Four Notes from opening night in Cali
LMBA 16U makes a big opening statement
They played extremely tough defense using steals to get easy run-out baskets in transition. Every time I looked up Michael Anderson was leading the defensive charge grabbing steals in the passing lanes and coming up with huge rebounds. What makes Lone Mountain Basketball Academy so tough on offense is how they share the basketball. It also is very difficult to guard them with the number of sets they run. This team is brought into sharing the basketball and playing unselfish. Xakime Milton leads the offensive attack for LMBA at Point Guard.
The Truth EYBL 16U is loaded
The Truth plays extremely hard and although this was their first tournament you could tell they have been working in the gym. Many times when you get as much talent as The Truth EYBL has on the floor the elite players do not buy in and want to their own thing. This particular group has some elite talent and is completely bought into playing as a team. Prospect wise the 16U Truth squad is loaded. Reese Dixon leads the way along with Peyton Watson, Shaqir O’Neal, and company. The intensity Dixon brings in both ends separates him. I also really like the upset with Watson’s length. O’Neal has a ton of people watching his every move on the court because of his last name. I loved that O’Neal stayed true to his game not trying to do too much.
Bobcats Elite Red 17U defense leads to victory
This young team has a great core of kids who have bought in completely. Playing up two ages for most of their kids did not hinder them from picking up a victory on opening night. Keep an eye on how Bobcats Elite does this year.
Performance of the Night: Alem Huseinovic 2020 PowerHouse Hoops Guard
Netting 18 points on the night, Huseinovic was tremendous. He was an easy selection for Player of the Night with the production he put out on the court. PowerHouse Hoops put on an impressive performance against The Truth 17U letting the rest of the circuit know they are here to win it all. Huseinovic has big-time swagger as he plays on the court. He is exciting to watch due to his motor that never quits. The confidence this young man has is through the roof. It is going to be fun watching this guy go through the ranks.