NHR State: Impressive Centers
If you want to stand out as a young basketball player in the Twin Cities, there was no better place to do so than at the NHR State tournament last weekend. All weekend players found ways to impact games, and…
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Continue ReadingIf you want to stand out as a young basketball player in the Twin Cities, there was no better place to do so than at the NHR State tournament last weekend. All weekend players found ways to impact games, and that included a number of centers. Here is a list of some centers that stood out during the competition.
Centers that impressed:
Ryan Nelson-
While Ryan Nelson had a nice all-around game, his impact on inbound plays was fantastic. His ability to execute set plays and use his strength to establish dominant position provided his team with a number of chances at the rim. Even on possessions he did not touch the ball, the constant threat he posed allowed space for his teammates to operate in.
Isaiah Hammond-
Isaiah Hammond is having his way on the offensive glass in Plymouth this morning! #NHRState #PrepHoops pic.twitter.com/ZijO9kk9So
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) June 2, 2019
No one could rebound the ball this weekend quite like Isaiah Hammond. His feel for the way the ball came off the rim allowed him to get to rebounds quicker than anyone else on the floor. At one point, her had 3 offensive rebounds in as many possessions, and he grabbed 7 rebounds in 3 minutes. The featured clip highlights one of those rebounds in which he was able to put the ball back in on the second-chance opportunity.
Nathan Johnson-
Nathan Johnson‘s feel and touch around the rim set him a part from other offensive big men in last weekend’s tournament. His size wasn’t the only problem for opposing defenses. He had a beautiful, high-arcing shot that was a nightmare for them, too. The finesse and touch he put on the shots often allowed the ball to dance around the rim and fall in. Johnson’s shot was critical to his team’s success.
Quinn Ewald-
One of the best passing centers last weekend was Quinn Ewald. He repeatedly showed that he could throw crisp and accurate passes to teammates. This talent often left defenses off balance. Minnesota Select-Wyandt was at its best when they were moving the ball quickly into the post and back out. This forced the defense to move and created more opportunities to make mistakes that Minnesota Select could capitalize on. Ewald was critical to that offense.
Charlie Plum-
Charlie Plum showing off his ability to get offensive rebounds with a nice tip-out for an open 3! #PrepHoops pic.twitter.com/6pIMFyWMPH
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) June 1, 2019
Another great rebounder that hit the hardwood last weekend was Charlie Plum. As one of the standout players on Friday evening in Mendota Heights, Plum was able to impact the game in a number of ways, but particularly on the boards. His knack for defensive intensity not only helped him on the boards, but it also allowed him to jump passing lanes and force turnovers that his team was able to capitalize on. The featured clip shows one of Plum’s offensive rebounds that he was able to tip out to a teammate for an open three. Plum was able to do this repeatedly and added immense value to his team.
Jalyn Simmons-
A center that can run the floor opens things up for an offense, and Jalyn Simmons did that. Simmons’s ability to keep his head up and maintain good control of the ball allowed him to feed the ball to streaking guards and wings in transition opportunities. His skill also lended itself well to him leaking out to the perimeter to swing the ball from side-to-side.