Renton Slamboree Standouts and Stock Risers
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Saturday’s Slamboree was a quick preview of how some of the state’s top prospects will fit into their teams this season and gave a glimpse into how their games have evolved since I saw them last. Here are just a…
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Continue ReadingSaturday’s Slamboree was a quick preview of how some of the state’s top prospects will fit into their teams this season and gave a glimpse into how their games have evolved since I saw them last. Here are just a few of the players who were able to make good impressions in little time at the Renton Slamboree.
Simmons’ activity Saturday was second to none. His jumper looked smooth and confident, leading him to hit multiple threes and draw defenders out of the paint. He is the clear number one option for Renton on offense and played with that kind of confidence. Not only was he hitting shots, but he showed a good feel for finding teammates around the bucket when he felt that extra defender closing in on him. He was matched up with Jacob Cofie Jacob Cofie 6’10” | PF Eastside Catholic | 2024 State #97 Nation WA in his first game and went right at him with aggressive moves and held his own against one of the best forwards in the 2024 class. If this is a sign of things to come, Simmons looks ready to take a massive step forward this season.
Highlights
There is no missing Washington on the court. He is big, strong and makes it readily apparent with the way he attacks the rim on both ends of the floor. Monster jams, big-time blocks, and he showed good ability to cover ground, blocking a three after a long closeout. He is going to make most players think twice about challenging him at the rim and seemed to relish contact, not just at the rim, but setting screens, boxing out, and owning his space on the court.
This lightening quick point guard showed that burst off on Saturday, getting to the hole and finishing through lots of traffic. We knew about his dynamic scoring ability after last season, but he looks ready to be a true floor general this year, communicating with teammates and taking advantage of all the talent around him. There is enough firepower at Beach to share the scoring load, but Gurske should be one of the more consistent players they have and will be able to rack up the assists as he breaks down defenses off the dribble.
Highlights
Patrice Mpouli
Patrice Mpouli
Each time I’ve seen Mpouli he’s given me more and more reason to watch even closer. Saturday, he showed that even as a freshman he is ready to be a big-time contributor on a highly talented team. He has energizer bunny energy from the jump and is a non-stop attacker on both ends of the floor. In a close, defensive battle with few points on the board, Mpouli used his long reach to poke out multiple steals and create important breakaway buckets. He shot the three well, mixed up his drives with short pullup jumpers, and wanted the ball in big situations. Mpouli is a prospect you cannot miss.
Johnson III has the potential to be an elite scorer as he continues to get more and more work. His length is a huge factor, allowing him to get around defenders with a quick first move and reach past them at the rim for smooth finishes. He was scoring from inside and out and showed off one of the more confident and smooth shots from long-range. Simply put, he has the look of a natural hooper with the instincts to break his man down and also find little ways off the ball to put himself in impactful positions.