“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 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.
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.
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.
Class of 2019 point guard Dawson Landers of Capital high school is usually the most headiest player on the court, but has the heart the size of a mountain. The 5’10 guard plays with a big chip on his shoulder, which enables him to come up with big performances in big games. He is a tough-minded young man who loves when the game is on the line. As a sophmore, Dawson led the Cougars in scoring, assist and steals. He is a talented point guard who can facilitate and get buckets when he needs to. Dawson was one of the top players in the 3A south sound league earning him a second-team all conference selection. He averaged 15.7 points a game along with 5 assists a game.
Class of 2019 shooting guard Gerald Boston Jr,. from Lynnwood High School is a very balanced guard that can shoot, pass, rebound and play defense. His length and speed are traits that make him one of the better athletes in the state. He has a very good vertical that gives him the ability to finish above the rim and block opponents shots as well. Gerald also has a knack of knowing when to pass instead of shoot as well. He has become an elite prospect. Boston Jr. has developed into a smooth combo guard, now running more point guard, creating plays off the dribble. With his ability to shoot the jump shot and create for his teammates, Gerald is due for a big time offer pretty soon.