The Finale: 16U AM Head-Turners
What more is there to say? It is the final tourney on the Circuit, The Finale. Solid day of basketball. Here are some 16U players that stood out in the morning session. Esmond Griffin Esmond Griffin 5'8" | CG Horizon…
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Continue ReadingWhat more is there to say? It is the final tourney on the Circuit, The Finale. Solid day of basketball. Here are some 16U players that stood out in the morning session.
Esmond Griffin Esmond Griffin 5'8" | CG Horizon | 2022 State CO — Colorado Titans
Griffin was a player that stood out for me with the Titans because although he did have some turnovers in the game, you have to enjoy the way that he plays. He is a quick up and down guard that gets the team into their sets, is the primary ball-handler, and is not afraid to take chances. Griffin found open teammates, got to the rim with ease, and also knocked down some big shots on the perimeter. He also made up for mistakes on the defensive end as he is a pest on defense. He played the passing lanes, came up with multiple steams, and was the team’s best playmaker—solid opening game for him to secure the win over Missouri Flight.
Jamaris Lawrie – Missouri Flight 16U White
Lawrie was a big presence on the floor, and he made sure that Arkansas Athletes Outreach felt him. Lawrie was a paint beast that was physical down low, he also stepped out and hit some 3-pointers as well as mid-range jumpers. He had an inside and outside game that had the defense confused on how to defend him. He is an agile big with excellent footwork and is who Missouri Flight ran through. Good start to the day for him.
Cole Rademacher – Colorado Titans
Rademacher was a player that I saw for the first time, and it was evident that he is a game-changer for the Titans. Rademacher was a key to the Titans, not only building a lead but sustaining it as he was their best player in the second half. Rademacher made some critical defensive plays down the stretch, including a couple of steals where he went coast to coast for back-to-back and-1 finishes, which caused a spark for his team. He was tying players up for jump balls, trapping in the open court, and doing everything he could to cause chaos. He also had a floater that stopped a mini-run that Missouri Flight was on, solid performance for him, and a way to get on our radar.
All Wright – SSA Elite
Wright was most certainly the youngest player on the court but also was the best scorer. He shows promise for him to be in the 2024 class playing up a couple of years, and it is going to be exciting to follow his career. Wright has a natural feel for the game and a bunch of confidence. He is a score-first guard that got himself going off of the dribble, and that opened up his ability to score the ball. He was hitting shots, finishing on the move, and also coming off of screens. His teammates do a great job of keeping him involved, and he showed up for them for a game-high 21 points.
Tate — Arkansas Athletes Outreach
Tate was a player that stood out for Arkansas Athletes Outreach as his work on the defensive end opened up the rest of his game. Tate is a scrappy defender who provided contagious defense for his team. He also was able to play the passing lanes for steals in the open court and finished on the other end. He kept a body on his man, boxed out, and went up straight to alter shots; he also secured boards and finished—solid day for him.
Mason Black Mason Black 6'3" | CG Falcon | 2022 State CO – Pluto Prospects
In the game against Hustle Black, it was Mason that got the team on the board early, and Pluto did not look back from there. Black is the team’s best shooter, which gives him the ability to get inside and out, and he makes sure to stay shot ready. Black moved well well without the ball. He has a beautiful shooting stroke, and he also does not mind putting it on the floor to attack off of the dribble as well. Black is a creative finisher inside that finishes with either hand, and he also is an excellent perimeter defender as well that uses his body. When his shot is on, it is tough to beat that Pluto team as they are a balanced bunch.