#PHLive: 16U Standout Glue Guys
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Kansas City, Missouri — Prep Hoops Live was a major event on the Prep Hoops Circuit that brought out over 300 grassroots teams from all across the country, making this one of Prep Hoop’s largest events ever. Teams traveled far and wide to be a…
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Continue ReadingKansas City, Missouri — Prep Hoops Live was a major event on the Prep Hoops Circuit that brought out over 300 grassroots teams from all across the country, making this one of Prep Hoop’s largest events ever. Teams traveled far and wide to be a part of something special, filling up 3 different arenas and 28 courts all at once. The best grassroots basketball clubs as well as some of the top-ranked players in the nation showed up, showed out, and made this weekend in Kansas City worthwhile. Every type of prospect a college coach could possibly be in search of was in attendance, multiple 7-foot centers, next-level scorers, remarkable shooters, high flying dunkers, lockdown defenders, dime droppers, shot blockers, you name it, we had it. Here we’ll take a look at a few of the top glue guys from the 16U division that really held things together, stood out, and made a noticeable impact on the floor.
Ja’Quan Bailey – Guard – Alabama Celtics
Ja’Quan Bailey brought the grit and the grind to the floor for the Celtics, making plays everywhere and showing a phenomenal presence on both sides of the ball. Bailey’s a super competitive, aggressive, high motor, explosive athlete, with great instincts, and a natural feel for the game. The Celtics guard seemed to always be a step ahead of his opponents, making timely cuts to the basket offensively, disrupting passes, and shutting off pathways defensively. Bailey also played with a good rapport with his teammates, especially his fellow point guard, Mardrecus Moreland Jr Mardrecus Moreland Jr 6'0" | PG TSF Prep Highschool | 2023 AL … Ja’Quan Bailey’s unselfishness and team-first mentality truly stood out, he’s the type of player that doesn’t care about making the highlight play, he’s only interested in doing what’s best for the team.
Malik Hasani – Guard – Team Teague 2023 (Collins)
Sophomore guard, Malik Hasani consistently got hot and had spurts where he scored in bunches leading his team on a run when it was most needed. Smooth, speedy, shifty, and electrifying, Hasani was amazing in a fast-paced, up-tempo style of play, just an absolute blur in the open court. He loved to push the pace every chance he got, changing speed and directions like no other, and showing a knack for keeping his defenders on their heels and off-balance. In a half-court setting, Malik displayed an exceptional ability to get to his spots, he stays low with his dribble and attacks the hip of his opponent. Also a good pull-up jump shooter, Malik Hasani knocked it down off-balance, and with defenders flying by.
Rylan Kennedy Rylan Kennedy 6'4" | SF Mansfield Lake Ridge | 2023 TX – Small Forward – Texas Impact 4:13 UAA
Texas Impact forward, Rylan Kennedy Rylan Kennedy 6'4" | SF Mansfield Lake Ridge | 2023 TX did everything aggressively and with a full amount of effort. Standing at 6-feet-4-inches, Kennedy played much bigger than his height, he wasn’t afraid to defend, bang, and battle with bigger, taller players down low in the post. Rylan proved to be an all-around defender that could guard almost every position on the court with ease, he has the strength, length, and reaction time to bother guards, wings, and post players effectively. Kennedy got all of the hustle points, and played the passing lanes very well, showing a talent for baiting players into throwing risky passes that he was always looking to take the other way for two points, which is made him such a huge transition threat. Offensively, the Sophomore forward got open and moved without the ball, showing an ability to post up and play inside or step out and spread the floor. High ceiling for this young man who is becoming an offense’s nightmare.