Underground Invitational 2021 Notes
The summer is winding down with tournaments in and out of state and various showcases; it is excellent to have basketball back. One of the best runs for the past couple of seasons are those underground games where some of…
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Continue ReadingThe summer is winding down with tournaments in and out of state and various showcases; it is excellent to have basketball back. One of the best runs for the past couple of seasons are those underground games where some of the best players in the state get together and compete – underground games. Here are prospects that stood out last week.
Cade Palmer Cade Palmer 5'11" | CG Rangeview | 2021 State CO – Rangeview
Cole is a small lead guard who can light it up. Not going to be ultra-dynamic in how he scores the ball but does has some speed and quickness that can score when needed but also drive to kick. When you have the kind of shot that he has, it is the ultimate green light. He can hit jumpers all day long from deep and also can get his shot off quickly with defenders around him. He has no problem getting to his spots with the ball and letting it fly against length and had one of the best days shooting the ball.
Jaden Kennis Jaden Kennis 6'3" | SG Windsor | 2021 State CO – Windsor
Kennis is a player that we saw about a month back and wanted to see more of. He is a player that stands out with strength and speed, and he is also an aggressive downhill runner that is looking to score the basketball. With playing with him, I see that he has that speed, but he is very intentional about how he scores the basketball. He makes meaningful moves, does not just dribble to dribble, and is very to the point. He also is comfortable with shooting the mid-range and moves without the ball to open spots on the floor. On defense, he is feeling for a body; he is pushing up and can defend multiple positions. This was another stock boosting event for him as I expect him to make improvements.
Michael Wolf Michael Wolf 6'0" | PG Regis Jesuit | 2021 State CO – Regis
Wolf is a comfortable shooter that makes the right plays in games. As gifted as a scorer as he is, he is a willing passer, and he is more looking to find the open shot rather than jacking. Wolf is quicker than expected and uses his speed to come off of screens to the rim as well as get to his spots. Wolf shot the ball well but also showcased himself as a creative finisher. He is shooting floaters, turnarounds as well as at the rim with the off-hand. He is a scoring guard with range and handles his own on the defensive end as well.
Eddie Kurjak Eddie Kurjak 6'8" | PF Longmont | 2021 State CO – Longmont
Kurjak is a player that I knew was quite an athlete, but playing with him, his ability to find spots to be on the floor, and clean everything up while also providing an aerial attack is great. He sets hard screens and has good hand-eye coordination. He had a couple of baseline trampoline-like dunks to get himself on the board. He also has a high motor and runs the floor well, which got him more open baskets. What really stood out was his defense. Kurjak is one of the state’s best interior defenders that we do not talk about enough.
Ben Hageman Ben Hageman 6'3" | PF Windsor | 2021 State CO – Windsor
Hageman is a player that stood out as one of the top perimeter defenders on the day. He did not score the ball a ton, and he was a bit passive offensively despite making moves to score the ball. One thing that did stand out was his ability to defend multiple positions. Hageman is a strong guard with speed, and he anticipates where the ball is going. He got his hands in the passing lanes and rebounded with the trees. He steps over in help side; he switches onto bigger players and holds his own. He also was dangerous in the open court. He has a nonchalant game that allows the game to come to him, but he can control the tempo and was able to do that. A more aggressive Hageman is what I would like to see, but I could chalk it up to the first time being in a setting like that.