UAA III Friday Standouts
Adam Ayalew
<p><em>MANLAPAN, NJ</em> – UAA III got underway on Friday night at Sportika Sports, and tonight my focus was on the 17U Action. All three local teams competed, but Team Thrill was the only one who managed to come out with a win. Below is a look at six standouts from my time in the gym.</p>
<p><strong>TARIQ BALOGUN | 6’10 C | DISTRICT WAWG/MILLER </strong></p>
<p>It did not take long for <strong>Tariq Balogun</strong> to make a good impression after taking the court. Balogun was a force inside. He has long arms which in conjunction with his high motor enable him to consistently secure out of area rebounds. Balogun dove on the floor and competed for every 50/50 ball. He also defended well in the post by walling up and avoiding fouls.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>MARCUS DOCKERY | 6’2 G | DC PREMIER/O’CONNELL ‘20</strong></p>
<p>Maryland is getting a good one in <strong>Marcus Dockery</strong>. Tonight, he stood out initially on the defensive end. Dockery recorded several steals as a result of his quick hands and reactions. Offensively, he shot it well from the perimeter, but also showcased impressive body control and touch when attacking the basket.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>JOSIAH FREEMAN | 6’5 G | DISTRICT WAWG/PAUL VI ‘20</strong></p>
<p>One thing I really like about <strong>Josiah Freeman</strong> is how efficient he is with the ball. He can score in bunches but can do so with limited dribbles. Freeman is a knockdown shooter who can create his own shot on the ball or move off the ball and find holes in the defense to attack.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>BEN LI | 6’6 F | DISTRICT WAWG/MIDDLEBURG ‘20</strong></p>
<p><strong>Ben Li </strong>had some nice moments on both ends of the court tonight. At 6-foot-6, he is a good athlete who can score inside and out. Li was also a presence on the boards. He came up with a few offensive rebounds and tap outs that earned his team extra possessions.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>DARIUS MILES | 6’7 G | DISTRICT WAWG/ST. CHARLES ‘20</strong></p>
<p>One of the most impressive plays of the night belonged to <strong>Darius Miles</strong> when hustled back to reject a dunk attempt right at the rim. Miles rebounded his position well. He was best offensively in transition where he showcased craftiness with the ball, the ability to break down his defender off the bounce and sell contact.</p>
<p><strong> </strong><strong>CHARLIE WEBER | 6’9 F/C | DC PREMIER/MASSANUTTEN ‘20</strong></p>
<p>Not sure how <strong>Charlie Weber</strong> continues to fly under the radar among mid to high major programs. He’s a great help defender who can block shots and challenge vertically without fouling. Weber is versatile offensively. He can pick and pop but also score and make plays in the post.</p>
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