Bruce’s Best: Breakout Performers
Every new season provides an opportunity for a player to come from obscurity. Sometimes, it’s the new freshmen, other times it may be a JV standout ready to make an impact on varsity. Whatever the circumstances, the beautiful thing about…
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Continue ReadingEvery new season provides an opportunity for a player to come from obscurity. Sometimes, it’s the new freshmen, other times it may be a JV standout ready to make an impact on varsity. Whatever the circumstances, the beautiful thing about high school basketball is that every year a new prospect will emerge. In this article, PH takes a look at some of the breakout performers in Nevada.
Jaylen Berry 6’2 PG Basic 2021 Last season: JV This season: 17ppg 5rpg 2apg
Last year at this time Berry was grinding through a JV season. This year he is the leading scorer for the Wolves. This is simply a matter of development. Berry, didn’t play AAU ball in the summertime, electing to stay home and develop his skills. Looks like it has worked out, as the junior PG has improved his handles and shooting ability.
Azavier Johnson 6’4 PG Faith Lutheran 2021 (#8PHN 2021) Last season:7ppg 3.8rpg 3.3apg This season:13.2ppg 2.5rpg 2.5apg
Johnson has elevated his play this season. He contributed last year as a sophomore, however this year he has taken over the role of unquestioned leader of the team. Faith has a balanced scoring attack, a big part of that comes from the unselfishness and playmaking ability of Johnson.
Frank Bartley 6’0 PG Spring Valley 2021 – Bartley played varsity last season, however, he wasn’t doing this. He has burst onto the scene this year. On a very talented Spring Valley team, Barley has emerged as one of the go-to guys. Quick fist step. Bartley plays with relentless energy and effort and is one of the best two-way players in the state.
Mikey Medlock 6’3 SG Arbor View 2020 (#52PHN 2020) Last season:2ppg This season:12ppg 3rpg 2apg
Medlock was one of the players that I identified early as a potential breakout candidate. (check out 2020 Sleepers) He has certainly lived up to it. Last year he was simply caught in a numbers game, but it was clear the lefty could play. This season he has but his versatile arsenal on display. He’s done a little bit of everything, including providing ballhandling, shooting, and playmaking for the Aggies.
Sebastian Mack 6’1 SG Durango 2023 (#1PHN 2023) – Last Season:8th Grade This season: Ballin
Last year he was playing against middle schoolers, this year he’s giving buckets to some of the top High School players in the state. Is it his first step, or his hair-trigger? I can’t decide which he is better at. The fact of the matter is the combination of both, make him a dangerous scorer at the prep level.
Anthony Swift 6’6 SF Desert Pines 2021 (#5PHN 2021) Last season:DNP This season:12ppg 8rpg
It’s good to have Swift back. The talented wing sat out last season due to transfer rules. This year, he has shown everyone why he is considered a top prospect. His addition to an already talented DP squad, has turned the Jags into legitimate contenders. Already known as a good finisher in transition, Swift has added a nice face-up jumper to his repertoire.
Kentrell Wallace 6’1 SG Las Vegas 2021 (#29PHN 2021) Last season:5ppg 3rpg This season 15ppg 4apg 2spg
Coach Wilson does a terrific job with his team. When I saw them this fall, he mentioned Wallace as a potential breakout player for them. The junior guard has not disappointed. Wallace has been a terrific two-way player for the Wildcats. He’s been consistent and has eliminated some of the reckless play that he was known for a year ago. A young Wildcats team is 10-7 right now and a lot of that has to do with the play of Wallace.
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