By; DeAjai Dawkins
2023 Horaces Jacques (Upward Stars Select 17U).
One of my favorite players of the day, Horaces Jacques separated himself as one of the best guards I watched this weekend. Jacques is a respectable downhill threat attacking at his own pace and while keeping his head on a swivel. While his facilitation will continue to benefit from improvement, I believe Jacques can be trusted as a facilitator. He shows some craftiness in his offensive approach and showed his ability to hit open defenders at a moments notice. He’s simply a competitor that positively contributes to winning. Colleges coaches should be monitoring his 2022-2023.
2024 Jordan Patton (Elite 1)
Jordan Patton has undergone such an impressive leap in his overall development. His freshman summer, Patton he carved a reputation as a productive, undersized forward with a high motor. Now, Patton has paired his pre-existing ability to rebound at a high level with a refined handle and comfortable leaping abilities. Entering his junior season at Chambers, Patton is a legitimate guard/wing with burst and two-way value. I believe that Patton’s development will only result in increased opportunities.
2023 Johnell Sindab (Upward Stars Select 17U)
Johnell’s uniqueness is the initial reason I began paying close attention to the details of his game. He’s not a complex player, rather one of the more unique guards I’ve seen this weekend. Sindab showed an impressive level of electricity this weekend, using his first step to get into the lane time & time again. He’s always near the basketball, carrying along the competitiveness that his backcourt made Jacques Horaces plays with. Johnell contribution’s to an already hard-working roster contributes to winning as much as anything.
2023 Tydriez Coleman (Upward Stars Select 17U)
One desire I’ve constantly heard reiterated from college coaches is a reliable big man at the high school level. Given that college basketball is virtually ran by grown men, it is difficult to find many high schoolers with the physique, IQ, and energy level required to compete amongst college basketball’s more tenured/elite players. For this reason, I believe it’s important to key in on high school prospects that show legitimate signs of fitting that mold one day; Tydriez Coleman serves as an example of this. Coleman is a budding forward that could potentially fulfill the aforementioned qualities. He’s currently a rim running, rebounding forward that has the length to defend opposing bigs. Standing around 6’8, Coleman could benefit from improving his strength to solidify his value at the next level.
2023 Fletcher Bigham (PSB Elite Larkin 17U)
On the subject of big men that could potentially prove their value to the next level, Fletcher Bigham is an increasingly reliable stretch forward for this roster. Given that PSB Elite Larkin has already proven to be a collective of perimeter marksmen, Bigham is a sensible piece of the puzzle. Along with providing an advantage when he’s hitting, Bigham’s long, 6’7 frame is enough to provide this group an interior boost defensively.
6’8 2024 Levon Jacobs (Elite 1)
Levon Jacobs is an incredibly important addition to a roster that has seen success since their very first tournament almost 2 years ago. Not only does the forward present this roster with size, but he works harder than a majority of the opposing forward’s he’ll be faced with at this level. He’s a prime example of someone who can contribute at high levels while still undergoing the necessary offensive development to contribute at the next level. Jacobs moves well on the floor and utilizes his motor to both impact shots & rebound. He’s someone you should expect to give you 100% effort.
2024 Kaleb James (Fear No One NLPB)
Kaleb is a talented wing prospect that could really provide a ton of value at the varsity level for the next two years. The wiry wing showed an ability to approach the game from all 3 levels on the offensive end, hitting open 3’s, picking his midrange spots, and attacking the rim at will. He’s athletic enough to challenge defenders in the air and ultimately favored his attack-first mindset. I’m extremely interested to see where the next two years lead him.
*Player Matchup of the weekend: 2024 Carson Daniel (BSA Supreme) vs 2024 Elijah Redfern (Team Loaded)*
I’m a huge supporter of talented players matching up against other talented players, as the battle oftentimes serves as the tone-setter for the other 8 players on the floor. My favorite matchup of this weekend came between one of the event’s strongest live ball-handlers in Elijah Redfern, and one of the event’s strongest on-ball defenders in Carson Daniel. Redfern’s ability to maintain composure through tight pressure is impressive enough, let alone his ability to advance the ball past that pressure & get to the rim. Daniel’s defensive engagement is a coach’s dream. He seems to constantly be in position to make a play on the ball and takes pride in his defensive presence. Redfern’s Team Loaded squad ultimately notched a 73-71 win, carrying along the confidence that Redfern displayed thru his offense.