Hidden Gems of Arlington, Tx (Part 2 of 4)
Here we analyze some of the best, most skilled, and most talented recruits out of Arlington, Texas that have been flying under the radar the past few years. All of these guys are unranked, but a few of them will…
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Continue ReadingHere we analyze some of the best, most skilled, and most talented recruits out of Arlington, Texas that have been flying under the radar the past few years. All of these guys are unranked, but a few of them will be on our rankings board in no time while the others will likely have a breakout season this year.
| Jalen Ware-Williams | Point Guard | Arlington Lamar | 2022 |
Jalen is a high-level score first guard with a true talent for penetrating and scoring in the lane. Williams shows great control when moving at top speed, he’s becoming an elite ball-handler with a quickness that is uncontainable. His hesitation along with his stop-and-start moves and his lethal first stop make him incredibly difficult to keep away from his spots. All of these things combined allow Jalen to be excellent, efficient, and electrifying in transition. A true one-man fastbreak player that knows how to push the ball, break through pressure defenses, go coast to coast in seconds, and finish the play. Good shiftiness with amazing blow-by speed, and very impressive footwork. Undisciplined defenders get exposed by Williams, he excels at keeping his opponent guessing, getting the defense off-balance, and getting them into foul trouble with his unpredictable nature. His ability to change directions and make precise moves off the dribble often create the bulk of his scoring and free-throw opportunities. A great finisher, a high percentage of his shots are made from 15 feet in. This point guard is more than capable of absorbing the contact and converting the play through, on, and over tough contact from any defender standing in his way. Jalen Ware-Williams is a player to keep track of, he’s coming off of a major sophomore season where he was awarded the 6A Newcomer of the Year honor. He will likely be on our Prep Hoops rankings board before the year ends, remember the name.
| Michael Strickland | Forward | Arlington High School | 2021 |
Michael Strickland is an explosive forward with eye-popping athleticism, this man can and will posterize a defender at any given moment. Strickland has shown good versatility on the offensive end with his ability to stretch the floor very well. He’s able to play outside on the wing or go down low and post up, but he’s most deadly when spotting up in the corner for a quick catch-and-shoot or an opportunity to beat his man off the baseline with his first step. An effective spot-up shooter from 3-point range equipped with a nice high release, the ball flows right off his hands. He also runs the court well, showing good in-game lateral speed in the open floor. On the defensive end, Michael gives top-notch effort, he never gives up on a play, and is willing to hustle and chase down everything. One of Strickland’s best skills is his ability to block shots, it seems like a natural ability for him, he’s such a gifted shot blocker, Michael’s reaction, and timing is fantastic, and he gets it all done without getting into foul trouble. Good size, very lengthy with terrific use of it in all facets of the game. Michael Strickland is a high motor, raw talent, highly versatile prospect that can be molded to fit any system or scheme.
| Derrick Talton | Point Guard | Arlington Martin | 2021 |
Derrick Talton is a 6A Second Team All-District point guard with a complete all-around skill set both offensively and defensively. High IQ, extremely high awareness, very alert player, Talton always finds open men and can even fit the ball through tight windows, he also does a great job of playing the passing lanes by watching the ball and his man in order to get the steal. Phenomenal ball-handler with tremendous footwork, there’s not a move on the court that he can’t make or a spot that he can’t get to. Derrick can be very elusive and shifty, he has 101 moves that he can break out every single game. He shows a good ability to score from all three levels, Talton’s pull-up game is nice and smooth, he can spot-up from deep and will knock it down especially when left open, and Derrick can also beat his man off the dribble, get to the rack, and finish amongst bigger and taller players. He has a solid knack for getting his defenders going one way while he attacks the other way. This point guard is a true dime dropper as well, consistently displaying elite court vision. The young man is like a quarterback on the floor with the way he’s able to throw guys open, make quick reads and decisions, and set guys up with easy buckets. His instincts are impeccable, he knows exactly where his teammates should be and he finds guys the moment they’re in a position to score. Derrick Talton is guaranteed to make at least one play a game that’ll blow you away. He’s a determined individual that has all the makings of a quality floor general.