ROCK Spring Classic: Max’s 17u Standouts
In this article:
I recap some of the top 17u performers I saw over the weekend at the ROCK Spring Classic! Jack Rose Jack Rose 6'5" | SG Westosha Central | 2022 State #213 Nation WI (6’4 2022 SG, Wisconsin PGC)- There was never…
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Continue ReadingI recap some of the top 17u performers I saw over the weekend at the ROCK Spring Classic!
Jack Rose Jack Rose 6'5" | SG Westosha Central | 2022 State #213 Nation WI (6’4 2022 SG, Wisconsin PGC)- There was never a moment of hesitation from Jack when he got the ball with an inch of space to shoot. The 2022 guard had some dominant runs of play in the two games I caught, hitting some tough shots off the catch from three. He’s so good at getting squared up and elevating to shoot over an outstretched hand, and he was hitting his shots at a high rate. After knocking down a few jumpers, he started utilizing a quick shot fake and attacking baseline to score at the rim. On the defensive end he has a high work rate, and isn’t afraid to get on the ground for loose balls. Played a key role in Playground’s win over a tough Wisconsin Crusaders squad.
Josiah Butler Josiah Butler 6'3" | CG Fox Valley Lutheran | 2022 State WI (6’3 2022 G, Wisconsin Crusaders)- Faced off against two teams loaded with scholarship talent, Josiah more than held his own. Against IL Hoopstars he started off on fire, hitting a number of tough shots off the dribble from both three and mid-range. Josiah played with great pace and feel for the game, and remained unfazed by high ball pressure defense. Defensively he sat deep in a stance, fought to get over screens, and has the size to defend either guard spot. Should be in for a huge spring/summer season.
Alijah Matthews (5’11 2022 PG, Gallo Sports Center)- A guy who didn’t see much playing time due to the loaded senior backcourt at Racine St. Catherine’s, Alijah has made some nice improvements since I had last seen him during some fall open runs. A wiry but explosive guard, Alijah could lull defenders to sleep and then explode to get into the paint. He excelled at getting and keeping his defender on his hip, and dictated the pace of the game. He plays with an edge on both ends of the floor, and isn’t afraid to pick up and defend the length of the floor. Alijah constantly caused disruptions on the defensive end, and was making plays with his facilitating and scoring ability on the offensive end.
Armani Jones Armani Jones 5'8" | PG Brown Deer | 2022 State WI (5’9 2022 PG, Wisconsin RAP-Anthony)- Armani had a slow start against Wisconsin Focus, but really took over in the second half to help his team recover from a deficit. He’s extremely difficult to defend in isolation, as his handle and shiftiness allow him to create space with ease. Armani is capable of getting a look just about whenever he wants to, and once he started knocking them down it was game over. He showed that he can score from deep or blow by you and get to the rim to finish. Undersized but has continued to put on strength over the years and has a very impressive skillset.
Caiden Lecce (5’10 2022 G, D.F. Elite)- Playing with a solid group of Kenosha talent, Caiden Lecce put in a strong performance to lead his team to a win on Saturday night. He excelled at getting to the rim in transition, able to go coast-to-coast on multiple occasions, using his body to shield off defenders and finishing in the paint in a variety of ways. He was dangerous in the pick-and-roll, able to score for himself or thread the needle to hit his rolling big. Caiden gets some nice elevation on his pull-up jumper, allowing him to hit from mid-range over a contesting hand. Finished with 18 points and 5 assists in the win.
Noah Daniels (6’5 2022 W, Wisconsin RAP-Anthony)- A long and versatile wing prospect, Noah Daniels made an instant impact against Wisconsin Focus. After a strong junior season over the winter, Noah showed off his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His length and mobility allowed him to defend just about every spot on the floor, and he came up with an impressive block. Offensively he can stretch the floor with his shooting, but has the length the put the ball on the floor and attack the basket to score.
Darrien Long Darrien Long 6'5" | PF Racine Horlick | 2022 State WI (6’4 2022 SF, Gallo Sports Center)- Most known for his high flying finishes, Darrien impressed without a dunk in Gallo Sports Center’s win against Wisconsin Crusaders on Saturday. He excelled finding space on the blocks to receive dump off passes from his driving guards, and then elevating to score through contact. Darrien has also shown an improved mid-range game, catching on the baseline and hitting a pair of shots from roughly 15 feet. On the defensive end he’s able to play even bigger than 6’4 due to his strength and explosive leaping ability, allowing him to go from blocking a shot at the rim to guarding on the perimeter. He has the potential for a big time spring and summer.