Spring Kickoff Evaluations: Oklahoma Power versus New Mexico D1 Ambassadors
Below is an evaluation of a few of the players participating in the 15U matchup between New Mexico D1 Ambassadors and Oklahoma Power. Players listed are among the players I was able to watch in person, exclusively.
David Hunt 2022 Oklahoma Power point guard
- High iQ
- Floor general
- Driver
David Hunt impressed me as perhaps the best pure passing guards in the 15U bracket on Sunday. Hunt is an exceptionally practiced floor general who makes his team better when he’s in the floor with quick, unanticipated passing to the post and across the floor to the wing. He was the quarterback for OK Power on Sunday and his teammates played better when he had the ball in his hands. In the scoring game, Hunt is a talented driver who comes downhill with speed and control.
Sean Johnson 2022 New Mexico D1 Ambassadors forward (pictured above)
- Stretch
- Versatile
- Scorer
Six-foot-4-inch Sean Johnson may have been the most versatile stretch on the floor. The freshman posts up and finishes well at the rim from the paint. As a perimeter wing, he stretched the floor in the corners or wings and can drive-in from those spots to create his own shot. In transition, he got to show off his speed as he handled the ball well in traffic and finished at the rim.
Aaron Canizales 2022 New Mexico D1 Ambassadors wing
- Shooter
- Scoring guard
Aaron Canizales had a monstrous day as he dropped 16 points in the victory from a great shooting performance. Canizales can knock down the deep shot from the catch, but can also drive-in to get a better opportunity closer to the bucket. Canizales shot really well from the field overall and utilized his 6-foot-1 frame to finish high over defenders.
Marcell Perry 2022 Oklahoma Power forward
- Physical
- Finesse post
Marcell Perry has great hands and his consistency in getting open at the post was impressive. He is crafty and has some guard-like finesses with the ball as he can score with both hands at the rack. Additionally, he’s a physical athlete and passes the ball really well out of the post.
Isaiah Carr 2022 New Mexico D1 Ambassadors forward
- Tall, strong frame
- Moves well
Isaiah Carr has the obvious advantage of being a few inches under 7-foot, but still has the footwork to make himself dangerous in the post. He scores and rebounds well and goes to work in the paint with a great catalog of moves.
Duece Benjamin 2022 New Mexico D1 Ambassadors point guard
- Efficient
- Ball-handler
Duece Benjamin found comfort with the mid-range jumper and ran with it as he continued to find scoring opportunities thanks to his handles and quick shot release. Hitting a few shots in a row, Benjamin’s success drew off-ball defenders towards him, allowing his teammates to expose the paint and get spacing.
Artez Young 2022 Oklahoma Power combo
- Athletic
- Versatile
- High motor
Artez Young’s best talent Sunday was his on-ball defense. He was efficient in stopping his man from penetrating to the hole. Offensively, he was most impressive in that he could post up, bring the ball up the floor sit on the wing or anything in between. His speed also helped his team in transition.
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