Summer league players to watch: Horizon Huskies
As the Horizon Huskies basketball team competes in summer league, it appears that graduating three of the top four scorers has the team in a rebuilding stage. Horizon went 17-9 in the 2017-18 season, securing a 9-seed and bowing out of the first round of the AIA 6A playoffs.
If the Huskies hope to reach that same record in the 2018-19 season, many former role and bench players will have to step up. Here are four of the key Horizon players to look out for this summer and moving forward into the season:
- Aidyn Albright
The lone double-digit scorer returning for the Huskies, much of the load will be put on his shoulders as the lead guard. He is a quality ball handler, able to dribble effectively in both directions, and always is looking to get teammates involved on drive-and-kicks. He also usually plays defense against the opponent’s lead guard, making it as difficult as possible for the other team to play fast and swing the ball well.
- Logan Mccollough
A tall, lengthy guard, listed at six-foot-three, Mccollough has the size advantage over the majority of players he matches up against one-on-one. With long arms and solid positioning, he rebounds particularly well for a guard, and appears most effective on cuts to the basket and second-chance opportunities. He also handles the ball a significant amount when Albright is sitting or cutting on set plays.
- JD Feagles
If left open, Feagles can light up the scoreboard with his perimeter jump shots, especially from three-point-range. His shooting spreads the floor for the Huskies, which then allows the other cutters and drivers just enough space near the basket to make some extra plays for themselves or teammates. He does not hog the ball, though, and can make quick passes around the perimeter.
- Jared Esquibel
Esquibel is a capable on-ball defender, with the ability to muck up the game and come up with steals, especially on the press or double team. Those steals, blocks and forced turnovers are quickly turned into offensive opportunites, as he is always looking to run out in transition for lay ups and easy baskets.