After several months, we’ve finally reached the point when travel ball takes a quick break and high school picks back up. This weekend typically serves as one of the last times for travel ball organizations to compete before July. This often leads to a slew of talented individuals playing for random squads with an interesting mix of kids. Fittingly enough, The Guys were arguably the most impressive team in attendance at our PXB Showcase. Led by year-round teammates (Broughton and SW15H Elite) Austin Youngs, Tanner Long, and Harrison Seale, they rounded out the roster with a variety of scrappy, unselfish guys who play hard and can each pass, dribble, and shoot. However, this context really allowed for that main trio to shine in a much different way than we’ve come to expect, going undefeated and winning a championship. Let’s take a closer look…
Anyone who has consistently watched Youngs is already aware of his ability to run a team with IQ, poise, and balance. However, this setting really allowed him to showcase the full arsenal. Although he still completely controlled the game from the point guard position, Youngs was able to freely and aggressively pick his spots as a scorer from all levels. He broke down defenders, touched the paint at will, and made consistently intelligent decisions with the ball in his hands. Youngs scored the ball in a multitude of ways, hitting shots, finishing at the basket, and applying pressure with his smooth middle game. He does a terrific job of playing off two feet and creating separation to get off clean looks or seeing the floor to locate cutters. Given that Youngs scored and set up others at such a high level, it’s difficult to identify what he actually did better throughout the weekend. Add in his defensive instincts, willingness to rebound, and constant involvement as an offensive focal point, and it was easy to be impressed. Still nearly two years removed from graduating, it’s clear that Youngs will be an impactful floor general at the next level.
In a similar vein, Long shifted his approach from role player to primary option for a strong stretch of games this weekend. He’s always been a terrific shooter, but this setting and structure allowed him to really test the limits of his ability. Any open look was guaranteed to become a shot attempt, and rightfully so, as his scoring was undeniably necessary for this team to beat opponents en route to an undefeated weekend. Long wasn’t afraid of any shot, no matter how daring or difficult. He knocked down a ton of regular, routine jumpers in real spot-up positions or coming off movement, but also excitedly stepped into thirty-footers whenever he wanted. That being said, Long also applied pressure off the bounce, hit midrange jumpers, and finished through contact or with craftiness at the basket. He made solid reads and passes to set up others in scoring positions as well. Long also forced turnovers and blocked several shots defensively. Given how he altered his approach for the weekend, he offered a very fun, entertaining wrinkle for this group.
Clearly different than his cohorts above, Seale did a lot of the dirty work to propel this team forward. Although the guard duo handled most of the scoring, he did all of the other stuff. Seale still displayed his usual approach, playing hard, battling for extra possessions, and filling in the gaps as needed. He’s a capable finisher and floor-spacing option, but doesn’t need a ton of touches to find offensive involvement. Seale constantly outworks opponents on the glass and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities or runs the floor properly in transition. Although he’s still getting more athletic, he does a terrific job of playing hard and positioning himself for success on either side of the ball. Seale is also a very solid interior defender with the length and timing to block shots at a nice rate. His game should only continue to grow, but it’s easy to appreciate all the ways he makes an impact.