A Scout’s Take: Montverde Academy vs Dematha (Francisco’s Finest/Part 2)
A Scout’s Take: Montverde Academy vs Dematha (Francisco’s Finest/Part 2) HYATTSVILLE, MD—Montverde Academy exhibited zero weaknesses in their dismantling of Dematha, but that’s not to say Dematha did not display a roster booming with college-level talent. Cade Cunningham and Scottie…
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Continue ReadingA Scout’s Take: Montverde Academy vs Dematha (Francisco’s Finest/Part 2)
HYATTSVILLE, MD—Montverde Academy exhibited zero weaknesses in their dismantling of Dematha, but that’s not to say Dematha did not display a roster booming with college-level talent. Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes were the two best players on the floor, but I liked the upside of up-and-coming 6-foot-5 Tyrell Ward (Dematha) and skill level of Hunter Dickinson (Dematha).
A Feathery Touch
Caleb Houstan (Montverde Academy)
2022, WF, 6-foot-7, 180 pounds
Houstan has an effortless stroke frame deepJoel’s Take: Houstan has a smooth stroke from deep. His release is text book and he gets it off fairly quick. He has that prototypical frame with good length and his athleticism is evolving. He fills the lane in transition and he can finish with either hand. This season, due to a loaded roster, he fills his role nicely. As he continues to fill out and add to his game, he will be one of the elite players in the country.
Polished Point Guard
Ryan Nembhard (Montverde Academy)
2021, PG, 6-foot-1, 155 pounds
Joel’s Take: Nembhard reclassified to the 2021 class and that is a good move on his part. He is a well-rounded true point guard who can score and facilitate equally well. His 3-point shot looks tight and his passing acumen is noted.
Facilitating “Big”
Hunter Dickinson (Dematha)
2020, C, 7-foot-1, 260 pounds
Joel’s Take: Dickinson didn’t get many touches in this wide-open affair, but he showed his skills. His passing his high level both as an outlet passer as well as in the half court set. His passes out of the post display feel for the game and skill. Once he seals on the post he is a mountain-of-a-man to stop with his over-the-right-shoulder finishes and he can snap passes to open shooters with aplomb.
More than a shooter
Moses Moody (Montverde Academy)
2020, SG, 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
Moody is known as a shooter, but he has developed other aspects of his game.Joel’s Take: Moody has always been known for draining 3s from distance ever since middle school. However, the evolution of his game has been a nice relevation to see during his senior campaign. Playing on a stacked team like Montverde it would be easy to fall between the cracks. However, Moody has shown not only his prolific shooting touch, but also his ability to slash his way to the rim as well as rebound and faciliate—not too mention his savvy “cutting” in the half court set.
Beast of the East
Day’Ron Sharpe (Montverde Academy)
2020, PF, 6-foot-10, 235 pounds
Joel’s Take: The blue-collar approach from Sharpe is a sight to see. The no nonsense 4-man fits that Jaren Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies) mode due to his rebounding prowess and overall offensive game. He can fill the lane in transition and finish with a power dunk or utilize the drop-step move and finish through contact. The future UNC Tar Heel doesn’t have a lot of flash to his game, but he has a lot of substance.