Summer league players to watch: McClintock Chargers
The McClintock Chargers basketball team finished a 19-8 season in 2017-18 by bowing out in the first round of the 5A playoffs in a close contest against Apollo.
The Chargers bring back their top three scorers, and look to be a team focused on reaching and advancing even further in the postseason this year.
Here are five players to watch for McClintock in summer league and the season moving forward:
- Josh Baker
Last season’s top scorer – averaging over 20 points a game – was also the top rebounder and assist compiler for the Chargers, and looks to be the engine that moves this team forward in his senior year. Utilizing his dribbling ability to both sides, he drives into the lane to either hit lay ups or make plays for teammates. When that gets taken away, he can shoot the outside jumper as well as nearly anybody in 5A.
- Jalen Calvert
Another rising senior, Calvert will be relied on heavily in the low block. Though by no means are the Chargers a tiny team, Calvert is usually the only true big man on the floor for McClintock. He can score and pass well from the post, and is tough to box out for rebounds on both ends. On defense, he protects the rim effectively, and is likely to have a game-and-momentum-changing block or dunk any time he is on the floor.
- Armani Williams
A true utility player, Williams does everything well on the court. He can set great screens and me the unnoticed plays necessary to win, but also light up the scoreboard and rebounds if given the opportunity. With the other offensive talent on the floor for McClintock, Williams normally does not have to have the ball in his hands too often to be effective. When he gets into his defensive stance, he uses his strength to make life difficult for his opponents, especially when the Chargers move into a press.
- Mekhi Rodgers
Much like Williams, Rodgers is somewhat of a glue guy for the Chargers, doing a lot that does not show up in the stat sheet, though he was the third-leading scorer last season. As a senior, he is a solid on-ball defender and adds to the depth of the offense, able to make plays both with and without the ball in his hands, especially with the second unit when some of the other starters sit.
- Donavan Williams
The senior is tough to pass when he sets himself on defense, using his long arms and quick feet to bother ball handlers on the whole court. He thrives when McClintock uses its press, usually as the first line able to cause errant passes and turnovers, which he can turn into steals. With the ball in his hands, Williams loves to get out in transition and collect easy points, either for himself or to teammates running alongside him.