Five Takeaways from Clarkston vs Carman Ainsworth
Two of the top teams in Division 1 matched up in Grand Blanc in the Gotta Get Hoops Classic. Five things became readily apparent from this big time matchup between Clarkston and Flint Carman Ainsworth. Clarkston won the game 65-56. …
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Continue ReadingTwo of the top teams in Division 1 matched up in Grand Blanc in the Gotta Get Hoops Classic. Five things became readily apparent from this big time matchup between Clarkston and Flint Carman Ainsworth. Clarkston won the game 65-56.
1. Matt Nicholson is a rare prospect: The adage holds true that you can’t teach size, and Nicholson has plenty of it. But what you can teach is verticality, footwork, and defensive discipline. Nicholson has plenty of that as well. Standing a legit 7-1 I can’t remeber a prospect who legitimately owned the area around basket so completely. Had the gym buzzing early with multiple big dunks and blocked shots. Did not cease the entire game as the Carman Ainsworth players kept having to create inventive ways and angles to go HIGH off the glass. Announced as the game MVP with the rare 20 point 20 rebound game. Clarkston coaching staff had him for 21, 27 and five blocks. Wherever the truth lies, you get the drift a utterly dominant post performance. Is there room for an old school back to basket big man in the 21st century game? We’re going to find out as his future assistant coach at Northwestern John Borovich had to be pleased with what he witnessed in person. Speaking of Northwestern I feel Nicholson is going to the perfect developmental environment. He is not a stretch five and I don’t think they are going to try and turn him into one. This state has a history of under recruiting their big men (Zach Hankins) If Matt Nicholson evolves into Jon Teske in Evanston a lot of people are going to be scratching their heads wondering how he got away. How does the name “Mount” Nicholson sound? He was a hard peak to scale all night.
2. Don’t bother comparing the Loyer brothers: Put simply they are completely different players. I’ve heard the cliches “he’s Foster with a jump shot” or “he’s Foster with height”. My take, he is a unique and very good wing prospect. Period. I would describe his game as herky jerky and unorthodox, but also highly efficient and effective. His shot doesn’t have a lot of rotation, but man does it go in. Already has good size (6-4) for the 2 position as a 2022 prospect. Long and lanky build as well. Not a pump and unlike a lot of “gunners” never felt like he was forcing it at any point. Operated mostly off the baseline. It will interesting to watch his game expand in the next two plus years. Doesn’t have the room or need to go to the basket due to the guy featured above. Finished with 29 points and felt like he could of had a lot more.
3. Keegan Wasilk is just a winner: Running the point for the Wolves, Wasilk did so many of the little things that led to the win. At 6-3 has an excellent size for the point guard position. Sticking with the theme doesn’t really have one standout skill, but does everything well. Especially when his team needs it most. Had a huge timely bucket at the buzzer at the end of the third quarter. Additionally hit the critical basket that provided a late seven point lead and a little breathing room in what had been a back and forth contest. Finished with 12 points, four assists, and three steals. Plus plenty of other intangibles that don’t show up in a box score. Don’t forget all of these winning traits are found in a 2022 prospect. Plenty of time to develop even more.
4. Pound for pound Mekhi Ellison is a impressive prospect: I complained earlier about comparing sets of brothers so I won’t go there, but Ellison has obviously been schooled well. Perhaps the smallest player on the court, he held up against the Clarkston’s huge lineup. Tenacious on D harassing ball handlers all night and forcing a five second call. Also drew a charge at a crucial juncture of the game. Had an especially creative high finish over Matt Nicholson early in the action. Like Wasilk, seemed to rise to occasion as he had a buzzer beater allowing Carman Ainsworth to take the lead into the half. Not the biggest player but makes up for it with extreme quickness. Also helps that he is left handed. A lot to like and develop in this 2022 prospect. Ellison scored eight points on the night.
5. Patrick Hollis drew the short straw and made the most of it: A unheralded 6-6 2021 post drew the Matt Nicholson assignment. While Nicholson had dominant night, Hollis competed well and opened some eyes. Skinny but held his own in the paint. In addition to his interior work stepped out and hit more than one three pointer. If he can maintain the momentum from this performance, add weight, and continue to knock down outside shots; could be an intriguing stretch four prospect. Should have plenty of exposure playing with the high profile Carman Ainsworth program. Finished with 11 points