Derrick’s Dimes – NY2LA Swish N’ Dish Sunday Standouts
Mequon, WI – Sunday was the final day of an action-packed weekend of hoops in Mequon, WI for the NY2LA Swish N Dish Tournament. Several players from the state had solid final day performances as did some out of state prospects as well. We look at some of the standouts here in Derrick’s Dimes – NY2LA Swish N’ Dish Sunday Standouts
PG – 2020 6’1” Michael Saunders Jr (George Hill G3 Grind) IN
The Lawrence North HS point guard Michael Saunders Jr. led his G3 team to a big victory over the Mac Irvin Fire where he scored 16 points in the win. He was able to handle the defensive pressure applied and sliced his way through the press to set up his teammates early in the game I scouted. Saunders plays with poise and never seemed fazed. He got in going offensively off the bounce and used a quick first step to get to the basket where he took it strong to the hole and finished through contact. I was impressed with how he played the PG position, he set up teammates, got everyone in their spots, and hit some big shots down the stretch to stop a mini run. The 2020 guard already holds several D1 scholarship offers including offers from Indiana State, Miami (OH), DePaul, SFA and VCU.
PG – 2021 5’10” Kyonte Thomas (Team Rose) IL
I got my first look at Bolingbrook High School PG Kyonte Thomas who runs with Team Rose 15U squad. My first impression was this kid plays with a major motor. He picks up full court on defense and attacks on offense where he loves to get into the lane and use his quickness and handle to get to the rim where is can finish, he had two tough and-1 finishes in the game I scouted. He is a fast twitch guy that is athletic. Thomas scored 16 points in a tough loss to a talented All-Ohio team. Will be another young PG in the class of 2021 to track this spring.
G- 2021 5’10” Markeise Irvin (Team Rose) IL
Markeise Irvin is a compact guard who can shoot it from deep for Team Rose. I really like the toughness of Irvin who like teammate Kyonte Thomas plays with a high motor and energy. He uses that same energy and grit he brings to turn it into production on the offensive end. He can score many ways and if you close out to hard looking to keep him from shooting a 3 he can blow by his defender off the dribble to score in the lane where he uses his strength and quickness to finish. Irvin had 20 points in the loss to All-Ohio EYBL 15U.
F/C 2019 6’9” Francis Okoro (Brad Beal Elite) IL
The big man out of Normal community imposed his will in the paint in a 70-34 Victory over the Meanstreets where he scored 18 points. He scored off both post moves and second chance offensive boards. Okoro also runs the floor well and had some big slams out on the break for Brad Beal Elite. He has a much approved his touch around the rim and has a variety of post-up moves to beat you with and shot it well from the line. The high major prospect continues to improve and is looking to have another solid spring/summer with BBE.
F – 2019 6’7” EJ Liddell (Brad Beal Elite) IL
Coming off a stellar junior year where EJ Liddell won a state title with Belleville East and took home the individual honor of Gatorade Player of the year in the State of Illinois. Liddell was efficient all weekend and had a big game in the final four matchup vs the Mac Irvin Fire. Liddell put up 16 points in the win, where he was able to score from inside or out has a much-improved shot from the perimeter that had improved every year since I first saw him two years ago. A much quicker release on his shot and handles also have improved. His ability to be versatile scoring makes him a very tough match up because he can still play back to the basket. He was a rim protector on defense and has some big-time blocks in the win. HM prospect that should cause problems in the frontcourt with Okoro on the circuit for Brad Beal Elite
G – 2021 6’5” Max Christie (Illinois Wolves UAA) IL
Rolling Meadows high school SG Max Christie can fill it up. That was my first impression watching the freshman play at Swish N Dish. Christie has a smooth shot from deep and quick release with good mechanics. Christie is a lanky 6’5” but will likely fill out as he is just a freshman. Plays with such poise and score from all three levels. Flashed some post-up game in the game I scouted and has a good basketball IQ he was constantly in the right spot on defense and hitting the open man on offense. Christie had HM potential and we look forward to seeing more of the young prospect out on the circuit this Spring.