Prep Hoops Sweet-16: 2021-22 standouts
I attended Jordan Augustine’s Prep Hoops Sweet-16 Friday night at Apollo and Ironwood HS and watched 10 teams play for at least half the game to get my eyes on as many players as possible. The results I viewed were: Apollo beating SCA, Peoria beating Thunderbird…
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Continue ReadingI attended Jordan Augustine’s Prep Hoops Sweet-16 Friday night at Apollo and Ironwood HS and watched 10 teams play for at least half the game to get my eyes on as many players as possible.
The results I viewed were:
Apollo beating SCA, Peoria beating Thunderbird and Williams Field beating Camelback in the round one at Apollo.
Then I saw Chandler defeat Mesa and Ironwood defeat Planet Athlete in round two at Ironwood HS.
2021
Isaiah Broady SF 6’6 Chandler
-Long and talented scoring wing. He has games he makes it look easy from shooting it from deep and driving the lane. His athleticism seems to be getting better along the way. He rebounds well in his area and can score it near the basket with his length and size.
Bailon Black CG 6’4 1/2 Ironwood
-One of the fastest rising guards in the class was impressive Friday night. He not only scored 19 points but did it in clutch moments during the game. Like Josh Baker last year, he has one of the prettiest shooting strokes in the class. He has grown at least one inch or close to two since last year. He is a little more athletic, taller and stronger with very good passing skills. He is unique since he passes with his left hand often. He is a good defender in the passing lanes, and it wouldn’t shock me to see him get to near 6’6.
Nicholas Riley C 6’8 Chandler
-True 5-man loves the post. Gets off the floor well for his size and rebounds the ball at a high level in his area. He can flush it down through contact and has nice post footwork. He has huge hands, big feet and a tough attitude.
JJ White SG 6’3 Ironwood
-The Eagles third guard is no slouch. He has improved a lot for himself in the last year as well. He is the prototypical 3 and D type of guard. He is a physical defender and shoots the ball at a good rate. He may not get the big headlines but he is definitely the glue guy of the team and when he plays well, he takes off a lot of pressure off the other two.
Jahon Lethridge SG/CG 6’1 Thunderbird (pictured)
-Thick scoring guard guard who can score it from all 3 levels. He can euro to the basket or use the floater. He can step back on his defender from mid-range and has deep 3pt range. He makes good reads to his teammates and makes plays for them. He was a pleasant surprise on a team that was struggling. He had half their points and is a strong competitor plus comes with a college ready build.
Charles Lovett PG 5’9 Planet Athlete
-The NY PG (Mount Vernon HS) has a lot of game. He is a little small at near 5’10 but has speed, deep 3pt range and has a knack for making plays for others. He understands how to use the pick and roll and make the correct read to shoot it or make the dime. He could get a little streaky and rattle off 3’s then cool down in the same game. But a nice floor general for the prep team.
Zayn Kimbrough PG/CG 6’2 Williams Field
-Thick scoring lead guard who is a very good passer in traffic. He can pull-up off the dribble from mid-range or the 3pt line. He uses his strong frame to defend the 1 or 2 and plays hard throughout the game.
TJ Carr CG 6’0 Williams Field
-High IQ shooter who has deep shooting range and can make plays for others. First time seeing him and I liked what I saw. He has a good feel for the game and he will be a perfect bench player for a talented starting five.
2022
Ahamed Mohammed CG 5’9 Apollo
-Top-tier on ball defender and catch 3pt shooter. He is a active all game long and may be the most important player for the Hawks this year to properly space the floor so all others can get downhill. He seemed to get a little taller and stronger recently.
Garrison Sherman SG 6’3 Scottsdale Christian Academy
-Another player who grew at least one inch and he is a smart player/passer. He is a good catch perimeter shooter with range and has long arms. He can improve his foot speed moving forward but looks to be the future of the program.
Braden Wales C 6’7 Scottsdale Christian Academy
-A defensive minded center who is quick off the floor to defend. He rebounds and blocks shots well and moves decently up the court. He is ok offensively close to basket with layups, mini hooks and facing up from 7-feet and in.