Underground Invitational III 2022 Notes
Continuing on my open gym tour where I go and check out local talent. This was the third week that I came to the underground session and maybe the most competitive week. Defense was played, and players pushed each other…
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Continue ReadingContinuing on my open gym tour where I go and check out local talent. This was the third week that I came to the underground session and maybe the most competitive week. Defense was played, and players pushed each other Here are the new standouts from the 2022 class. A few newly added players.
Joey Bilello Joey Bilello 6'8" | SF Thunderridge | 2022 State CO – ThunderRidge
Bilello is a player that continues to progress in each week as he is getting more and more comfortable. Bilello, at times, fits in and just does the little things to help the team but is best suited as a hybrid big man that can step out and score. Bilello is dangerous with the ball in his hands as he can shoot the ball exceptionally well and also get inside and shoot his mid-range pull-ups and baseline shots that he is comfortable at. He is a cutter that addresses the needs of the team as he finishes at the rim, rebounds well, and is an excellent help-side defender that has the length and speed to defend both bigs and guards. Bilello scored when he was aggressive, altered shots at the rim and grabbed boards, and started the break. Just need to see more of it. The next step in his evolution is just making it a point to dominate. I have yet to see a day where he just decides that he can do what he wants on the floor despite having all of the characteristics of a big-time scorer.
Mason Black Mason Black 6'3" | CG Falcon | 2022 State CO — Falcon
Black is a player that we knew was good heading into the summer, but he has really come on and took over the summer. Black has a smooth shooting stroke and was one of the best shooters on the entire day. He tied for top shooter in a shootout, and when he was playing, it is safe to see why. Black possesses one of the best shooting strokes in the class with a perfect form. He was knocking down jumpers from beyond the arc and also has what I deem to be the best mid-range jumpers in the state. He gets his shots off against taller defenders, can put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim, and also is moving without the ball to find open holes in the defense. Black is a high IQ guard that can open up the floor with his perimeter shot and also is a capable defender.
Sam Howery Sam Howery 6'1" | PG St. Mary’s | 2022 State CO — St. Mary’s
Howery is a natural leader on the floor, and teammates gravitate towards him as he alters the game with his activity. Howery was one of the only players communicating both on offense and defense as the alpha, is an unselfish passer that makes plays for others, and he controls the game in every aspect. Howery pushes and controls the pace, had multiple no-look passes that the defense could not get to, got to the rim, and his outside shot was working, so he let it fly. Howery’s team had the most wins on the day, and it was no secret why. They had the top point guard on the day that’s passing became contagious, and he continues to shine in every situation that I have seen him in. A school will be getting a high IQ gym rat that makes others better. Buy Howery stock fast.
Zach Keller Zach Keller 6'9" | PF ThunderRidge | 2022 State #81 Nation CO — ThunderRidge
It was as if a switch flipped when Keller got called out for not going hard, and once that happened, he took it out on defenders. Keller went from fitting in to standing out, and he decided to take over. Once he is in a zone where he is attacking and deciding to dominate, he does. Not many players in the state will be able to hang with Keller when he is in a rhythm as he has the size and skill to do whatever it is he wants. He was snagging boards, finishing through contact with dunks and strong finishes, and at another level when he made up his mind. Keller has great strength and footwork and a great overall feel for the game; the motor just has to catch up. Once it does, I have Keller as a Top-5 player in the state no matter the class; with him, it is a mindset.