Opening Week Scouting Report: Breakout Performances
The Texas high school basketball season is finally underway. Week one got off to a hot start giving us plenty of highlight plays, some upset wins, along with several high scoring and breakout performances. Here are just a few of…
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Continue ReadingThe Texas high school basketball season is finally underway. Week one got off to a hot start giving us plenty of highlight plays, some upset wins, along with several high scoring and breakout performances. Here are just a few of those breakout performers of the week.
North Crowley 71, Fort Worth Dunbar 60
| Malik Clinton | Shooting Guard | North Crowley | 2021 |
Clinton started the season off with his skills at their best, his footwork and ball-handling when getting to the rim was highly impressive, very smooth and sharp moves. Malik got to the basket at will, displaying explosive moves off the bounce, as well as great strength with the way he was able to absorb contact, keep focus, and finish the layup, even picked up the and-one foul call a few times. Good shooting touch, was automatic anywhere near the hoop and around the elbow where he could quickly align himself with the basket, rise up, and hit his shot. At times, Malik seemed like he was a step ahead of everyone else, even his own teammates, Clinton saw what should be happening before it could transpire. This senior guard puts a mean zip on his passes, passes came out of his hands a bit fast and hard for his team to catch sometimes, but it’s a skill that will translate perfectly at the next level. Malik Clinton was one of the best players of the night, very efficient shooting the ball, and displayed a pure skill set.
| Koreyan Davis | Small Forward | North Crowley | 2024 |
Koreyan Davis, a true freshman that showed no fear in his first official high school game, in fact, he put fear in the other team with his courageous nature. Davis came into the game off of the bench and immediately made an impact with his presence. This young man was willing to work for everything he got out there, not only diving all over the floor for loose balls, but being the first man down there to get the ball. Koreyan gave a tremendous amount of effort anytime he stepped onto the court. This lengthy forward had a sequence that showed just how much potential he really has, Koreyan got out in transition, found an open spot in the corner, knocked down his three-point attempt, hustled back down the court, took the charger, then went right back down on offense and went straight to the basket strong and hard. This 2024 prospect showed an abundance of promise, definitely a name to remember going forward.
DasCHE 70, Newman International Academy 65
| Jaylen Anderson | Shooting Guard | Newman International Academy | 2021 |
This 6’5 two-guard was hands down the best scorer on the floor for his team on this night. Jaylen put his slick handles and impressive footwork on full display, showing the ability to not only get his own shot but also shoot over any defender due to his length and release point. Such a crafty scorer, whether he was driving or pulling-up, Anderson made a show out of it with the moves he pulled out of his bag, as well the reverse layups and step-back jumpers he hit. A tough matchup for any defender that came his way, he was so smooth and made plays look effortless over and over again. Anderson was on fire in the first-half, scoring from all three-level, showing true potential as an all-around bonafide scorer. Very good dribble penetration game, Jaylen consistently drove the lane hard and displayed athleticism that is only going to continue to develop, he’ll eventually be rising up and dunking on defenders. He showed a sense of urgency with the way he stepped his defense up the second-half, snagging rebounds, contesting shots, and even saving his team 2 points by getting a chase-down block. Jaylen Anderson wasn’t afraid to take a big shot when his team needed it the most, he knocked down a clutch corner 3-pointer to bring the score within 2 points, 64-66, with 25 seconds remaining on the clock, unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to get the win, as NICH lost their season opener to DasCHE.
North Forney 74, Wylie East 59
Devyn Franklin Devyn Franklin 6'8" | SF Waxahachie | 2022 State TX | Forward | North Forney | 2022 |
Devyn Franklin Devyn Franklin 6'8" | SF Waxahachie | 2022 State TX came into the gym ready to ball, he looked super pumped up to play throughout warms up going into the game. On the very first play of competition, Devyn snatched down a rebound on the defensive end, pushed the ball up the floor, and drew the foul call at the rim while nearly converting the layup, he then went on to sink both free throws. Franklin’s jump shooting mechanics looked great on every shot he took, even when they didn’t fall he showed consistency with his form and his ability to get the ball out of hands with a nice fluid motion, his release is very high and practically unblockable. Devyn was in complete control of the boards from beginning to end, pulling down over 10 rebounds in the first-half. This 6’7 forward snagged rebounds right out of the sky before anyone else even had a chance. Devyn stayed active on the boards and would quickly get the ball out to his point guard where they could push the pace leading North Forney to plenty of fast break opportunities. Defensively, he did an outstanding job of causing turnovers, contesting, and effecting shots and passes in and around the paint area, causing guys to think twice before coming inside. Devyn Franklin Devyn Franklin 6'8" | SF Waxahachie | 2022 State TX looked more than ready to have a breakout junior season.