Team Arsenal 17 Elite Players Are Ready
Team Arsenal 17 Elite, a Nor Cal based grassroots program was in action this weekend at the Nor Cal Summer Tip Off in Livermore, Ca. The successful showing of this group, going 4-0 indicates this team is ready to take the show on the road and compete entering this live July period that kicked off last weekend.
Leading the way is Isaiah Hawthorne, a 6’8 G/F considered by many to be the top 2019 player in Nor Cal. This smooth operator can score and finish in a variety of ways. He’s got the dribble-drive to the basket and can finish with either hand. His mid-range jumper, step back, and 3-point shooting was on full display this weekend as he looked to establish himself early on in the games. Isaiah is 6’8 with good ball-handling skills and the ability to create his own shot. His rebounding and pushing the ball up the court led to easy baskets on the break. And he passes over the top of a double-team in the open court.
Brett Thompson 5’10 point guard. A good on-ball defender. This prospect just flat out plays hard whenever he’s on the court; hustling and diving for loose balls, and he doesn’t seem to get tired. Brett did a good job of running the offense and getting the ball to team-mates in good position for them to score. His first game Saturday he scored 21 points, making 4 of 5 3-point shots leading to a win. He’s becoming the floor leader coaches look for in point guards.
Zyon Pullin 6’3 guard. A confident guard who can shoot from the 3-point arc and knock down mid-range shots, discovered this weekend that he can attack the rim on the dribble-drive and be effective. Zyon can switch to the point-guard spot at any given time. He’s a strong, tough-minded player, quick enough to stay with smaller guards and strong enough to guard bigger players, and he’s a good rebounder.
Jhaylon Martinez 6’10 center-forward (2020). This versatile big man showed he can be the X-factor for Team Arsenal during this Live period in July. Jhaylon displayed some new and improved foot-work in the post area this weekend when he repeatedly backed the defender down, pivoted, and did a jump-hook. Jhaylon routinely stepped out from the post and knocked down numerous mid-range shots. If you’re not equal in height, you’re going to have a tough time guarding him one-on-one in the post.
Simeon Richardson 6’5 forward. Most good teams have a player that comes off the bench and gives you solid play. Simeon seems to be that guy for this team. He doesn’t score a lot of points, but he plays good defense, usually on a player taller than he is. And he’s always in there fighting for position and boxing out on the boards. He’s got hops too. If the ball is anywhere near the rim he’ll go get it to block a shot, or throw it down.
Iniko McNeil 6’1 point guard, has good focus on the court. He’s a proficient ball handler who can penetrate to score or kick it out to an open team-mate. He does a good job executing the pick and roll, and has a nice mid-range jump shot. Niko is a good on-ball defender with good foot speed, quick hands, and is consistently in “good-help” position, on defense.