Just Play August 16U Standouts
The Courts continued their run of putting together quality tournaments with solid play from top to bottom and plenty of competition. There was only a high school varsity division, and the 16U teams were mixed with 17’s, but that did…
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Continue ReadingThe Courts continued their run of putting together quality tournaments with solid play from top to bottom and plenty of competition. There was only a high school varsity division, and the 16U teams were mixed with 17’s, but that did not stop there from being some standouts on the day. Here are some standouts on the day.
Anthony Harris Jr. Anthony Harris Jr. 6'5" | PF Smoky Hill | 2022 State CO . – Knights Elite
Harris Jr. is a wing/forward who typically affects the game with his elite athleticism. With other guards out for Knights Elite, it was a bit shocking for me to see him take on the point guard duties. Harris Jr. showed off his versatility with the ability to put the ball on the floor, and he broke down the defense to get to the rim. Harris had multiple coast to coast finishes, and having a guard with his size and leaping ability did not allow defenses to get set. He also played off of the ball on the wing and found open spots in the defense, had a couple of dunks and insane blocks to protect the paint. If Harris can continue to expand on his game while also shooting the outside jumper, he will be a very tough player to defend. I liked what I saw from him in the tournament, as it was new and refreshing.
Brayden Maldanado — Pro Skills
Maldonado is the player that everyone is slowly beginning to know and ask questions about. The true point guard is most certainly not shy about getting his shots up as he is having big scoring days. He is shooting the ball from deep; he is confident in turn arounds and floaters and also likes to go with his off-hand inside. When he is fully engaged or against a top team/player, he is at his best. As often as he shoots, he is still an unselfish player that makes the right play. He is an above-average outlet passer, skips it across the court, and also picks up full court. I am waiting for a complete game from him where he is fully locked in on both ends of the floor from start to finish, as I still feel that I have not seen his best game.
KK Stroter KK Stroter 6'4" | PF Rangeview | 2022 State CO —Colorado Miners
Stroter continues to shine. Stroter is a player that is so active on the court that even when he does make a mistake, it is with so much effort that it becomes a positive. Stroter can play as well as defend multiple positions, and his energy is contagious. He is always moving, plays on and off of the ball, and is lethal in open court situations. In the game that I saw, Stroter was getting to the rim and finishing as a glass cleaner and also taking outlet passes for transition dunks. He also hit a mid-range jumper to loosen up the defense. He does so many small things well that ultimately make the team better. He does not have to score a ton of points to make him impact felt.
Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO — Pro Skills
Bilello is a player that has worked immensely on consistency this summer, and it is starting to come together. Bilello is a unique player in the class as he is a great outside shooter with range but also at 6’7, has the ability to get inside and finish as well. Bilello has excellent footwork, shoots well around the rim, and also hurts the opposing team with mid-range pullups. He gets out on the break and fills lanes correctly and also is an unselfish all-around player. On defense, Bilello protects the rim, keeps plays alive by getting great position, and is active on the boards. He was one of the better bigs on the day that also can step out on the wing as well.