Swish N’ Dish: Derrick’s Sunday Dimes
Prep Hoops Illinois was on hand for the final day of NY2LA Swish N’ Dish Championship Sunday brought out some big performances and many players were out to boost their stock. We look at some of the standout performances of Day 3 here!
G-Justin Eaging 6’2’’ (2019) Kessel Heat
The sharpshooter couldn’t miss in the Semifinal of 16U play against Bradley Beal Elite as he knocked down 7 threes’ in the game finishing with 21 points in a tough lost. The 2018 SG out of Downers Grove South has a quick release and doesn’t need much space to get his shot off. Eaging did a good job moving without the ball to get open. His 7 3-pointers was one of the top shooting performance of the event. Small college prospect.
SG- Mario McKinney 6’2’’ (2019) Vashon (MO) – Brad Beal Elite EYBL
The 6’2’’ SG from Vashon HS was electric out in the open court for Brad Beal Elite formerly known as the St. Louis Eagles. In the Semifinal matchup, I scouted McKinney displayed slick ball handing out on the break with slashing and dashing his way to 14 points to lead the BBE in the win. The lefty also has a smooth stoke from the perimeter. McKinney also can affect the game defensively with solid on ball defense, he rebounds well from the guard spot and also went up a blocked a shot pinning in against the backboard flashing his athleticism. D1 prospect with offers from Auburn, DePaul, Kansas State, Mizzou, SLU, Southern Miss & Tulsa.
F- Chris Payton 6’6’’ (2019) Bloomington (IL)- Brad Beal Elite EYBL
The forward played above the rim Sunday throwing down multiple big dunks, both from in transition, and out on the break. His hands and footwork improved as did the ability to face up and knock down shots from the baseline. Payton also was a force on defense blocking shots and staying active on D.
G- Dee Bailey 6’0’’ (2018) Champaign Central (IL)- Illinois Irish
Bailey was fantastic in a victory over Windy City Magic where is scored from all 3 levels. Bailey controlled the tempo for the Irish. He showed the ability to knock down shots from outside either off the catch or dribble. His ability to be a threat from the perimeter made the defense be honest and respect his shot which opened up his dribble drive game where he would get to the lane and take the shot or dish it out to his forwards for an assist. A plus passer he made good decisions with the ball and didn’t turn it over much. Bailey finished with 16 points in the win.
G- DJ Steward 6’3’’ (2020) Fenwick HS- Meanstreets
Coming off a breakout Freshman season at Fenwick HS, the 2020 Guard impressed at Swish N Dish. Steward is a long lanky guard that can play on or off the ball with solid handles and a quick first step to the hoop. He started off the game I scouted with 8 points in the first couple of minutes. He had a nice dribble drive for a bucket then a corner three with a defender right in his face. Steward then brought the ball up court a couple possessions later and drilled a three from the top of the key about 25 feet deep. Steward has a true scorers’ mentality and can do it in so many ways which make him a tough match-up for opponents. Like the upside and if he continues to play like he has the last couple of months he will be poised for a breakout summer. D1 prospect potential.
G- Chris Grubbs 6’5’’ (2020) G3 Rising Stars (IN)
Grubbs finished with 16 points in a win over Meanstreets 15U an intriguing prospect with good size for a WG/WF player. Grubbs can handle it and play out on the perimeter or go in the post and post up smaller defenders. Had a monster one handed slam over a defender out in transition, and had another dunk on a baseline drive. Had solid form on his shot and plays with a high motor certainly a prospect to track with D1 potential.
G-Torrence Watson 6’4” (2018) Whitfield (MO) – Jets-Ramey United
Watson was one of the top performers in the entire event and it showed in the game I scouted. Watson is a prototype shooting guard with good size, a nice handle and can finish around the rim. Watson has a quick release on his shot and can score off the catch or dribble. He has improved his isolation moves and can score in many ways. When he attacks the rim he is under control and can finish. What I liked about Watson is he plays with a good motor and completes hard on both ends of the court. High major D1 talent with multiple offers already, but look for that list to grow throughout the spring/summer.
G- Aundre Williams 6’0 (2017) – Illinois Irish
The unsigned senior played well off the ball for the Irish 17U finishing with a team high 18 points in a win over Windy City Magic. Williams started out hot in the first half hitting threes’ and slashing from the wing. Has a good motor and brought energy early that translated over to his teammates. Would be a quality addition to a D2 program.
PF- Joshua Wallace 6’6’’ (2019) CBC (MO) – Brad Beal Elite EYBL
The forward out of St. Louis impressed Sunday with an efficient game from the field for the Brad Beal Elite 16U. He used his size well in the post and got into good position on the block to be able to receive a pass and make a move to score. Wallace attacks the glass and has a good second jump to keep balls alive and get second chance points with offensive rebounds.