Bluff City Blues: Game Changing Shooters
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This content series is sponsored by GameChanger – The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops. In 21st century basketball the easiest way to change a game is to get hot from behind the arc. It’s…
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In 21st century basketball the easiest way to change a game is to get hot from behind the arc. It’s simple math. Three is worth more than two.
Several players proved this adage at Bluff City Blues. Following are five that caught my eye.
Canon Edgecome 6-1 2023 St Michael (LA) Arguably the game of the tournament was an early Saturday contest between Showtime Elite LA and Chicago based Flee Club Hoops. The game featured several above the rim finishes and a lot of high level play. Flee Club took an early lead. But the face of the game changed when this Louisiana shooter got hot for Showtime. Hit four threes in the contest but they were timely. Forcing Flee Club to extend their perimeter defense. This opened the lanes that Shad Levy Shad Levy 6'3" | CG Dunham | 2023 State LA eventually exploited to win the game at the buzzer. Edgecome is a competitive and skilled player. Not a bashful shooter and rose to the moment in crunch time. Has a smooth and easy release with no wasted motion. Will need to get bigger. But there is always a place at the next level for someone who can shoot the basketball like this.
Cordy Johnson Cordy Johnson 5'8" | PG Michelle Clark | 2023 State IL 5-9 2023 Michele Clark (IL) Matching Edgecome nearly shot for shot was this Chicago area product. Despite the shooting capability. Johnson is a point guard all the way. Has a tight and low to the ground handle that makes him an excellent penetrator. While he did not have an abundance of three pointers. He was an efficient mid range shooter throughout the game. Finished with 20 points. But it was two late clutch threes that displayed Johnson’s shooting ability. They were deep and timely. While his squad did not get the win. Johnson placed himself firmly on my radar as a point guard to watch out of the Chicago area.
Chase Bell 6-2 2023 Madison Academy (AL) The Alabama Generals were one of the pleasant surprises of the tournament for me. They were led by this athletic combo guard. Hit five three on his way to a game high 20 points in the Generals opening win of the tourney. Stroked them with confidence and smooth mechanics. Good ball handler who flashed the ability to play the point. An “old school” technique to throw off a shooter has always been little shot to the face. Bell took one (nothing dirty) and received a fat lip for his trouble. Did not faze him at all and kept connecting from deep. Toughness, versatility, and shooting ability. Sounds like a recipe for an intriguing backcourt prospect.
Patrick Chance Dunson 6-4 2023 Whites Creek (TN) We can’t let the little guys have all the fun. Dunson is a long but powerfully built forward who showed the ability to shoot the ball. Hit five threes in a loss against the aforementioned Alabama Generals. The Alabama squad was not only very good. They featured a lot of length at the forward and post spots. Dunson handled this pressure well. Finding seams or simply rising above defenders to get his shot off. When I watched him later on Sunday. He showed an explosive first step and the ability to put the ball on the deck. While his team did not have the best weekend in terms of results. Dunson showed potential to possibly break out in his senior year.
Gavin Grubbs Gavin Grubbs 6'1" | CG University Heights Academy | 2024 State KY 5-11 2024 Hopkinsville University Heights Academy (KY) The only 2024 on list. Grubbs was Buckner Elite Basketball Clubs’s designated marksman. With an excellent penetrating point guard and active posts on his squad. Grubbs got plenty of open looks. Capitalized on them in a big way. Confident and has no hesitation on his release. More than just a spot up shooter. Showed the ability to handle ball. Has a thick but athletic frame. A lot of good guards are coming out of the Bluegrass state in the next few years. You can add Grubbs name to the list of emerging prospects.