Hustle in the Sun: 2023 standouts
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The Prep Hoops Circuit was back in town last weekend for the Hustle in the Sun at Inspire Court in Gilbert, AZ. There were 65 teams from the 15-17U levels. I probably saw the least of the 16U division last…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit was back in town last weekend for the Hustle in the Sun at Inspire Court in Gilbert, AZ. There were 65 teams from the 15-17U levels.
I probably saw the least of the 16U division last weekend but enough to find some standouts and sleepers in my next article.
Here were some of the 2023 standouts:
Exodus Ayers Exodus Ayers 6'2" | CG La Cueva | 2023 NLG (ABC New Mexico 2023/2022) (Pictured)
-One of my favorite guards from the state of New Mexico. He can score it plus make plays for others. When he plays up with 17U he tends to try and facilitate a little more. When he plays with his age he puts the ball in the basket multiple ways. Offensively, he can shoot the 3, albeit a little streaky, and drive the lane with creating separation by a nice crossover. He does have deep range on his shot and can score it inside using his strength and length.
Mark Brown Jr Mark Brown Jr 6'2" | PG Bella Vista Prep | 2023 State AZ (AZ Select 2023-1)
-A powerfully built undersized guard was one of the best players in 16U last weekend. He did what his team needed to go 4-0. He scored it, defended and made plays. He is smart off the pick and roll and can make the pocket pass to a teammate. He uses a burst to get by his defender and can pull-up from mid-range off the dribble. He can make the corner 3 off the catch and is a bully on the ball defensively using his lateral quicks and strength.
Kadyn Betts Kadyn Betts 6'7" | PF Huntington Prep | 2023 #90 Nation CO (PLUTO Prospects 2023)
-A unique forward who plays inside and out. He can make perimeter jumpers to the 3pt line and score it some inside with a decent handle to create his own shot. He is most comfortable facing up and has sneaky bounce. He threw one down above the rim in traffic impressively. He is a good passer for a forward and will gobble up rebounds and block shots.
Emery Young Emery Young 6'4" | SG Centennial | 2023 State AZ (AZ Select 2023-1)
-A versatile guard who seems to come up big in important moments. Whether it’s a steal, rebound, defensive stop or scoring it. His handle and decision making have improved over the last two years. He also is a better shooter and still gets buckets inside on tip-ins, slashing and running the court.
Shane Douma-Sanchez Shane Douma-Sanchez 6'0" | PG Del Norte | 2023 State NM (ABC New Mexico 2023/22)
-A crafty lead guard who can score it. He has a good feel for the game and gets into the lane with a burst and will kick it out to an open teammate. Besides being a smart play-maker he can really shoot it. The combination of a nice handle with a smooth stroke makes him a tough cover. He has a quick release and deep range.
Erenzo Scroggins Erenzo Scroggins 6'4" | SF AZ Compass Prep Black | 2023 State AZ (AZ Select 2023-1)
-Not many had a better weekend then EJ. He won’t impress you with how big he is or his polished skill, yet he was one of most productive players in 16U I viewed. He is very strong and athletic and plays with a motor. He scores through contact or above the rim on the break. He can dribble through traffic and finish. He rebounds out of area and will defend the 2-5 when needed with his strength, length and build.
Christian Drummond Christian Drummond 6'2" | CG Doherty | 2023 State CO (PLUTO Prospects 2023)
-A long defensive guard has a knack for scoring it around the hoop. He takes long strides and has good open court speed. He uses his length to defend opposing guards and rebounds well for a guard and can block shots. He is a natural slasher and uses the floater to his advantage.