Standouts at VMBC: Part 2
I attended the Visit Mesa Basketball Challenge at Mesa Mountain View. It is a 4-day event for 16 teams. 12 from AZ and 4 from out of state. Here was some of the standouts from AZ and one from WA. …
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Continue ReadingI attended the Visit Mesa Basketball Challenge at Mesa Mountain View. It is a 4-day event for 16 teams. 12 from AZ and 4 from out of state. Here was some of the standouts from AZ and one from WA.
Tyler Linhardt Tyler Linhardt 6'7" | PF King's | 2022 State #192 Nation WA F 6’7 2022 King’s (WA)
-A thick shooting forward with a clean stroke. He reminds me somewhat of Corey Kispert. He can drive by his man with an impressive spin move to the cup and get there with his long strides in only two steps. He is very crafty inside and patient. He plays smartly to score the ball and has that pure stroke from deep. He can step back off the dribble and shoot the deep 3. He is very comfortable with his left hand as well.
Sidney Wooten Sidney Wooten 5'10" | PG Phh Prep | 2022 State AZ PG 5’11 2022 Sunnyslope
-Good feel for the game and can really shoot it. What impressed me is how he keeps improving as a facilitator and being a real PG, which will be his college position. He made some next level passes in the tourney and has good open court speed.
Xzavier Lino Xzavier Lino 6'5" | SF Sunnyslope | 2020 State AZ SF 6’5 2020 Sunnyslope
-Big time shooter off the catch. A good rebounder in his area and plays a smart floor game. He is very active in the passing lanes and had a week high 4 steals vs King’s (WA). He handles it seldom and he is normally off the catch shooting it or 1-dribble pull-up. He does make good passes into the post.
Grady Lewis Grady Lewis 6'7" | PF Sunnyslope | 2021 State AZ PF 6’7 2021 Sunnyslope
-True power forward who does most of his work deep in the paint. He tries gaining position before they get down the court and once he is deep enough, he will score it. He has a polished hook shot and uses his strength and girth to go to work. He rebounds at a good rate with strong hands and has started blocking shots better than before. He is timing the ball well and runs the court. He is slowly facing up from elbow and in.
Elijah Saunders Elijah Saunders 6'8" | PF Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ PF 6’7 2022 Sunnyslope
-Face up forward with great strength. He can step out to the 3pt line and hit from mid-range as well. He is very strong to rebound and uses his athleticism along with his build/frame to rebound the ball. He is mostly a face-up player that can also score it inside the post.
Duke Brennan Duke Brennan 6'10" | C Hillcrest Prep | 2022 State #219 Nation AZ C 6’9 2021 Perry
-Strong post player keeps impressing. Grabs rebounds in his area and will bang with anyone in state for position and sets the tone for the Pumas physicality. Soft hands and a nice touch inside makes him a tough cover.
Cody Williams Cody Williams 6'8" | SF Perry | 2023 State #25 Nation AZ PG 6’2 2023 Perry
-He had somewhat of a breakout game for himself. Coach Duane seems to be having more confidence to give him the ball and make plays. He still will make shots from the perimeter and drive the lane plus plays with such confidence and poise for his age. He never seems to get rattled or sped up.
Jordan Gainey Jordan Gainey 6'3" | SG Salpointe Catholic | 2020 State AZ SG 6’2 2020 Salpointe Catholic
-A good shooter who is very good defensively. He is best off the catch and can pull-up off the dribble. He is a quick jumper and is sneaky athletic to throw it down. He uses his athleticism to defend on the perimeter and had a few blocks impressively timing his opponents to blocking their jumpers.
Grant Weitman Grant Weitman 6'3" | SG Salpointe Catholic | 2020 State AZ SG 6’3 2020 Salpointe Catholic
-A strong guard who can make plays for others. His jumper has improved over the last year or so. He can pull-up off the dribble plus hit the 3pt shot. He likes taking the ball to the basket best using his upper body strength and tight handle. A good passer that makes many winning plays.