The Scrimmage: Six Intriguing 16u Prospects
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This group article isn’t necessarily about who the best prospects were at the event. Xzayvier Brown Xzayvier Brown 6'1" | PG Roman Catholic | 2023 State #233 Nation PA and Justin Edwards Justin Edwards 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter |…
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Continue ReadingThis group article isn’t necessarily about who the best prospects were at the event. Xzayvier Brown Xzayvier Brown 6'1" | PG Roman Catholic | 2023 State #233 Nation PA and Justin Edwards Justin Edwards 6'6" | PF Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #3 Nation PA are already household names, locally, and will both be consensus top 100 players. These 6 players are talented but not as well known. Fans and scouts will know exactly who they are as the Summer goes on and matriculate into 11th grade.
Zion Stanford Zion Stanford 6'5" | SF West Catholic | 2023 State PA 2023 6’5 W/F – K-Low Elite
Zion was aggressive when the defense was tilted in his favor. He used to strength to power through defenders on his way to the rim. Knocking down his FTs and his touch around the rim suggest he’ll be able to stretch the floor. His assertiveness translated on the other end as a team defender. Late in the first half against Team Final Red, he blocked a shot at the rim by rotating all the way from the opposite side of the court.
Anthony Finkley Anthony Finkley 6'6" | SF Roman Catholic | 2023 State PA 2023 6’6 F – K-Low Elite
He as a thicker build and moves well for his size. Finkley showed a knack for hitting cutters and open shooters from the mid & high posts. The confidence his coaches have in him as a decision-maker is telling. His development will be worth monitoring closely over the next year as he grows into his body and improves his shot.
Caleb Bryant 2023 6’8 C – Team Final
Bryant is more of a traditional big on a squad that prefers to deploy 4 perimeter players. He set screens and sealed-off defenders, creating space for his teammates. Caleb is mobile as a defender too. He held his own on mismatches and when matched-up against stretch bigs, in addition to protecting the rim.
Elijah Duval Elijah Duval 6'2" | SG Martin County | 2024 #118 Nation FL 2024 6’2 CG – Team Final
Strength is a noteworthy aspect of Jah’s game. The Delaware native often matched up with taller opposing players. But, defensively, he was able to get into their bodies, making it difficult for them to get to their spots. His versatile defense was crucial late in the game. His sturdy frame often made the difference on often offense as he absorbed contact and made plays.
James Johns Jr 2023 6’6 CG – Team Final
James Jr’s versatility is on the offensive end. He’s willing and able to put the ball on the deck. Though he’s certainly wired like a guy who likes to get to the cup, he has upside as a shot-maker he can continue knocking down multiple threes per game like he did vs City Rocks. Being able to thrive as a second guard makes him an intriguing prospect going forward.
Alex Cercado 2023 5’11 PG – Team Final Red
AC was their offensive engine versus K-Low. He consistently manipulated the defense with his changes in speed. So much so that the extra advantage of a rotated defense automatically meant he was getting to the rim. Despite his size, Alex converted paint touches with his floaters. His biggest play of the game was a catch & shoot 3 to win.
Bonus: Rahmir Barno Rahmir Barno 5'10" | CG Imhotep Charter | 2023 State #223 Nation PA 2023 5’10 PG Team Final
Barno is more than just fast and quick; he’s agile. He takes advantage of angles or creases in the defense that most others can’t get to. A more simple way to state it is that he gets wherever he wants on the floor – on fastbreaks and in half-court offense. The stress he put on both City Rocks and Team Melo made up for his lack of size.