River Cities Hoops: Impressive Opening Night 15u & 16u Prospects
The opening night of the OSA Crusaders River Cities Hoops Summer Tip Off had many great 15u and 16u prospects that caught my attention. While a couple players in each class stole the show (HERE) there were plenty others that competed at a…
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Continue ReadingThe opening night of the OSA Crusaders River Cities Hoops Summer Tip Off had many great 15u and 16u prospects that caught my attention. While a couple players in each class stole the show (HERE) there were plenty others that competed at a high level. Here are five 15u and 16u prospects that impressed on Friday night.
15u
Maal Jal Maal Jal 6'4" | SF Papio South | 2023 State NE
Jal is an athletic and versatile combo forward that can play inside and out. He has size and strength to defend on the interior, rebound, and score around the basket. He also has some guard skills, can put the ball on the floor, and create shots for himself. Jal attacked the basket and finished well through contact Friday night.
John Mitchell III John Mitchell III 5'11" | SG Creighton | 2023 State NE
Mitchell is a versatile and physical guard that was aggressive attacking the basket. He scored with both hands and hit a couple shots from the perimeter as well.
Jaxon Stueve Jaxon Stueve 6'4" | SF Bellevue West | 2023 State NE
Stueve is a long shooter with a quick trigger and release from three. He has range and can create space for himself by spotting up a foot or two behind the three point line. He moves well without the ball, especially as a baseline cutter and running corner to corner looking for space to shoot. Stueve looks like he is improving as a playmaker and ball handler.
Jakson Kessler Jakson Kessler 6'0" | PG Lincoln Pius X | 2023 State NE
Kessler is a quick point guard and aggressive defender. He is great at closing out and pressuring ball handlers. Kessler is also an unselfish passer that can run the floor and knock down shots from the perimeter.
Tate Odvody Tate Odvody 6'4" | SF Omaha Westside | 2023 State NE
Odvody is a combo forward that has great size and skill as a scorer. He can shoot it at a high percentage from three, pull up in the mid range, has touch on floaters, and can score with power at the basket. Odvody was quieter than usual in OSA’s Friday night loss, but made some shots and smooth plays offensively.
16u
PJ Davis PJ Davis 6'2" | SG Omaha Central | 2022 State NE
Davis is a strong athlete and wing defender. He made plays for others as a ball handler and scored in transition. Davis also hit some shots from the perimeter, which he seems to be doing more often lately.
Blake Miller Blake Miller 6'2" | CG Lourdes Central Catholic | 2022 State NE
Miller is an aggressive and fast twitch athlete. He has great change of speed moves and leaping ability. He explodes at the rim to finish with power and creativity. Miller has size to defend and skill to play multiple positions.
Luke Jungers Luke Jungers 6'9" | PF Omaha Creighton Prep | 2022 State NE
Junger defended well in the post, rebounded, and created shots for himself against slower posts. He has some guard skills and shoots it efficiently from three. He can get defenders off their feet with pump fakes and score with touch on the interior and mid post.
Kuon Kuon Kuon Kuon 6'8" | SF Mount Michael | 2022 State NE
Kuon is a super lanky forward that used his length to rebound on both ends of the floor. He kept possessions alive with offensive boards and was disruptive defensively. Kuon has some guard skills and touch from the outside.
Payson Gillespie Payson Gillespie 6'3" | SG Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE
Gillespie made quick release and off balance threes to keep the crusaders in their Friday night contest. His length helps defensively and as a rebounder. Gillespie can create and make tough shots for himself from everywhere on the floor.