Unranked Seniors Making an Impact: Part One
Easton Bruce – G Kearney Despite his high-volume three-point shooting (6.5 attempts/game), he has plenty of game inside the arc. He varies pace to create space as well as any guard I’ve watched. One particular play sticks out in my…
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Continue ReadingEaston Bruce – G Kearney
Despite his high-volume three-point shooting (6.5 attempts/game), he has plenty of game inside the arc. He varies pace to create space as well as any guard I’ve watched. One particular play sticks out in my mind where he brought the ball up in semi-transition, and created a drag screen near midcourt out of thin air when he noticed his defender was unaware of his surroundings. A small hesitation set the whole thing up, and then he attacked the basket. Instead of settling for the easy layup, he tapped the brakes at the end to invite the contact from the trailing defender, and the result was an old-fashioned three point play created entirely by Bruce.
Jayden Curtis-Sayers – G Omaha Northwest
Jayden Curtis-Sayers leads the Huskies in both points and rebounds through the first half of this season. Most of the plays he creates on offense are a direct result of his quickness, which he uses to blow past his defender and force early help. The next evolution for him is to anticipate that help that inevitably comes and beat it as it arrives. He can pass a split second too late sometimes, which is enough time for an open look to turn into a contested look, or a contested look into no shot. If his initial drive doesn’t beat the defense, he doesn’t relax once he gives the ball up. He moves well without the ball, which keeps attention on him despite the play happening elsewhere.
Darryl Bennett – SG Omaha North
The defensive instincts of Darryl Bennett are apparent in every Viking game I’ve watched this season. He doesn’t possess great size or strength, but he competes with bigger players by refusing to give up any breathing room. He has no problem muscling up and taking that contact. The touch he has around the rim also stands out. Even when full-speed and and slightly out of control, Bennett adjusts his body and maintains that soft touch.
Preston Pearson – SG Kearney
Preston can be inserted into any lineup and will find ways to make an impact. He averages 8 points, 2.5 assists, and 6 rebounds per game. He runs well in transition, rebounds at a high level, and stays engaged on defense for every minute he is on the court. What he lacks in offensive skill, he makes up for in quick decision-making and intelligent movement. Accurate post feeds are a staple of his game, and he makes the pass before the pass that leads to the shot. He is a connector, who links parts of this team together.