2021 Standouts from Underground Invitational IX
After a week off, I got back in the gym to check out some of the top players in the state go after it in a concentrated private run. There were some of the usuals, some new faces, and plenty…
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Continue ReadingAfter a week off, I got back in the gym to check out some of the top players in the state go after it in a concentrated private run. There were some of the usuals, some new faces, and plenty of baskets to go around. Here are the 2021 standouts on the day.
Boston Stanton Boston Stanton 6'4" | SG Denver East | 2021 State CO — Knights Elite
I understand that Stanton is coming off of an injury that took him out for the end of summer ball and is still getting his legs back under him, but I think this was the best that I have seen Stanton play. It was fun to see him in a heated battle against another top-3 player in the state, and they went at it. It was like a heavyweight battle of them going right back at each other. Stanton was hitting the 3-ball consistently the entire day, finished well at the rim and through contact, and he was taking matchups personal. Stanton did not just take every shot on the day; he made plays for teammates and what seemed to really stand out for me was his ball handling. Stanton had the ball on a string and crossed defenders over, took care of the ball, and freed himself for open shots with a wicked handle. Seeing Stanton around some of the best, going at some of the best, and being one of the best was my highlight of the day.
Jameel Wright Jameel Wright 5'10" | PG Overland | 2021 State CO — Overland
Wright is one of the most skilled guards in the entire state, and he has so many things going for him that it is difficult to focus on just one. Lately, he has gotten away from the passing; hopefully, that comes back as it differentiates him from any other guard in the state, but his ability to generate baskets in such a creative way is fun to watch. He is shooting floaters, left-hand pull-ups, reverses, and everything else, and what defenders have not wanted to see has been happening. Wright is consistently hitting the 3-ball. Wright gets defenders on their heels as he goes right at guys, and he then either dumps it off of finishes at the basket. He has good size for a guard, the ability to finish with either hand, and he went on multiple runs by himself as his team was picking up wins. Wright is an elite finisher that locks in defensively. I am excited to see what the finished product is for him because when his full game aligns, and he puts it all together – watch out.
Ben Hageman Ben Hageman 6'3" | PF Windsor | 2021 State CO — Windsor
This was Hageman’s best day. He has a maturity to his game way above his age, and the game comes easy to him. The game slows down for him as he is strong and cannot be denied at the rim. Hageman is shifty and comfortable with the ball in his hands and looks like a man out there. He has been able to hit the 3-ball, and his confidence is high as it is turning into step-backs, blow bys, and mini-runs by himself. What I like is nothing is forced with him. He moves without the ball, it does not get stuck when he gets it as he quickly rotates and he crashes the boards to get easy baskets there. Hageman continues to progress for me.
Jordan Whitaker Jordan Whitaker 6'2" | SF Smoky Hill | 2021 State CO – Smoky Hill
Whitaker was a marksman from deep this week, and that has been an area that he has clearly worked on since last season. It felt as if every 3 pointer that he took fell, and he was able to get them off quickly. When his team went down, he would hit a timely 3-ball to get them back in the game. He also did not just settle. He had one of the highlight plays on the day as he broke a defender down on an iso basket, which was one of the game-winning points and scored. He is comfortable as a playmaker, and that is good to see as he will be in a situation that he will have it a ton this season. If he can continue to shoot the ball how he has in the underground runs, then it will give Smoky some life.
Adrian Price Adrian Price 6'5" | C Eaglecrest | 2021 State CO — Eaglecrest
Price has been showcasing some big man moves. Often times he is the biggest on the floor, and I think he enjoys it. He is improving as a finisher, and that allows his team to use him in different ways. He is not just sitting on the block and demanding the ball but setting hard screens, stepping out, and at least shooting the ball, although he has to work on it and has great position on the floor. Price grabs every rebound that comes his way with his long wingspan, and his motor is also improving, which allows him to take over for longer. For him to be such a big kid, he moves extremely well and is very athletic. He had one of the better dunks on the day as he flushed with both hands, and Price on a team is a good add in these settings because he stays within himself and adds size.