In a matchup against a state champion-level opponent, it appeared as if Cannon was the real contender. While they received meaningful contributions from Jake Baker, Matthew Sancho, and Gabriel Steinour, the Cougars were ultimately led by the trio of Kenan Dixon, Sean Nix, and Evan Ingram. It didn’t take long to realize that it was going to be “one of those games” for Dixon, as he was basically unguardable. The eight three-pointers would imply he was mainly looking to spot up and hit jumpers. However, Dixon was legitimately getting whatever he wanted offensively. Yes, he took advantage of any space from beyond the arc but also attacked the basket, pulled up off the bounce, and made smart reads as a playmaker. Though he may appear somewhat unassuming at first glance, Dixon is an absolute killer.

His backcourt mate, Nix, clearly stands out as an all-around leader despite being only a sophomore. He’s already a strong, intelligent guard with the poise and well-rounded skillset to reliably dictate the action as a primary creator. Nix is very patient and unselfish, which is a perfect recipe for the guy you want running your offense. He gets downhill, forces the defense to collapse, and consistently makes the correct read with the ball in his hands. That being said, Nix can finish or hit jumpers at an efficient rate from the perimeter. He’s a reliable defender and rebounder who provides a dependable identity on both ends of the floor.

Rounding out their trio, Ingram clearly stands out as a main x-factor and utility piece. He’s a versatile wing/forward who can do a little bit of everything on the court. Ingram is well-rounded enough to rebound, defend multiple positions, and operate in several roles offensively. His motor, cutting instincts, and nose for the ball allow him to impact the game with or without the ball in his hands. Ingram does a phenomenal job of filling in the gaps for this group and has the tools to play at the next level.

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