Best Athletes in the DFW Area (Part 2)
Skill and IQ are obviously important aspects of a player’s game. However, there is no substitute for pure athletic ability on the court. Things like speed, quickness, bounce, and power can truly differentiate a good prospect from a special one.…
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Continue ReadingSkill and IQ are obviously important aspects of a player’s game. However, there is no substitute for pure athletic ability on the court. Things like speed, quickness, bounce, and power can truly differentiate a good prospect from a special one.
With that in mind, I wanted to take a look at five more of the most athletic individuals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
You can check out part 1 here.
Jaylon Tyson Jaylon Tyson 6'6" | SF John Paul II | 2021 State #66 Nation TX – 2021 6’5 Small Forward (Method Academy) John Paul II HS – Tyson’s energy on the court pairs extremely well with his natural athleticism. He finishes above the rim on the break which often leads to a huge momentum boost for him and his team. He is a good shooter but is wise enough to utilize his size and speed to get downhill and make things happen in the paint. JPII will be losing some key contributors to graduation. I’m fascinated to see how handles an even larger role next season.
Duncan Powell Duncan Powell 6'7" | PF DeSoto | 2021 State #128 Nation TX – 2021 6’7 Forward DeSoto HS – Powell already has a college-ready body. He moves incredibly fluidly for a player of his size. He is quick enough to defend perimeter players as well as big and strong enough to defend taller post players down low. The No. 8 ranked player in our 2021 rankings is also an impressive leaper. He can rise up for emphatic blocks and rebounds. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism is truly unique.
C.J. Noland C.J. Noland 6'4" | SG Waxahachie | 2021 State #129 Nation TX – 2021 6’3 Shooting Guard/Small Forward Waxahachie HS – There are several things that factor into a players athletic ability. For Noland, his pure strength is what jumps out. He can bang around with larger bigs in the low post and punishes guards who are similar to him in height when they attempt to stop him from backing them down. His speed with the ball is pretty good too. He is like a freight train when he puts his head down and goes to the basket.
Imo Essien Imo Essien 6'0" | PG Bishop Lynch | 2021 State TX – 2021 6’0 Point Guard Bishop Lynch HS – Essien is a brilliant ball handler with great change of direction skills. He can start and stop with the best of them. The 2021 point guard isn’t overwhelmingly tall, but he floats when he leaves his feet and possesses tremendous body control on the drive. He keeps defenders on their heels with his quick first step and burst on offense. If he doesn’t come away with a layup, he usually earns a trip to the free throw line.
Jordan Walsh Jordan Walsh 6'7" | SF Link Academy | 2022 #31 Nation MO – 2022 6’7 Small Forward (Nike Drive Nation E15) Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy – Walsh is a special prospect. He runs like a deer in the open court and flies when he gets off the ground. The soon-to-be junior is a long, wiry, and explosive playmaker. There are very few prospects that can rival his overall athleticism. My favorite part about Walsh’s game is that he doesn’t just use his gifts to score. He is also a talented passer and versatile defender. His potential is limitless.