Super 64 Standouts: Week 6
In this article:
Rickey Mitchell Rickey Mitchell 6'3" | CG Smoky Hill | 2023 State CO – 2023 – Smoky Hill One of the more unassuming players, standing around 5’11 yet possesses an abnormally quick skillset given his wiry frame. Last week, Mitchell…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingRickey Mitchell Rickey Mitchell 6'3" | CG Smoky Hill | 2023 State CO – 2023 – Smoky Hill
One of the more unassuming players, standing around 5’11 yet possesses an abnormally quick skillset given his wiry frame. Last week, Mitchell scored in a variety of ways and yet again proved his diverse skillset. He had four threes, three of which came off-the-dribble. He has quick instincts paired with an uncommon feel for breaking down defenders, almost like he has a sixth sense for where defenders are going. He has carefully crafted hang dribbles and pound dribbles to create easy side steps and step back jumpers, where oddly enough he does not force bad shots often. Mitchell has continued to improve his touch around the rim, where he is capable hitting high arcing shots through contact.
Carey Booth Carey Booth 6'8" Cherry Creek | 2023 CO – 2023 – Cherry Creek
Booth is another guy who has made consistent improvements over the summer, notably getting much more comfortable creating off the dribble and hitting jumpers off the catch. The jumper has been ironed out significantly, as it is getting closer to a single motion. The handle is almost there for major improvements in self-creation reps, he just needs to focus on his decisiveness. All too often he takes an extra second to survey the floor, when he has all the ability to get by the defense. As he gains more confidence with the handle, I have no doubt this area will be resolved, but it’s currently separating him from being a complementary piece versus a dominant cornerstone. Lateral movement is another area he must continue to focus on, as his defensive ceiling has not even been scratched yet.
Geo Velarde Geo Velarde 6'1" | SG Brighton | 2023 State CO – 2023 – Faith Christian
Averaging a modest 27 points per game (first among non-2022’s and third overall), Velarde has done well making every possession count. Previously averaging 15.5 points per game at Faith Christian, the guard has a knack for scoring the ball by any means. He does whatever needed to create scoring opportunities for him and his team, whether that is from an offensive rebound or cutting along the baseline. His long strides allow him to easily get by defenders, unlike most guards his age.
Gavin Hershberger Gavin Hershberger 5'10" Rock Canyon | 2023 CO – Rock Canyon – 2023
Talk about having the ball on a string, Hershberger made a case last week for the most dependable ballhandler in the gym and finished with 28 points. Paired with his footwork he is deadly coming off of screens. His creativity stood out, where he manipulated on-ball screens to create scoring opportunities for himself and teammates. Feel and his ability to control the pace stood out more than ever, where he never seemed rushed. His effort committing to rebounds and playing fundamental defense against bigger opponents was another reason to enjoy his all around game.
Doren Sacha Doren Sacha 6'2" Thomas Jefferson | 2024 CO – Thomas Jefferson – 2024
Sacha can play effectively on and off ball, he is an efficient scorer and assertive passer out of pick and roll situations. While I had not seen more than a couple games of Sacha, he really surprised me with his passing out of hedges following pick and rolls. Although only being about 6’ tall, he was able to thread the needle between defenders with ease. He has a quick first step, but must add strength when going against taller opponents. He finished with 31 points on five made threes. As he continues to gain confidence with the jump-shot, off the bounce especially, he will be a tough one to mitigate as a scorer.