Holiday Youth League: Standouts
The LV Knicks have become not only one of the premier programs in Nevada but on the entire west coast. It’s a 365 labor of love with them. After recently completely their Fall League, they ramped back up with a…
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Continue ReadingThe LV Knicks have become not only one of the premier programs in Nevada but on the entire west coast. It’s a 365 labor of love with them. After recently completely their Fall League, they ramped back up with a Holiday Youth League designed to provide a platform for players to develop their skills, and compete regardless of their standings on their high school teams. I had the opportunity to pull up to one of their most recent sessions. In this article, PH takes a look at some of the standouts.
Sir Frutos 6’0 SF LV Thunder 2020 – Frutos showed a terrific ability to drive. The lefty created plays for himself and set up his teammates as well. He showed boundless energy throught the day, changing both ends fluidly.
Meshach Hawkins 6’0 D1 Nevada 2020 – Hawkins was simply too big and too strong all day. Played downhill and in transition for most of the day, displaying tremendous run and jump ability. Attempted a sick in-game windmill that he swears he has made before. If he does, make no doubt it’s shutting the gym down.
Semaj Threats (featured image) 5’9 PG D1 Nevada 2021 (#27PHN 2021) – It could be an exhausting year for Threats. In addition to leading D1 Nevada, he’s also is a key member of a good Desert Pines Squad. Threats is an explosive Point Guard. with the ability to get to the rim at will. A willing defender with exceptionally quick hands, he is an on-ball specialist with the foot speed to stay in front of points and the upper body strength to defend 2’s.
John Board 6’1 SG LV Thunder 2021 – Board is one of the toughest players in the state. In the day and age of rankings, I get the feeling they’re irrelevant to him. Hard nose competitor, he dominated the game with tips, deflections, and steals. Board plays with a high motor and competes on both ends of the floor. Offensively he has figured out ways to manufacture points with putbacks, rim runs, and transition layups.
Elijah Johnson 5’10 PG LV Knicks 2022 – Johnson played well despite his team losing. What stood out most was his ability to play hard regardless of the score. He was the best player on the floor for his Knicks team, showing the ability to defend and make plays for his teammates.
Maleek Simeous 5’8 PG Vegas Heat 2026 – The young players showed out as well. Simeous was the best overall prospect on the day. He showed a high IQ, along with an advanced skill set. He put the ball on the floor and showed the ability to get to the rim consistently. Great motor, he was extremely unselfish as well, setting up teammates for easy baskets.
Jamarion Taylor 5’9 SF CM Bulls 2026 – Taylor is a young physical specimen. His skill set is still unclear, however, he showed an ability to do a little of everything. He put the ball on the floor some, rebounded well and even knocked down a few threes.