Continuing our Phenom Open Gym Tour, Patrick O’Brien went down to Independence high school who is coming off a 22-8 season last year. Coach Davis will have a different looking team than last year, as they will be more of a guard-oriented team that looks to play fast, create havoc defensively, and attack. But it will also be a team mentality, as they have options as far as scorers and will have to help get on the boards.
Let’s dive into the roster a little more for the Patriots though from what we saw.
2021 Jalen Hinton
He is a small scoring guard that their leading scorer that is returning, coming off a junior season in which he averaged 10.5 points. Hinton is a quick and aggressive guard that can spot up and knock down shots, hitting 66 3-pointers last season. He will now be one of the go-to players for the Patriots.
2021 Tachai Miller
Miller is a shifty, quick ball-handler that uses his size to his advantage. He can change directions well and is incredibly quick with his handles, creating space and getting defenders guessing. He also is a solid defender, coming off a season in which he averaged 2.1 steals per game. Miller will be another experienced senior that will be counted on big to elevate his game.
2021 Divine Allah
He played in 28 games last year as a junior and is one that can be a two-way prospect on the court. Allah is a good defender, bringing tremendous energy and motor but can also help in the scoring column as well.
2022 Amir Davenport
Davenport was once with the program and has now transferred back to Independence. The strongly built guard brings an aggressive, tough mindset to the floor, while also giving them another ball-handler. He certainly should continue to add depth and experience to this team.
2022 Ralph Johnson
RJ is one of the few guys that brings length and size to the table. He is more of a wing but he will have to play big for this team with the lack of size. Johnson though is an athletic prospect that will be counted on getting on the boards and he is looking to improve his ability to knock down shots.
2022 Landon King
King could be a player on the rise, as he is one that can score from all levels. He shows that he can create for himself and attack the basket, but also knock down jumpers. He brings yet another scoring guard to this team and is one that is only scratching the surface.
2021 Cam Little
He holds an offer already, as Little looks to be a leader on the court and a glue-guy. Little has a smooth release and has a great feel for spacing on the floor. He plays with a great IQ as well.
2021 Reggie Smith is a bigger prospect but also a senior that the coaches are hoping he can help on the boards but also knock down shots. 2021 Ziare Maye provides this team a 3-point shooter, and 2022 Sebastion Taylor is another name to watch inside the arc.