Spring Kick Off (2017): Saturday Morning Session — Glue Guys/Intangibles
The action kicked off in earnest Saturday morning to begin the first full day of the second annual Prep Hoops Spring Kickoff.
While there were plenty of players who stood out for their playmaking ability, others turned heads by simply doing all the little things to help their teams.
Here’s a closer look at that group from Saturday morning:
Jordan Malm, 6-0 2019 guard, Wyoming Power 16U
Malm’s strength Saturday morning was easy to identify. He caught fire from 3-point range to lead the Power to a victory over the Colorado Miners 16U squad. But it was all the little things Malm did — playing solid help defense, making the extra pass, pushing the pace in transition — that made for a “glue game” from the smooth left-hander.
Ronnie DeGray, 6-6 2019 forward, Billups Elite 16U
You don’t typically think of a leading scorer as the “glue guy,” but DeGray earned the distinction by how he went about his business Saturday morning in Billups’ victory over a game B&B Academy squad. DeGray kept attacking, making a lot of second-effort plays that ended in putbacks. He displayed his perimeter ability, comfortably handling the ball under pressure and distributing to teammates. He had the whole package going, and it’s an impressive one for the constantly improving prospect.
Kevin Sax, 6-7 2019 forward, Colorado Premier 16U
The young big is certainly starting to grow into his frame. He stood out early in a Premier win over the SevenTwentyKingz by setting hard, effective screens, rolling to the basket and working hard around the glass. He runs the floor well for a big man. With two years left of high school ball, it will be interesting to watch this young big develop.
Tristan Pratt, 6-5 2019 forward, The Force 16U
Pratt is long and athletic and has a strong motor, which is a good foundation to be an impactful player given his size. He can finish above the rim and has good touch on his midrange jumper, but his greatest strength comes in his ability to apply pressure on both ends of the floor. His energy helped The Force to a victory in morning action.
Isaac Townsend, 6-6 2019 forward, B&B Academy 10th
The muscular big man was an active defender in two early games for B&B Academy. He runs the floor really well for his size and plays with toughness under the rim. Boxes out well. He was diving for loose balls, blocking shots and seemed to continuously make the smart play.
Blake Whitelaw, 6-7 2019 forward, Colorado Miners 16U
Whitelaw continues to emerge as a shot-blocking force. He is a disruptive force in the middle. That’s do in part because of his size, but he also has deceptive athleticism. He showed ability to finish with both hands in the paint, and he’s good touch passer. He’s in the mix a lot and has strong upside.
Brett Chapple, 6-5 2019 forward, SSA Elite 16U
The forward is simply a solid player who makes winning plays. In one of the morning’s most exciting games, SSA Elite’s buzzer-beating win over Colorado Chaos, Chapple came up with big offensive rebounds, contested shots and got to 50-50 balls. His energy helped set the tone.