Battlezone LA: 2023 Sleepers, Part 2
We discussed the 2023 standouts at the Battlezone Tournament. Now, let’s talk about some rising juniors who are on their way to seeing their recruitment take off at their respective levels. Part 2 of my sleepers report. Battlezone LA: 2023…
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Continue ReadingWe discussed the 2023 standouts at the Battlezone Tournament. Now, let’s talk about some rising juniors who are on their way to seeing their recruitment take off at their respective levels. Part 2 of my sleepers report.
Battlezone LA: 2023 Sleepers, Part 2
Nate Simon, 6-0 2023 PG, Jurupa Valley/ Multilevel 16u
One of the quickest players in the gym, Simon also happens to be one of the flashiest playmakers. He comes off the pick-and-roll a threat to score or make passes to either the strong or weak side, using his eyes to misdirect defenders. And he’s unafraid to take shots from well beyond the college three.
Jermaine Patton Jr., 5-7 2023 PG, R.O.N. Institute/ The Magic Sacramento 16u
Whenever The Magic needed a play down the stretch, they went to Patton, a super-quick undersized guard who has the ball on a string. He repeatedly broke down defenders to get into the paint, and when double teams came, he dropped off nifty passes to cutting teammates, or finished over interior defenders with a nice runner package. Patton is also a formidable on-ball defender, despite his diminutive stature.
Cristian Zamora, 5-11 2023 PG, San Pasqual/ Coastal Elite 16u
Zamora is a stocky floor general who is one of the more solid two-way guards in the gym. He is a physical on-ball defender, a very good rebounding guard for his size and can knock down shots from three and midrange.
Trey Vergenz III, 6-5 2023 W, San Marcos/ Coastal Elite 16u
Looking at my stat sheet for the Coastal Multilevel game, the one thing that stood out was the 7 first half rebounds Vergenz had. The undersized four man does an excellent job boxing out bigger post players and pursues rebounds outside of his area. Rebounding is one of the skills that translates to every level.
Pe’a Misaalefua, 6-1 2023 W, San Marcos/ Coastal Elite 16u
Misaalefua is one of the most most unique players in the gym. A hefty, undersized forward, he has the court vision, shooting (albeit streaky) and playmaking of a point guard. As a result, he is the mismatch that opens everything up for his teammates.
Ben Lee, 5-11 2023 G, Del Norte/ Gamepoint 16u Select
Lee gets to showcase more of his floor game at the club level, and he gave an impressive showing in a couple of wins this weekend. The wiry guard gets into the paint when he wants and is a high-IQ playmaker once in the paint. Defensively, he has active hands and reads passing lanes very well, which gets his team easy transition baskets.
Cam Wood, 6-3 2023 SG, Rancho Bernardo/ Gamepoint 16u Select
A stocky built shooter, Wood does an excellent job spacing the floor on the wing and corner, always staying shot ready. He also does a great job following his shot and offensive rebounding, and getting to the foul line finishing through contact. As his handle tightens up, his game will only expand.
Jack Leininger, 5-9 2023 PG, Del Norte/ Gamepoint 16u Select
One of the event’s surprises for me was the play of Leininger, a crafty, high-IQ playmaking guard who can also knock down shots from midrange and finish floaters and runners in the paint. He’s not the best athlete in the gym, but his handle and vision makes him a threat whenever he has the ball.