AAU Breakdown: Manimal Elite Gold 2022
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AAU season is in full effect and I had the chance to see Manimal Elite Gold 2022 this past Friday in Atlanta. The game I saw was an absolute thrashing that provided plenty of highlights for this talented group. Here’s…
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Continue ReadingAAU season is in full effect and I had the chance to see Manimal Elite Gold 2022 this past Friday in Atlanta. The game I saw was an absolute thrashing that provided plenty of highlights for this talented group. Here’s a look at some standouts.
James Jewell James Jewell 6'6" | PF Marion County | 2022 State KY , Marion County – The first thing I noticed with James is that he has noticeably bulked up since the last time I saw him in October. James is still long and athletic and a really good rim protector. I didn’t see him put the ball on the floor a ton but he was finishing above the rim well and remains one of the best 2022 prospects in Kentucky.
Kennedy Hayden Kennedy Hayden 6'3" | CG Ballard | 2022 State KY , Ballard – I cannot say enough about how much Keno has improved in the last year. He’s grown and bulked up but, more importantly, he has started to play with a much better motor. Hayden showed some impressive skill and balance with a couple of step back jumpers and his shot was pure. Stock is trending way up on Keno.
Turner Buttry Turner Buttry 5'11" | PG Bowling Green | 2022 State KY , Bowling Green – The sharpshooter was up to his old tricks on Friday night. If he got a clean catch with his feet set, you could put the 3 points on the board and start jogging the other way. Already committed to EKU, Turner is an elite shooter but also showed his playmaking skills Friday night.
Jackson Twombly Jackson Twombly 6'7" | PF Woodford County | 2022 State KY , Frankfort – Jackson scored all over the court but impressed with a couple of dunks where he caught the ball on the wing, got a middle drive and finished with a 2 handed flush It will be interesting to see how much he will play with his back to the basket this summer but his faceup game was on point Friday night.
Christian Spalding Christian Spalding 6'4" | PG Evangel Christian | 2022 State KY , Eastern – Spalding is another player I hadn’t had eyes on in a long while but he was the same player he was last fall. Just a little taller. With the 3 guard lineup Manimal was playing, Christian was on and off the ball throughout the game and did all his scoring from behind the 3 point line as he hit 4 3s.
Cade Stinnett Cade Stinnett 6'3" | SG Greenwood | 2022 State KY , Greenwood – One of the most consistent players in the 2022 class, Cade is as reliable as they come and was selfless as ever on Friday night. Stinnett has improved his shot release to be lightning quick and he’s able to get paint touches and cause problems for opposing defenses.
Loaded with good 2022s, this Manimal squad is talented and a fun watch. Get out and check them out if you can!