The Grind Show
Yesterday was Justin Vargas and Gregg Rosenberg’s “The Grind Show”. It was awesome! The event had tons of entertainment that featured a dunk contest, a three point contest, and a 2022 all-star game. However, the main course was the incredible…
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Continue ReadingYesterday was Justin Vargas and Gregg Rosenberg’s “The Grind Show”. It was awesome! The event had tons of entertainment that featured a dunk contest, a three point contest, and a 2022 all-star game. However, the main course was the incredible match-up between AZ Compass Prep and The Show Academy All-Stars. The Show Academy was comprised of some of the best talent in Phoenix, while all of the usual suspects were present for AZ Compass Prep. Josh Primo was even in attendance, which I was very excited about because I had not seen him play in person up to that point.
The game started out hot in favor of AZ Compass Prep, taking a 10-0 lead. The Show looked a bit out of their league and a little uncomfortable with the fast play. They called a timeout and got back on track. They quickly punched back and got back into the game. From then on out, it was a slug fest! Each squad would deliver a huge punch then the other squad would come right back. Neither team really pulled ahead very much as that quick start, it was back and forth pretty much the whole time.
Ty Ty Washington eventually sealed the game with some clutch free throws.
I think the event was awesome and I saw it as a big eye opener. Due to the high talent on both squads, I felt this was a really good opportunity for some players to step up and show that they belonged in that mix of players. Some players really stepped up and showed they are without a doubt, a top talent in 2021. However, a couple players looked completely out of their league. As a scout, that is helpful to know. That makes me think you can’t handle that level of competition and that makes me re-evaluate what level I think you can go in college.
Some of the players that really impressed me were:
The Show:
DaRon Holmes 6’10 2021 F Millennium
Holmes looked great in the event. He was able to do a lot of damage with his shooting. He has really grown in that area and demonstrated that he is now a consistent deep range threat, adding even more versatility to his game.
Justus Jackson 5’10 2021 G Millennium
Jackson always steps up against big time competition. We saw him step up and challenge Devin Askew at Section 7 and now he more than held his own against Frankie Collins. Jackson can really hoop and at times flat out frustrated Collins on defense and got him off his game a little. Jackson also shot the ball extremely well and made some big time plays for his teammates.
Ty Ty Washington 6’3 2021 G Cesar Chavez
The kid was lights out. He did his usual damage with his shooting that we all have learned to expect game to game. What really impressed me was his defense. He looked like he was on a mission and took the game personally. He made it a mission to shut down Primo when he was on him and honestly, he did it. Primo had difficulty getting around Washington.
AZ Compass:
Frankie Collins 6’0 2021 G AZ Compass
Collins did his usual thing, dishing out a ton of assists and play-making. What stood out to me was how well/how aggressive he drove the ball to the paint. He was able to finish over The Show’s big time forwards: Holmes, Brennan, and Basham. Carson Basham is a big boy and Collins went up without fear, took a hit to the chest, and finished the and 1. That’s impressive, especially since Collins is a smaller guard. He showed his strength and finishing ability with that and also showed off how athletic he his as he fought those big time forwards on the glass…coming up with many boards for his team. The kid gets up!
Josh Primo 6’4 2021 G AZ Compass
Primo played well in my first glance at him. Really fluid shot, if he’s open…he’s not missing. He is also a freak athlete and finishes well around the cup. He had one of the most acrobatic finishes I’ve ever seen in transition. A ton of upside to this prospect.
Maxwell Lewis 6’8 2021 F AZ Compass
Lewis has some much potential still and he’s already playing at a high level. He looked really good tonight, especially on defense. He was able to rip the ball from bigger forwards Carson Basham and DaRon Holmes because he is just flat out faster and more athletic. This resulted in a lot of steals and turnovers that ended with a highlight dunk. Lewis shot the ball well from deep and was really able to apply a ton of pressure on the forwards.