Kettering District Stock Risers: Seniors
Last night’s triple-header at the University of Dayton was thoroughly entertaining. We saw competitive basketball by guys who were truly battling to keep their State Championship hopes alive. What we saw was good basketball, in part because of the teams. But also, in large part to the premier individual performances.
Let’s look at those individual players who exceeded expectations last night…
Torrey Patton, 6’4” G, Trotwood Madison
The Prep Hoops Ohio Player of the Year candidate made it look easy against Urbana in their 86-52 win. Patton weaved through full-court pressure in the second half, getting all the way to the basket for lay-ups.
However, it was the eight assists that caught our attention. In the half-court, Patton draws eyes. Patton would patiently gather, wait for the pressure, take one or two dribbles, then zing a pass cross-court for an easy shot. Patton’s teammates benefitted and converted on softly contested jumpers and floaters, while the defense scrambled to react.
Amir Foster, 6’1” G, Trotwood Madison
Urbana point guard Jace Underwood could not get a single step on Foster pretty much all night. Foster is trusted at the top of Trotwood’s infamous full-court pressure. Rightfully so. His length, athleticism, and effort are the components that lead to him being an elite on-ball defender. Offensively, Foster is best in transition, attacking the rim.
(We will have a second Recruiting Report on Foster later today. He picked up new interest after his performance last night.)
Malek Green, 6’6” W, Cincinnati Taft
Green, who had to adjust to some incredible off-ball denial from Dayton Carroll, only attempted four field goals last night in their win. However, he got to the line 11 times and was a force defensively. Green embraced the non-scoring role halfway through the contest by cleaning up the boards (12 total) and rejecting/contesting lay-ups.
Virgil Lackey, 6’7” F, Cincinnati Taft
Lackey was the difference in the game. At 6’7”, he had a clear height advantage against Carroll. However, Carroll was the more physical team until Lackey decided to throw his body around. Lackey only attempted two field goals, but his ability to get to the line in the fourth sealed the game. His five blocked shots made Carroll hesitant to drive.
Lackey also stepped out and guarded on the perimeter when asked — his long arms and solid feet allowed for him to leave a small cushion, making him very effective out there.
Ezyontae Brazzle, 6’ G, Cincinnati Taft
Brazzle led all scorers with 19. Because of Carroll’s defense collapsing on the drive, he was able to get wide open looks from deep. He shot the ball with confidence, which helped momentum.
Storm Cook, 5’10” G, Dayton Dunbar
Cook went 3-5 from deep, shooting it off the dribble and the catch. His shooting versatility is a nice attribute. Cook is always looking for his shot, but only forced once or twice. He’s key for Dunbar’s chances going forward, because his teammates like to penetrate and kick out to him.
Lonnie Grayson, 6’1” G, Wyoming
Coming into the game, I made the mistake of thinking Grayson was a defensive specialist. While he’s still fantastic at moving his feet, the offensive side is where he shined. Grayson drew separation with some step-backs and converted on threes. Wyoming probably should have gone to the pick-and-roll for Grayson more often, as he was manipulating his defender with ease.
Grayson is committed to Army West Point.