Wild West Shootout Recap: Small Ball Bigs
The Wild West Shootout took place Thursday, December 2nd through Saturday, December 4th. Hosted by Tournament Director Cecelia Tennert, the event is held to raise money for the Sierra Kids Foundation, a Reno based Non-Profit organization that supplements the efforts of…
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Continue ReadingThe Wild West Shootout took place Thursday, December 2nd through Saturday, December 4th. Hosted by Tournament Director Cecelia Tennert, the event is held to raise money for the Sierra Kids Foundation, a Reno based Non-Profit organization that supplements the efforts of three Northern Nevada programs that work directly with families and young children with Autism. The tournament featured high school teams from Northern California, Las Vegas, and Reno, with the Championship being taken home by Prephoops Nevada #1 Ranked 5A Bishop Gorman. The tournament featured a high number of bigs perfect for today’s small ball game. They have the size to battle inside and the skill to be effective on the perimeter. In this article, we take a look at the top Small Ball Bigs from the event.
Brycen Shackelford 6’5 PF Folsom 2022 – Shackelford was a tough matchup when he was able to face up. He showed a surprisingly quick first step, getting all the way to the rim with just one bounce. When bigs were reluctant to come out of the paint Shakelford made them pay with his ability to knock down straight away 3’s. His signature game was his 21 point performance against eventually champion Bishop Gorman.
Darrion Williams Darrion Williams 6'6" | SF Bishop Gorman | 2022 State NV 6’5 SF Bishop Gorman 2022 (#3PHN 2023) – Williams is a versatile player who can be effective both inside and out. He has terrific vision and good decision-making and is the ultimate hockey assist player. Williams bullied smaller defenders around the hoop and showed the ability to slash to the rim against post players.
John Derrick John Derrick 6'6" | PF Foothill | 2022 State NV 6’7 PF Foothill 2022 (#59PHN 2022) – Derrick could probably make a combination of lists including stockrisers. The forward was one of the top grab and go player at the tournament. Derrick was able to control the board, and protect the rim. He was also a fluid rim runner, showing the ability to change ends faster than any other big. He has good R&J athleticism as well, and displayed it, by finishing several plays above the rim.
Jake Thoensen 6’4 PF Folsom – Toensen, was a high-energy player that mixed in a little skill. His best skill was his defensive versatility, as he was able to defend both in the paint and on the perimeter. He was effective as Skakelford’s running mate. He stretched the floor and was able to score when he put his head down. He scored in double figures in the first two games of the event.
Ethan Goon 6’6 PF Bishop Manogue 2023 – Prototypical stretch 4 who was effective on the perimeter. Goon stretches the defense with his shooting and proved it by knocking down a 3 in every game he played, finishing the tournament with a total of 5.
Kai Wallin 6’5 PF Jesuit 2022 (#36PHNC 2023) – What was most impressive was his ability to face up and attack the basket. Wallin was effective when putting his head down and finishing through contact. The 4 man wasted no time with the ball, showing the ability to attack downhill with two or fewer dribbles. Wallin is a physical player who could have success moving taller bigs off their spot.
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