April Recap: 2022 Stock Risers
DC, Virginia, and Maryland were well represented at various grassroots tournaments up and down the east coast throughout April. Here is a rundown of several prospects who have boosted their stock as a result of stellar play in recent weeks.…
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Continue ReadingDC, Virginia, and Maryland were well represented at various grassroots tournaments up and down the east coast throughout April. Here is a rundown of several prospects who have boosted their stock as a result of stellar play in recent weeks.
Walker Andrews Walker Andrews 6'1" | CG Virginia Episcopal | 2022 State VA | 6’2” Guard | Virginia Premier/Virginia Episcopal
To put it simply, Walker Andrews Walker Andrews 6'1" | CG Virginia Episcopal | 2022 State VA is a sniper. He hit 5 of 11 treys in his team’s opening-round win at Pitt Jam Fest on his way to a team-high 19 points. There is no doubt that Andrews should be considered one of the better shooters in Virginia.
Josiah Franklin | 6’1” Guard | SMD Heat/St. Mary’s Ryken (MD)
Josiah Franklin was easily one of the better finds this month. He is a silky-smooth ball-handler who changes speeds effectively. He plays at a good pace and doesn’t get sped up. He gets to his spots and can score at will from all three levels, but also enjoys making those around him better. With WCAC play expected to return in the winter, expect Franklin to be one of the breakout performers of the upcoming high school campaign as well.
Kyle Gaskins Kyle Gaskins 6'1" | PG Coolidge | 2022 State MD | 6’1” Guard | Global Squad/Coolidge (DC)
Kyle Gaskins Kyle Gaskins 6'1" | PG Coolidge | 2022 State MD has been a difference-maker on both ends of the court for his grassroots club. He sets the tone defensively by applying relentless pressure on the ball. Gaskins can also dribble, pass, and shoot at a high level. His decision-making with the ball has progressed and this is very encouraging.
Aidan Mess Aidan Mess 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2022 State MD | 6’7” Post | Mid-Atlantic Select/Mount Saint Joseph (MD)
Aidan Mess Aidan Mess 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2022 State MD was impressive in the scrimmage between District and MAS earlier this month. He is a brick wall inside defensively. Mess alters and blocks shots relentlessly. He is a good rebounder in traffic. He runs the floor with purpose, and he can also stretch the floor a little bit.
Ethan Millirons Ethan Millirons 6'0" | PG Auburn | 2022 State VA | 6’1” Guard | Virginia Premier/Auburn (VA)
Ethan Millirons Ethan Millirons 6'0" | PG Auburn | 2022 State VA is the type of guard who does whatever it takes to win games. If he has to go and get 10 rebounds, that’s what he’ll do. If he has to get 10 assists, that’s what he’ll do. But he can also score from all three levels and defends with tenacity. College coaches should be encouraged to go watch this young man play because he gets the job done.
Matt Nunez Matt Nunez 6'11" | C Hargrave | 2022 VA | 6’11” Post | Big Shots Elite/Hargrave Military (VA)
Matt Nunez Matt Nunez 6'11" | C Hargrave | 2022 VA is every bit of 6-foot-11, and he is an intimidating presence for opponents who dare attack the basket. He stands his ground well, stays solid at the point of attack, and knows how to stay out of foul trouble. Nunez can also serve as the hub of an offense. He runs the floor consistently and gets easy points frequently because of that. Nunez is patient with the ball and has a few nice go-to moves around the basket. He is also very unselfish and has the eye for a good pass.
Kyle Pulliam Kyle Pulliam 6'3" | SG Good Counsel | 2022 State MD | 6’4” Guard | Global Squad/Good Counsel (MD)
Kyle Pulliam Kyle Pulliam 6'3" | SG Good Counsel | 2022 State MD was tabbed as one of our players to watch this month and that paid dividends. There quite frankly aren’t many prospects who’ve improved to the degree that Pulliam has over the last 12 months. He is still growing into his rangy frame but is beginning to gain full command of his body. Pulliam is sneaky athletic. He can dunk the ball in traffic and block shots at the rim now. But his trademark skill will be his shooting. Pulliam is a deadeye from behind the arc but also mixes in a nice in-between game to complement his three-point shooting.
Jacob Rice Jacob Rice 6'7" | SF Miller School | 2022 State VA | 6’7” Forward | Virginia Premier/Miller School (VA)
Jacob Rice Jacob Rice 6'7" | SF Miller School | 2022 State VA has the physical tools to play college basketball at a high level. He also has the motor to play college basketball at a high level. Rice is oozing with upside but is already a productive two-way contributor now.
Greg Williams Greg Williams 6'4" | SF VA Academy | 2022 State VA | 6’4” Wing | District Basketball Club/Virginia Academy
Shooter! Even when Greg Williams Greg Williams 6'4" | SF VA Academy | 2022 State VA misses, his shot looks good. Whether spotting up, coming off a screen or pulling up, Williams needs to be accounted for on the perimeter. He is more than a shooter though. Williams is often deployed at the top of his team’s press. He reads passing lanes well and his length makes him a disruptive defender. And if he’s coming down the lane, you’ll probably want to time your challenge well because he can finish above the rim.