Prodigy Simms 5’9 130 2024 Staunton High School, Staunton VA
I imagine there might be a little pressure associated with having the name Prodigy; a person endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities. An aura of high expectations attaches to such a name. But Prodigy Simms embraces challenge and works tirelessly on his own trying to meet the high expectations he has set for himself. Not many kids show up on a hot sunny morning with a parachute and cones to do sprints and ball handling drills game speed, pushing themselves to be better today than yesterday. The hard work shows!
Prodigy is an athletic and quick playmaker with a three-level scoring ability. He’s an excellent ball-handler who uses crossovers, between the legs dribbles and change of pace to keep defenders off balance. He likes to get downhill and does so effectively attacking the rim with aggression embracing contact and finishing at a good rate. He’s a solid passer, demonstrates very good vision and decision making skills, and he can fire a pass nearly the length of the floor and on target to cutters in transition. In the open floor, he has good speed with the ball in his hands, pushes the ball aggressively and makes very good decisions. Perhaps his biggest strength is his shot-making skills.
Prodigy is a very good three point shooter; shows good consistency on spot ups but can also step in off the dribble and knock down shots with good consistency beyond the arc. He can also use a shot fake and drive to the rim or pull up and knock down shots in the mid range areas at an impressive rate. He’s very competent operating in the mid range either with catch and shoot opportunities or pulling up off a dribble move and is very productive as a passer while navigating the tight confines of the half court drawing defenders and dishing to open teammates. Shows good versatility as a shooter and sound shot mechanics. He has a solid feel, good poise. Prodigy is a tough, physical defender who moves his feet nicely and contains the dribble. Quick enough to take it from you if you don’t take care of the basketball. I really like his upside given his work ethic and competitiveness coupled with very good athleticism and obvious talent. Watch for Prodigy Simms to put himself on the map here in the not too distant future.