his age he has a tight handle and several quick change of direction moves. He is clearly a player to watch going forward and is on track to be a high major prospect.
John Walker G-Elite 2021 – The 5’8 Walker reminds me of a poor man’s version of former McDonald’s AA Andrew Lavender. Walker is an unselfish win first point that orchestrates the game, like a Carnegie Hall music conductor. He showed range out to about 30 feet, and was unable to be pressed all weekend. The Dallas native does an excellent job of changing speeds to keep his defender off balance. Once he gets in the lane, he has no problem finishing or drawing 2 and dishing. While perhaps undersized, he is not afraid to come down and help rebound in traffic. He certainly has the skill to be a scholarship basketball player.
Kaden Koch Desert Valley Prep 2020 – Koch is the most intriguing prospect in the State of Nevada. He is a massive human being, blessed with ballerina feet. At over 280 pounds he is a legit point forward, who can create a play for himself or his teammates. He is a special passer, who sees the floor better than most point guards. His basketball IQ is off the charts and at times it looked like he was playing Chess against Checker players. If the 6’5 Koch was 6’8 or taller, he would easily be one of the best power forwards in the country. As it is, there is a small school that is going to get a fantastic basketball player. He will be attending Desert Valley Prep next year.
Kylen Miller Levi LV Thunder 2019 – Miller is playing this season as an unsigned senior, even though he has fielded several offers for football and track. Quite frankly he is a world class athlete and it was impossible not to mention him after watching some of the things I witnessed him do this week. Including a silly 360 statue of liberty dunk that nearly emptied the gym.
Jason Murray G-Elite 2021 – The 6’6 Murray is a long rim protector with a developing offensive game. At this stage in his career he is more of a defensive first player. He has a quick first jump and swatted several shots. Offensively he gets his buckets around the rim off put backs and catch and finishes. He will be attending Dallas Carter this fall.
Jake Bevacqua Chosen Few 2023 – Bevacqua is the most intimidating 5’9 140 pound basketball player I’ve seen in a while. He’s a big time competitor who plays the game with a controlled passion. He has a quick trigger, and first step. The incoming Freshmen is super skilled at using hesitations and angles to get his shot off in the lane. His size may be a liability however he has no problem sticking his nose in on the defensive end. The entire state of Nevada better pray that he doesn’t grow to be 6’0 tall because he is going to be a problem for the next 4 years.