Proving Grounds: Sunday’s “Best Of” Part 1
Let’s take a look at some of the top performers from Sunday at Proving Grounds, and we’ll break it down by “Best Of”. Best Backcourt Combos [player_tooltip player_id="1016306" first="Jonah" last="Hamilton"] and Ashton Bridges (Right) Ashton Bridges and Jonah Hamilton (Deep…
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Continue ReadingLet’s take a look at some of the top performers from Sunday at Proving Grounds, and we’ll break it down by “Best Of”.
Best Backcourt Combos
Ashton Bridges and Jonah Hamilton (Deep South Blue Devils 16U) – The two Etowah 2022’s are two more young prospects with upside for the Eagles program already boasting several risers on the scene, Sunday against a solid Reach Higher Kings (Williams) squad Bridges showed some of the fascinating skills I’d seen throughout the summer, an excellent handle which allows him to comfortably play at lead guard, but also a polished offensive approach and plenty of range and a nice stroke to allow him to slide over to the 2, he’s humble and a really solid team player on a guard-heavy roster so as he adds confidence his game could blossom, Hamilton has been nothing short of one of the summer’s top shooters at any level, he simply cannot be left alone and when he gets hot from 3-land he can singlehandedly put a game away with just a few trips down the floor, also a good ballhandler he sees the game well though and will put it on the floor to either draw defenders for a dish or find a mid-range pull.
Jalan Johnson and Stephen Farmer (SBT 15U) – You never know what you’re going to see in tournaments like these, and this SBT twosome was the epitome of how kids can break out, North Cobb’s Johnson may have been one of the smaller PG’s at the event size-wise but he showed big game with a polished game filled with really sound decision-making, some of the best and most crisp passing from the weekend, plenty of defensive moxie and more than enough offense to affect the game throughout against Filling The Lane (FL), with two years to potentially grow and strengthen his frame he is in intriguing one to watch, Farmer was a great fit alongside Johnson as he excelled at spotting up and running the floor and was often the beneficiary of Johnson’s superb vision, the River Ridge 2023 possesses a solid stroke and plenty of confidence to pull it from deep, was athletic and aggressive off the break and at a well-built 6-0 was able to finish at the cup.
Four from Mva Outlawz 17U:
Immanuel Lewis (Alpharetta) – Had his natural PG instincts running at full level, great confidence with the ball in a dominating win over a really good Auburn Raptors team, pushed the pace and played superb defense, a savvy hustler who sees the game.
Malachi Chipp (Alpharetta) – A great wing fit for the Outlawz, exceptional spot-up shooter with pure stroke, can get hot and bury defenses, good size at 6-3 means he can help on the glass.
Jamari Denson (Alpharetta) – These 3 can really make a jump for the Raiders this winter, like Chipp a dangerous 3-point shooter, tons of confidence once he gets rolling, another athletic and superb defender who at 6-2 also isn’t afraid to mix it up closer to the basket.
Jade Rose (McEachern) – If there’s a personality that can bust his way into a stacked Indians lineup it’ll be Rose, brings a ton of energy and attitude to go along with a steady handle and an ability to push pace and get to the rim, fits the Indian mold well and will surely push for playing time amongst a large group of talented guards.
Khristian Clark Khristian Clark 6'3" | SF Southeast Bulloch | 2022 State GA and Andrew Butler (Hollywood Stars 16U) – South Georgia brought some game up north with these two, there was more to Clark’s game than just his stunning, ice-water 4-point play with 12 seconds left to beat Georgia Legacy, the Southeast Bulloch product showed an advanced handle for a player with a body better suited for the forward spot at a stout 6-3, that confidence was evident in his shooting as well as he was highly proficient from range when unguarded, will be someone to watch to see where he falls on the position scale as colleges assess his positives, Butler was among the more athletic wings I saw all weekend, a real fluid mover with terrific hands from South Effingham who could score from all 3 levels, a high-flier and top-flight defender, good size at 6-3 means teams looking for an active guard who can score and defend and guard multiple spots will be wise to keep an eye on him.