The Valley Jam: 2023 forwards
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July 16-18 I attended the HoopSeen The Valley Jam at the beautiful nearly brand new Ottawa University in Surprise/AZ. 43 teams from the 15 to 17U played four showcase games over the weekend. College coaches were on hand to take in the action…
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Continue ReadingJuly 16-18 I attended the HoopSeen The Valley Jam at the beautiful nearly brand new Ottawa University in Surprise/AZ.
43 teams from the 15 to 17U played four showcase games over the weekend. College coaches were on hand to take in the action for the second of the three July live periods.
Here were some 2023 forwards that stood out:
Noah Amenhauser Noah Amenhauser 7'0" | C Estrella Foothills | 2023 State #270 Nation AZ Estrella Foothills (Factory 16)
-The top post player at the event was tough to handle. He went through stretches he couldn’t be stopped. He scored it inside at a high level from drops steps, hooks, counter moves and of course dunks. He protected the rim and gobbled up seemingly every rebound near him.
Corey Wood Corey Wood 6'7" | SF ALA-Ironwood | 2023 State AZ ALA-Ironwood (Team RHJ 2023)
-A taller wing forward keeps adding to his game. He is handling the ball a little better then he did at the beginning of the year. He has the floater, a catch-3 and a polished fall-away. He needs to fill in but he should have a huge season for the Warriors next season.
Noah Peterson Noah Peterson 6'3" | SG Highland | 2023 State AZ Highland (Team Arizona Black 17)
-A versatile forward may be the strongest in the AIA from his class. He plays inside versus bigger post players and can step out and hit 3’s. He handles it like a guard and will take it off the glass and make plays for his teammates.
Pasha Shemirani Pasha Shemirani 6'7" | PF Salpointe Catholic | 2023 State AZ Salpointe Catholic (AZ Select 16 Wilson)
-A quickly improving forward scores it inside and will step out and hit the catch-3. He plays a physical brand of ball and has a motor to clean the glass. His post footwork is advancing and he can rip through.
Max Lightfoot Max Lightfoot 6'5" | PF Gilbert Christian | 2023 State AZ Gilbert Christian (AZ Select 16 Wilson)
-A rugged power forward has a top-notch motor. He runs he floor for position and boxes out like you should. He can finish off contested shots with left or right hand. He crashes the glass with his length and energy.
Adrien Armstrong Adrien Armstrong 6'5" | SF Carl Hayden | 2023 State AZ Carl Hayden (PAL Elite 2023) (Pictured)
-One of the top motors in the class. He is a multiple positional defender and sits down and defends the 1-4. He rebounds, blocks shots, collects steals and dives on the floor for loose balls. His skill is improving as his FT stroke and 3pt shot look better.
Masaiah Binford Masaiah Binford 6'4" | SF Ascending Life Prep | 2023 State AZ South Mountain (PAL Elite 2023)
-A bouncy forward who seems to grab every rebound in his area. He sends shots away out of his area and runs the floor well. He has good length and his body is filling in plus he can step out and hit perimeter J’s.
Caden Zurek Caden Zurek 6'7" | PF Casteel | 2023 State AZ Casteel (Pumas)
-A quickly growing forward is up to 6’7. It seems like every showing he grows a little. His extra height has helped him on the glass and score it more efficiently in the paint. He will run the floor, block shots and be a menace on both sides of the court.