Sharpshooters from the Grind Region Finals 16s Division
There were some players from the 16s division at the Grind Region Finals that had the nets scortching from deep. These players were not only successful from the high school line, they let it fly from the college arc and…
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Continue ReadingThere were some players from the 16s division at the Grind Region Finals that had the nets scortching from deep. These players were not only successful from the high school line, they let it fly from the college arc and found success. Needless to say, the class of 2023 has some marksmen in their class and we will take a look at a few of them in this article.
Evan Barber (6’1″ / CG / Rogue 2023)
The lefty from Westmoore (Oklahoma) was a marksman of the highest caliber during his team’s run to the 16s Platinum bracket semis. Barber was really good coming off dribble weave or down screen action ready to shoot. He killed teams with threes from broken plays as well. Barber squares his shoulders quickly and is very good setting his feet for shots. His shooting ability should make him a value in recruiting circles going forward.
Jaedyn Brown (6’1″ / CG / Rocky Mountain Fever 2023)
While he proved that he can put it on the floor and get to the lane, Brown was, at times, lights out from deep. The guard from Laramie (Wyoming) squares and shoots quickly in catch-and-shoot situations. His movement without the ball was exquisite and allowed him to catch-and-shoot or drive without resistance at times. Rocky Mountain Fever needed his shooting in their semifinal run more than his playmaking and that is what they got. Brown is a certfied shooter with a quick release. He is a sharpshooter to keep your eyes on.
Devin Kemp (5’8″ / PG / DC Kings Missouri 2023)
Kemp made an impression during his first game of the Grind Region Finals as he almost single handled brought his team back. His 18 second half points included layups where he put pressure on the opposing defense. However, it also featured him shooting the three ball from as much as 27 feet. He is shifty and can create space to get his jumper off. Kemp will also rise and fire in break situations as well. He is a dangerous shooter from three and his ability to penentrate only makes him more dangerous from deep.
Domenic Leone (6’3″ / PG / ATR Elite Colorado 2023) – pictured above
When ATR Elite needed a bucket either David Hageman or his backcourt mate, Domenic Leone made a crucial shot. Leone made the go-ahead three in the ATR quarterfinal win over Rogue 2023. He also made three pointers from 50-50 ball situations where he received the ball after ATR recovered the scramble. Leone seemed to be best at shooting the deep one when he could catch it and fire. At his size, if he can continue shooting the ball the way he did in Dallas-Fort Worth, Leone will find a home on the next level.
Elliot McQuillan (6’3″ / SG / Showtime Elite LA 2023)
McQuillan was an addition to the Showtime Elite team for the Grind Region Finals and need less to say he made an impression. He is an athletic two guard who has long limbs and can defend taller players. On offense, however, the guard from Port Allen was automatic from the corner three. McQuillan drained at least four triples during each contests I saw and was very good at making them at anytime of the game. He is a great catch-and-shoot player who was at home making teams pay from the baseline corner.
Kejuan Payne II (6’3″ / SG / FOE)
Team FOE OKC would not have been playing for a championship without the shooting of the Deer Creek guard. Payne, who displayed range at least three steps behind the line, was that shooter who was good at the three ball off reversals to his side of the floor or from spotting up after penetration. He is very good at making himself available to guards when they look out to pass. Payne made corner and wing threes and showed a smooth, accurate stroke. Foul trouble hampered him in the title game but he did a lot from deep to help Team FOE get there.
Kellen Simoneau (6’1″ / CG / TBB KS 2023)
There was a point and time during the 16s Platinum championship game where Simoneau made two threes back-to-back to stretch the lead for TBB (Team Buddy Buckets) KS. They had the game in their hands from then on. Simoneau may be unassuming and play his role. However, if he is left open, he is burying three pointers. He was able to make threes on quick pull-ups as well as off set plays. Simoneau’s shooting and playmaking was an integral piece which allowed TBB KS to walk away with the 16s title at the Grind Region Finals.
For a tournament of this size, there were some great shooters that graced the courts in DFW. The players above were the shooters who came up with the goods when games were on the line. Some of them are pure shooters and some of them may be streaky. However, when it comes to putting the ball in the hole from deep, these sharpshooters were players who proved they could do just that with the game on the line.