Under Armour Classic: Top 2G’s
The next piece from the Under Armour Classic gives us a look at some of the better CG and SG’s during the weekend in Newark. Defense was on display and many of the guys on this list made the list…
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Continue ReadingThe next piece from the Under Armour Classic gives us a look at some of the better CG and SG’s during the weekend in Newark. Defense was on display and many of the guys on this list made the list because of their tenacity and aggressiveness when it came to performing on the defensive end of the floor. See who those 5 best performers were here.
Kevin Gallagher (2024) Mid Ohio Pumas – Quinn (Grove City)
Gallagher didn’t jump off the page for the Pumas in a close win over Nova Village’s 2nd tier 16U team in terms of offensive game. While his shot selection concerned me he still showed great poise weaving through defense around the screens and attacking downhill. I felt Gallagher made an impact more on the defensive side of the ball with his lateral quickness and coverage. Still has time to continue developing but it’s a clear given Gallagher is one of his Pumas’ best players.
Elias Lewis Elias Lewis 6'2" | SG Olentangy Orange | 2023 State OH (2023) Nova Village UA Rise (Olentangy Orange)
Lewis played with a lot of energy and brought athletic flare for Nova in their games I watched. Lewis covered a lot of ground with his speed and reach defensively. Arguably one of Nova’s best defenders during the tournament. Lewis contributes on the offensive end with some solid perimeter shooting. One of those prospects that is tough to cool off once he gets into a rhythm. Lewis has excelled when I’ve seen him so far this Spring and is showing me he can be a special player for Orange.
Jeff Amapps Jeff Amapps 6'3" | SF Pickerington North | 2023 State OH (2023) Nova Village UA Rise (Pickerington North)
If teammate Elias Lewis Elias Lewis 6'2" | SG Olentangy Orange | 2023 State OH is one of Nova’s best defenders, Amapps is THE best defender. The Pickerington North product impressed me in the HS season as a rebounder and cleanup guy. True glue guy as Amapps’ footwork laterally was impressive as he kept his man in front of him. Showed he can defend multiple positions with his frame and speed. Amapps can defend on the next level, but his offensive game and development will go a long way in determining what level he can play at in college.
Lachland Macdonald (2023) Ohio United (Dublin Jerome)
Continuing with my focus on defensive mechanics and performances takes us over to Ohio United and Macdonald. The Dublin Jerome product does the dirtier work for Ohio United as their 17U team won the tournament. Macdonald brings two-way capabilities with his defensive IQ and movement accompanied by his well-rounded offensive game and distribution play. Accepts his role with Ohio United and okay giving the extra pass.
Grayson Steury Grayson Steury 5'11" | CG Ashland | 2023 State OH (2023) Mid Ohio Pumas -Price (Ashland)
Steury reminds me of the Energizer bunny with his motor on the defensive end. Covers a lot of ground by getting to his spots and anticipating passes vs waiting and reacting. Well-rounded on the offensive end, Steury doesn’t have to be the “guy” on offense with the Pumas, but certainly performs as a secondary shooter and passer.