Beltway Battle Showcase: Notable 2022 Wings/Forwards
Sunday in Wilmington, DE was the second day of action for the Beltway Battle Showcase. Teams featured from Baltimore, New England, Philadelphia and Delaware were in attendance. The slate of games for Saturday included more teams, but even on Sunday,…
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Continue ReadingSunday in Wilmington, DE was the second day of action for the Beltway Battle Showcase. Teams featured from Baltimore, New England, Philadelphia and Delaware were in attendance. The slate of games for Saturday included more teams, but even on Sunday, there was no shortage of talent in the gym.
Below are the noteworthy 2022 wings/forwards who impressed during Sunday’s contests.
Jarace Walker Jarace Walker 6'8" | CG IMG Academy | 2022 State #12 Nation FL | 6’8 | Team Thrill
Much is known about Walker already considering he’s a top 10 player in the 2022 class nationally. I’ve watched Walker over a few dozen times and what I’ve noticed over the last month or so is the improvement in his jumper. At 6-foot-8 and built like a college junior, I haven’t seen anyone able to match Walker’s strength and athleticism. He finishes well above the rim, blocks shots routinely on the defensive end and has become a much better play maker for others, but when evaluating him alongside other prospects who are destined for big things in the sport, his jumper was always the one blemish. He’s getting comfortable pulling up from three off the bounce and converting with efficiency. I’d expect Walker to keep polishing this area of his game as it’s only a matter of time before the blue blood programs start to get involved with his recruitment.
Noah Batchelor Noah Batchelor 6'6" | SF IMG Academy | 2022 State #184 Nation FL | 6’7 | Team Thrill
Batchelor put together a good weekend of work, but on Sunday he was especially efficient with his shooting approach and competitive on the defensive end, which is something I’ve been wanting to see for some time. He averaged 15 points per game on Sunday and while being known for his long-range shooting, Batchelor made defenders pay for closing out too aggressively by taking one or two dribbles into the mid-range area, getting good lift and knocking down smooth jumpshots.
Tichyque Musaka | 6’10 | NE6
It was my first time seeing Musaka in action and it didn’t take long to realize why a number of high major programs have extended offers. The 6-foot-10 Congo native can score from anywhere on the floor and plays with a tremendous motor to go with a 6-foot-10 frame. He runs the floor consistently in transition, can score in pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop scenarios and finishes through contact on his takes to the rim.
Cortez Johnson | 6’7 | Team Thrill
Johnson is an interesting prospect and a fun watch with how hard he plays. He gets off the floor quickly and can protect the rim while keeping the ball in play. He didn’t show much of a perimeter game, but did show good instincts for moving without the ball and making himself available for open looks from 10 feet and in. Johnson has athleticism to go with long limbs that make him an above the rim finisher in the open floor.
Dan Skillings | 6’5 | Philly Pride
Skillings was dominant in Philly Pride’s win over Team Choo with a game-high 27 points. Skillings is a long, lanky wing who is a scoring threat from anywhere on the floor, but is at his best in transition where he can utilize that length to finish around and over the rim. He’s a versatile defender who isn’t afraid of battling for rebounds and leading the break himself.
Mike Walz | 6’10 | Philly Pride
Walz is a big-body center who overwhelmed Team Choo with his brute size and strength in the paint. He pounded the offensive glass for easy two’s and even knocked down a triple as he totaled 11 points in the win. He’s an enforcer in the paint and was a good communicator as the anchor defensively.