Cream City Collision: Max’s Top Shooters
The Cream City Collision took place this past weekend with 16u and 17u teams from multiple states competing in Waukesha. I was able to catch a variety of games over the weekend, and these are some of the top shooters…
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Continue ReadingThe Cream City Collision took place this past weekend with 16u and 17u teams from multiple states competing in Waukesha. I was able to catch a variety of games over the weekend, and these are some of the top shooters I saw from Wisconsin and Illinois.
Asanjai Hunter Asanjai Hunter 5'10" | PG The Prairie School | 2022 State WI (5’11 2022 G, Wisconsin PGC PH)- Though he’s more known for his speed in transition and ability to get to the rim to finish, Asanjai impressed me with his shooting in the games that I was able to watch. His team features a number of guards that can handle the ball, so he’s able to play off the ball a lot, allowing him to relocate and find space in the corners to get off open looks. Asanjai caught his defender sleeping on multiple occasions, allowing for him to get into space where he knocked down his outside shots at a high percentage. That shooting forced defenders to play him tighter, meaning he was able to use his quick first step to blow by them to get to the rim.
Josh Grote (6′ 2023 G, Limitless Basketball)- Taking on a tough WOTN team out of Minnesota that featured a lot of size and physical forwards, Limitless turned to the hot shooting of Josh Grote on the perimeter. HIs ability to score on touches without dribbling was key, as he’s able to beat the closeout with his quick release. Josh knocked down three outside jumpers on the game, but further impressed by attacking the basket and using his body to shield off defenders to finish. Though not the quickest player, he constantly got his defender pinned on his hip, and was able to extend and finish to avoid shot blockers.
Colin Hudson (6’8 2022 PF, Great Northern Elite)- It’s rare to see a 6’8 player on a top shooters list, but Colin had too good of a performance against World Hoops Elite to go unnoticed. He’s a long and mobile player who immediately stands out with his ability to handle the ball better than most players his size. This led to him being able to create some looks for himself off the dribble, and he has a smooth stroke from beyond the arc and mid-range. Despite being able to stretch the floor with his shooting, he’s not afraid to do the dirty work in the paint, pulling in rebounds and contesting shots.
Jameer Barker Jameer Barker 6'2" | SG Racine St. Catherine's | 2021 State WI (6’2 2021 SG, Gallo Sports Center)- Jameer Barker Jameer Barker 6'2" | SG Racine St. Catherine's | 2021 State WI was unguardable at times this weekend, knocking down shots with a hand right in his face, creating his own shots off the dribble, and finishing through contact around the rim. Jameer plays a lot of toughness, and that showed with his ability to power through taller defenders at the rim for plenty of tough finishes. On the perimeter he used some impressive crossovers to shift his defenders and create space to get off clean looks from three. He was also able to move without the ball to get openings, and looked unfazed shooting with defenders nearby.
Luke Bara Luke Bara 6'1" | CG Muskego | 2021 State WI (6’1 2022 G, World Hoops Elite )- Luke will now be attending a prep school next fall as a 2022 prospect, and if his play this weekend is any indicator, his recruitment should continue to pick up. Luke has plenty of confidence as a shooter with range that extends well beyond the high school line. He gets solid elevation on his shot, and his consistent form is a testament to his constant repetition in training. There were times when Luke would go on a quick run for his team knocking down multiple threes in quick succession to swing the momentum of a game. Despite standing out as a shooter, most impressive might be Luke’s defensive communication. There’s never a quiet moment with him on the floor, as he’s always calling out screens and letting his teammates know where he’s at on the floor.
Mike Erbeck (6’1 2021 G, IBA Illinois Stars)- An unsigned senior that stood out over the weekend was Mike Erbeck out of Newark, Illinois. On his way to 15 points in a close win over a strong World Hoops Elite team, he knocked down three 3’s, including hitting some clutch shots in the second half to keep his team ahead. He’s got a quick release and is able to get squared up when running off screens to get off a balanced look from beyond the arc. The home schooled prospect also brings energy defensively, backing down from no one and getting his team fired up after big plays.
Caiden Lecce Caiden Lecce 6'0" | CG Minneapolis Southwest | 2022 State WI (6′ 2022 G, D.F. Elite)- Caiden just continues to impress with his play this spring. He went off for 23 points in the game I watched, using his quick left handed release to knock down shot after shot. Caiden knocked down multiple threes, a mid-range pull up jumper after getting his defender to blow by him with a shot fake, and even hit a turnaround jumper on the baseline that he made look easy. Despite usually being one of the smaller players on the floor, he always stands out with his fearlessness attacking the basket. He doesn’t strictly rely on the jumper as he attacks the basket and keeps his chin at the rim to finish through contact. His stock continues to rise during the AAU season.