#LiveSZNKickoff: Scotty B’s Friday Notebook
Prep Hoops Live SZN Kickoff began on Friday night in Lincoln, Nebraska. There is a lot of talent in this event and that was evident on the first evening of action. Here are our thoughts from the opening games in…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Live SZN Kickoff began on Friday night in Lincoln, Nebraska. There is a lot of talent in this event and that was evident on the first evening of action. Here are our thoughts from the opening games in #LiveSZNKickoff: Scotty B’s Friday Notebook!
Team Movement 17U Backcourt Shines in Opener
Oklahoma squad Team Movement filled in for another team in the first game of the night and they captured a 55-42 win over Team 815 North. It was their stellar play out of their backcourt that got them the victory. Isaac Jones and Tony Palma played well off each other. Jones is a lead guard that threaded the needle with his passing in traffic, had slippery handles, and got in the lane where he made plays for himself and others. Palma used more of a perimeter shooting attack knocking in several threes along with mixing in a couple tough takes. On the Team 815 North side once again Donavhan Cain stood out just like last weekend in Louisville. Projectable wing from Wisconsin that has a clean looking shot and some passing feel. Good activity level. Rashard Young also flashed some potential as a shooter. The Rockford Jefferson 6’0” combo guard has a free and easy shot. Like the long term potential out of Beloit Memorial 2022 6’9” center Carlos Harris. Long and lanky post that finished dump off passes and defended well in ball screen situations. Bit raw, but like the upside.
Welcome to the Evan Barber Shop!
Team Rogue 16U 6’1” point guard Evan Barber put on an absolute show scoring 33 points in his team’s 67-60 victory over Sal Elite. This southpaw lead guard had it all working. Plus shooter from beyond the arc with range to well beyond the college three point line. Crafty ball handler that probes the defense and makes sound reads off ball screens. Got in the lane for scoop shots and was outstanding at getting to the charity stripe. The 2023 guard reminds me some of former St. Louis University player Kevin Lisch. He was pushed by Campbell Coleman who is a 6’4” shooter with size that knocked in shots from three along with baseline pull ups for 17 points. Sal Elite was quite a fun team to watch in their own right. Jacob Martin from Omaha South High School was a sniper drilling shots from all over both off the catch and creating on his own as he had 17 points. Isaiah Jackson is a projectable two guard with smooth handles creating off the dribble as he had 12 points. A project big man to monitor is 7’2” 2023 five man Madelo Deng. Long and rangy with a raw skill set. Did flash though with a hook shot early.
Illinois Hoopstars Look Good on Night 1
The Illinois Hoopstars are expected to be one of the top 17U teams on the Prep Hoops Circuit this summer. In their first game they showed well taking home the win over SSA Elite. They feature brand new Illinois commit AJ Storr who broke out on the PHC last summer. The strong bodied small forward had his moments as he threw down a couple powerful slams along with slashing with strength through traffic. Also got on the offensive glass which can be one of his biggest assets moving forward. Went for 23 points and 7 rebounds. Reclass 2022 center KJ Debrick will be going to prep school in Texas next year. In a normal year the Springfield Lanphier 6’10” five man would have found a home at the low-major level with his pure size, being a brick wall defensively in the paint, and an improving offensive game. Scored several times going through his man along with using his go to right handed hook shot. He had 16 points and 14 rebounds. Floor stretching 2022 four man Zach Cleveland lived up to that status draining an array of triples. Fits the new age game being versatile playing inside and out. Also high points rebounds in traffic and had a couple nice passes for dimes. Finished with 23 points and 9 rebounds. SSA Elite 17U had a pair of nice backcourt players. Nahcs Wahwassuck is a fun scoring two guard that is an excellent layup maker making an array of tough layups and scoop shots. Netted 23 points in the loss. Zaid Dajani also mixed in some spinning drives for SSA too!