270 Hoops Proving Grounds Week 2 Best Shooters
It wasn’t nothing but a sophomore party (read it in Tupac’s voice, you’ll get it) on Sunday when 270 Hoops presented the second week of its Proving Ground where more than 25 young ballers are split into four teams to…
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Continue ReadingIt wasn’t nothing but a sophomore party (read it in Tupac’s voice, you’ll get it) on Sunday when 270 Hoops presented the second week of its Proving Ground where more than 25 young ballers are split into four teams to see who can be the first to seven victories on the day. The class of 2023 proved on that ground that this state has some amazing shooters on the rise. Many of these young men shot the ball well and they shot it from deep and they shot it with the confidence of players at a higher level than them. The best shooters from Sunday did it from all over the floor and when they were at the free throw line to end it, they did.
Caleb Miller-Thomas Worthington: Smooth shot, quick release and an ability to get his shot off when he wants makes Miller really good at shooting the ball. He was money all day long, from wherever he took shots from, and he took them from everywhere. He hit a step back jumper that made the other players in the gym get into a frenzy, that is the ultimate respect for a player. Miller was certified at the free throw line, nailing the game-sealing free throws when he had his chance. Miller was the best shooter in the gym and it was not really close, he drained buckets from all over the court with multiple heat checks during the day. If Miller continues this type of shooting, people all over the state will begin to know his name.
Luke Kuhlman- Dublin Jerome: The super relaxed guard was putting up and hitting shots at a pace early where he looked like he could be in contention for MVP of the day. He has a very good looking shot and a nice release that seems like it will not get blocked too much. Even after taking a few games off, Kuhlman continued to shoot the lights out, coming back in and keeping his team in the game with his deep shot making. Decent at creating his own shot with an excellent pump fake, which is an underrated skill to have in a player’s arsenal. Dublin Jerome has a player that can be used as a spot up, knock down shooter or he can be used to make plays for himself when the time is called upon.
AJ Taylor- Wellington: The 6-foot-6 wing clearly went into the day wanting to show schools, scouts and coaches alike that he could stretch the floor and be that three-and-D type of player. Setting the screen then popping out for jump shots was his game all Sunday, consistently pulling out big men from other teams to the perimeter and shooting over them. People say he has improved that shot over the summer and hopefully it will continue to improve as he progresses in high school. He got his shot off pretty well, with a better than average release because he does not need a quick one due to his height. As he gets more confident, his game will increase and expand, giving Wellington one of the better shooters in the area.
Bede Lori Bede Lori 6'2" | SG Caldwell | 2023 State OH – Caldwell: He did not get many chances, but he made the chances count, nailing jumpers in many ways. His mid range shot started him off early in the day and he continued to increase the range as the event went on. Lori came off screens with the ball in his hands and made shots, coming off the screen sharp and showing no hesitation putting it up. This young man was really good at filling lanes in transition and moving his body into the sight line of passers to get open for jumpers. He had to change his game slightly because of the elevated competition and athleticism around him, but he will be better for it as the upcoming season approaches. A tough player and excellent shooter, his season looks to be better than last with the improvements he made.
Gavin Heading- Pickerington Central: The lefty was very efficient with his shooting, with very little in the way of breaking people down with his handle, he killed teams with a couple dribbles and a mean pull up jumper. He took a game over by nailing consecutive difficult shots with a hand in his face but he treated those hands as if they were invisible. He also took and made mid range baskets with regularity, facing up defenders down low and using his craftiness to hit shots in that area. This young man hit a couple nice looking game winning buckets Sunday afternoon as well, also sinking what is the most important shot in this event, the game-sealing free throw. Pickerington Central has a special shooter on their hands and if he is used properly then they can go far.