Week 5 Scouting Report: Standout Bigs

I had the opportunity to attend two Week 5 matchups. The Bishop Lynch Friars went on the road and defeated the Melissa Cardinals 57-49 on Tuesday, and the Prosper Eagles earned a 65-64 victory over the Arlington Bowie Volunteers on Friday thanks to some late game heroics. Here are five standout bigs from this past week’s action: Jack Slaughter | 2021 | 6'7'' Power Forward/Center | Bishop Lynch HS - Slaughter did all of the dirty work for Bishop Lynch on Tuesday. He possesses solid size and a thick build that he isn't afraid to utilize. The 2021 prospect had himself a game on defense. He was a force down low at that end. Additionally, he pulled down some impressive-looking boards. He ultimately accounted for a game-high six blocks and nine rebounds.  Jaxson Ford | 2024 | 6'7'' Power Forward | Prosper HS - Ford was responsible for the play of the week in Week 5. He converted a go-ahead basket on a putback with 15 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter vs. Bowie. Don't let that overshadow his performance as a whole on Friday, because he had a solid game overall. The freshman power forward was a glass cleaner on offense, providing his team with several second-chance opportunities. He is mobile, consistently follows his shots, and is fairly versatile for his position. He is certainly someone to keep an eye on.  Kaleb Taylor | 2022 | 6'8'' Center | Arlington Bowie HS - Taylor is a long and athletic big man. He moves well for someone his size and runs the floor in transition. The junior center is a disciplined interior defender, staying down and remaining vertical when opponents try to trick him with shot fakes in the paint. When he does leave his feet, he does a good job of timing his leaps and elevating to challenge shots. Taylor finished the game with nine points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block.  Luke Chaney | 2021 | 6'5'' Power Forward | Prosper HS - Chaney operates as a stretch four for the Eagles. He is a terrific shooter from distance, thriving in pick-and-pop scenarios. The senior forward buried three catch-and-shoot triples against Bowie on Friday. He possesses a soft touch in the paint as well, accounting for some interior buckets in addition to his threes. Chaney ended the night with 13 points and three rebounds.  Tavenor Watts | 2022 | 6'5'' Power Forward | Melissa HS - Watts is an energetic and versatile player at the four spot. He has a high motor and plays with emotion. The Melissa junior did a little bit of everything on offense vs. Bishop Lynch. He hit a corner three from the catch, looked comfortable handling the ball in transition, and displayed great strength as a rebounder. Furthermore, Watts defended multiple positions and held his own when guarding perimeter players. He had nine points, five rebounds, and one block on Tuesday.