Prep Hoops Spring Session: Top Combos
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When unpacking the last nine weekends of basketball, a couple of things become quite clear early on: 1. High-major prospects are strewn about tournaments in every region — especially in the Midwest. 2. More often than not, the elite players…
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Continue ReadingWhen unpacking the last nine weekends of basketball, a couple of things become quite clear early on: 1. High-major prospects are strewn about tournaments in every region — especially in the Midwest. 2. More often than not, the elite players come in pairs.
Here we will be vetting the latter from the past nine weekends, finding the top combinations from the Prep Hoops Spring Circuit.
The Truth EYBL 16U: F Damion McDowell, F Peyton Watson, G Reese Dixon
The Truth’s appearance was a brief one, as they were ousted by Powerhouse Hoops UAA in their first tournament together at Hustle Season Kickoff. Still, this trio resonated with me, largely because of their national profile and versatility.
Reese Dixon and Peyton Watson are fourth and fifth respectively in Prep Hoops Southern California rankings, while McDowell is slightly below them at 29th. They all fit a similar bill: mid-six foot, spindly, and lengthy athletes. Together these three dominate the scoring load, but their full-court press — elevated by the trio’s length and nose for the ball — suffocated opposing offenses.
Dream Vision 17U: G Kyree Walker, F/G Makur Maker
Maker, the cousin of NBA center Thon Maker, and Walker, a prospect likely to play against him someday, form the most high-profile duo to hit the court this spring.
Walker has been a touted five-star since his days as an eighth grader. Now, averaging 30 points and 11 rebounds per game at Hillcrest Prep, he’s still a scoring sensation.
Maker’s time on the circuit was much more crucial in raising his stock. That was clearly shown in the days following his performance, as USA Today would draw comparisons to him and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the likely NBA MVP. It’s not too out there to dub him a 7-foot point guard, his ability to shoot, handle the ball, and finish hint at a future at the position. My guess, NBA scouts will be drooling over the guard if they aren’t already keeping tabs on him.
D1 Minnesota 17U: F Dawson Garcia Dawson Garcia 6'11" | PF Prior Lake | 2020 State #26 Nation MN , G Dalton Banks, F Kendall Brown
D1 Minnesota is the nation’s top-ranked grassroots team — it’s only right they boast the top trio. Five-star forward Dawson Garcia Dawson Garcia 6'11" | PF Prior Lake | 2020 State #26 Nation MN is a multi-dimensional scorer, as the near 7-footer can hit the three and bang in the post. Kendall Brown, a five-star that’s playing up a grade, is an incredible athlete that excels finishing around the hoop. Banks, though not as nationally regarded, is a rigid defender, quick laterally, and can knock down outside shots and facilitate.
An Aside: D1 Minnesota has a track record of shipping talent to the next level, as each player on last year’s 17U team went to a division one college program. This year, they look on par to do it again.
Gateway Basketball Club 17U: F Yaya Keita, F Sekou Gassama
A banner weekend at Show Me Showdown from the duo would be the motivation for this piece. Gassama, a ferocious dunker and finisher, dominated the frontcourt while Keita’s trade was in the pick-n-roll. Both players were born outside of the US, both are playing their school ball at DeSmet HS, and both excelled playing up a grade in the Prep Hoops Circuit.
To quote Ryan James, a Prep Hoops national analysts, “they make a nasty pair.”