Prep Hoops Live ATL: AP’s Day 1 Notebook
15U and 16U are always neglected during the live period. To counteract that trend, I spent the 10 hours locked in a gym to get a glimpse of the future faces of the circuit. We had fan favorite matchups, the…
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Continue Reading15U and 16U are always neglected during the live period. To counteract that trend, I spent the 10 hours locked in a gym to get a glimpse of the future faces of the circuit. We had fan favorite matchups, the development of intriguing big men, and a pair of guards that shined in limited minutes.
Iowa Barnstormers vs D1 New Mexico
The first game of the day was a premier guard matchup between Anthony Galvin and Domanic Rhoades- Martinez. Both were dynamic shot makers who created for others. Galvin finished with 17 connecting on 5 threes and Rhoades-Martinez had 18 coming from 6 threes.
Their supporting class was top notch as well. Uriah Tenette played his crafty game, mixing in good passing with various shots beyond the arc and in the paint. Dylan Novak was D1 New Mexico’s best defender with the size to cover both backcourt positions, create turnovers, and knock down the counter three.
For the Barnstormers, Mason Matson and Josh Brauer held their own. Matson finished well in the paint even with a 6’9 big man lurking about. Brauer joined the party with reverse and contact finishes against a true big.
Big Man Development
It’s a wonder what a couple of months can do for you. Zane Gaul of D1 Minnesota, Ryan Kalambay, and Ewan Steele of Canada Elite have all taken steps forward since our last watch.
Ryan Kalambay is more comfortable in his body, allowing him to rebound outside of his area, play with physicality, and handle the ball for someone his size. He was more aggressive than the first live period waking away with double-double against a slender 6’9 big.
Ewan Steele still has the range beyond the arc, but it’s more consistent than our first outing. He’s a more prominent defensive presence with increased mobility and a vocal part of a tall back line. The way he moved without the ball really impressed me.
Zane Gaul is putting it all together. He’s aggressive around the rim, drawing fouls and making tough shots while receiving double teams from smaller players. Faul can attack bigs off the dribble, rebound his area, and block shots. He missed his two, three point attempts, but if his stroke from the free throw can be sustained with range, it should be a part of his game soon.
Shining through Discipline
Chance Davis and Daykwon Joseph stuck out from their teammates because of their athleticism. Even hard coaching couldn’t stop that from shining through. The 6’1 Davis used his quickness and ball handling to make instant offensive looks. He showed he can finish with both hands, even over the arms of long defenders. Joseph blew past the physical defenders of No Excuses Elite. He’s a really good slasher with all the tools to be good on both ends. Any time he ripped through, he got to the cup with no more than two dribbles.
Battle For Arkansas
Bryson Warren United and Arkansas Athletes Outreach showed off the talent from the Natural state. Kamran Akbar and Joseph Bell were the game’s standouts. Akbar is a strong 6’3 guard who blocked shots and scored on all three levels against a talented team. Bell stands 6’5 with long arms. He provides the passing and shooting most programs are looking for from their guards.
Sharing the backcourt with them respectively are Tyler Bell and Zaylin Rowland. Bell hit a midrange jumper, a pull up three, and converted a crafty move to an and1 layup. Rowland was the leading scorer with 17 points, hitting several three pointers and taking guards off the dribble for finishes at the rim.
New Faces
Shooting and big time hustle plays are going to earn McZeal minutes. The way he shot the ball from deep is going to make those minutes sweeter.
Jeremias Heard Jeremias Heard 6'9" | C Model | 2024 State GAHeard emerged as one of the better big men we have on the 16U level. At 6’9 with a heavy frame, he showed range beyond the three, a high activity level, and a knack for blocking shots, eight total in game 1. His passing makes him an intriguing high post distributor. Working on his conditioning will take the 2024 big man’s game to the next level.
Daekwon Little
A team high of 15 points showed off a consistent stroke and a good transition game. Little went three of four from the corner and used his speed to convert defense into break away layups.
Jordan Matthews
A shifty handle led to several trips to the rack for Matthews. He loves to make moves out of size ups and has a nice finishing package. A midrange pull up and corner three highlighted his jump shooting.