“Best Available” – Player Notes
There was a lot of basketball played this summer. There were times where I was traveling back and forth between 4 different gyms just to see the talent due to so many teams participating in showcases and high level tournaments in Seattle. With the beginning of the 2018 high school basketball season right around the corner, there are still plenty of talented collegiate prospects that are available to fit a number of different systems. Over the next week or so, we will be doing a “Best Available” series, giving coaches an idea of what kids are available and what kind of style they play in. From guards to post there are still some kids who are deserving of the additional attention.
Class of 2019 6’4 point guard Griffin Effenberger has been making a name for himself on the circuit. Already playing for a top tier program like Washington Supreme. Griffin looks to turn heads and land some interest during the Live period.
Griffin is one of the most underrated guards in the state of Washington. He is long, athletic and has the ability to handle the ball against small guards. In some of his more recent tournament play he has shown that he can also knock down tough shots in tough situations. With an increasing skill-set and a great coaching staff at his disposal he will continue to build on his abilities.
Drive Elite’s 2018 point guard Miguel Tomley is a walking bucket getter. He can put his team on his back for stretches of a game and that continued throughout the summer. He is a slick and wiry floor general that has a ton of speed. Pushes it in the open floor and has the ability to blow past his defender. Plus passer that sees the floor especially in transition, but is making significant strides in the half court getting others involved. Jump shot is a weapon from mid-range and while streaky from deep he can hit them from beyond the arc. Tomley has asserted himself into the mid-major plus and potentially high-major category.
The 6’0 guard from Bothell High School is set to have a huge year. Quentin Young is a leader on the court. He is an athletic, quick guard who attacks the rim with force and displays strong defensive skill sets. He has a solid mid-range and 3 point jump shot and is a very dynamic player that is considered to be an electrifying offensive weapon in the open court due to his great speed, quickness and offensive abilities. As cited from the Ballislife 2015 Jr. All American Final Assessment: “Quentin possesses a special IQ and court vision on the court and demonstrates a strong ability to locate the open man on the court.” Quentin is particularly adept at adjusting his playing style to fit the situation i.e. Quentin can play very effectively at a high rapid pace and is equally effective at operating within a systematic half court offensive. This ability, basketball IQ and skill level has allowed Quentin to effectively move between the two approaches during the game, without losing his ability to finish aggressively offensively.
Class of 2020 5’11 point guard Micah Paulsen looks to put his name on the map with an impressive play during the July viewing period.
Despite standing at 5’11 on a good day, Micah’s ability to change the game as both an on ball defender and dynamic go-to scorer is the reason he has received many compliments from coaches and will eventually draw some interest. He believes during the July viewing period he will be able to show exactly what he can bring to a team at the next level.
When you think of a combo guard, you think of a player who can shoot, handle the ball and create opportunities for his teammates. Cole Hicks embodies that style of play. Standing 5 foot 11, his speed and ball handling ability enables him to get to the basket with ease.
Cole has expressed that, “a good Division 2 college would be a great fit.” However, he is still pushing for some low to mid-level Division 1 exposure during this season. With hard nose work ethic and his passion to stay in the gym and perfect his craft. The only thing that could hold him back is exactly what he looks at in the mirror before a he steps on the floor. “HIMSELF.”
Cole has a good head on his shoulders and in the classroom he is a standout. A kid like this will bring stability to any program, hard work and 100% commitment. Within the last few months his workouts have been ramped up and he is looking more like a D1 recruit. Schools like Seattle U, Eastern Washington, Portland State could use a young man like this.