Tywon McKenzie 6’6 230 2020 Churchland High School, Portsmouth VA
Tywon is physically imposing and surprisingly agile for such a young player of his size. He doesn’t mind banging inside against other bigs and isn’t afraid to assert himself and go right at his opponent. Even as physical as he can play, he is light on his feet running the floor and extremely fluid for his size. He is a strong finisher around the basket, able to fight through contact and finish. Tywon can also step out to 18 feet and knock down the jumper demonstrating solid shot mechanics and a soft touch. Also has the agility to straight line drive in space, length allows him to finish from different angles around the rim. More of a face up post he has very good footwork and mobility. Quick face up, rip through from the mid post and a developing array of high post moves which compliment his good passing skills. He can stretch the floor a little bit. Does a good job recognizing and passing out of double teams. Tywon demonstrates a great deal of versatility defensively thanks to his length, agility and timing around the rim. Has good feet guarding other bigs away from the rim. He is an active rebounder, quick off his feet, pursues rebounds aggressively. Tywon made great stride as the high school season progressed and given his willingness to be coached and his strong work ethic I can’t help but be excited about his upside. An impact player in the making!
George Cutler IV 5’10 152 2021 Cape Henry Collegiate School, Virginia Beach VA
George is a true floor general in every sense of the word. He has a high basketball IQ, he’s quick and athletic with a tight handle and he plays with a lot of heart and effort. George has cat like quickness with the ball in his hands, explosive and shifty. He can change speeds effortlessly, varies the rhythm of his dribble and stays in attack mode keeping pressure on defenders as he pushes tempo. George is a pass first guard with excellent vision and passing skills. Despite an often frenetic pace, George always seems to be under control, has a calm demeanor and displays great poise. He uses change of pace and crossovers well, can dominate the space between himself and his defender which keeps defenders at his mercy. A left handed shooter has a smooth and compact release that is quick enough to allow him to shoot over taller defenders. Very good shot maker in the mid range, can pull up off a quick dribble move and with good elevation and smooth stroke knock down the jumper at a high percentage. Doesn’t shoot enough from three point range to assess but he doesn’t need to as he gets the looks he wants with his quickness and ball handling wizardry that allows him to advance the ball deep into the defense. George is a lock down defender using quick feet, active hands to stay in front of and hound ball handlers. He does not get beat and will take the ball from you. Will defend 94 feet! He is a tough and scrappy player, skilled and talented and is a hard hat type player. George is one of the 757’s most promising guards and has tremendous upside.
Thalmus Reed 5’9 150 2022 Hampton High School, Hampton VA
Thalmus can flat out score! A slippery and quick playmaker with long arms and shifty penetrating moves he can get to the rim or knock down the jumper with three point range. He is very athletic, lanky and agile, has quick feet and sound ball handling skills. Thalmus is an outstanding scorer who can hit the three pointer but also score in the mid range, does a great job getting separation and knocking down shots off the dribble or on a catch and shoot. Has a smooth stroke and a high release. He is extremely efficient offensively, really tough to stay in front of and can either pull up or get to the rim. Does a great job turning the corner and breaking down the defense with very good ball handling skills and an assortment of dribble moves, changes speeds and has an explosive burst. Thalmus can get into the lane with very good regularity, draw the defense and find open teammates. He does a very good job seeing the floor and reading the defense. Can play either guard position with equally productive and efficient results. He is very good on the defensive end as well using his long arms and great lateral quickness to contain the dribble. Keeps his hands active, maintains sound defensive posture. Displays very good anticipation and quick hands when going for strips and deflections. Thalmus has a very good chance of being a varsity contributor as early as next year and will eventually be one of the area’s best playmakers. He has all the intangibles to become a household name in the 757 and another in long line talented guards out of Hampton High School.