Centennial State Grandstand: Immediate Day 2 Standouts
With the final day of the Centennial State Grandstand in the books, there were many players who were sure to leave a lasting impression. Among the many were the few that immediately stood out. Jalen Weaver/ G / 6’4”/ Smokey…
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Continue ReadingWith the final day of the Centennial State Grandstand in the books, there were many players who were sure to leave a lasting impression. Among the many were the few that immediately stood out.
Jalen Weaver/ G / 6’4”/ Smokey Hill / 2021
Weaver is an instant standout on the court whose movements are so fluid that he appears to be floating. His defensive footwork is so smooth that creating space becomes an extreme challenge for whomever he is guarding. His accuracy as a shooter allows him to score from seemingly anywhere on the court, and his size enables him to finish strong at the rim. With the skill of knowing exactly where to be and when, along with a demeanor that seems immune to pressure, Weaver’s presence on the court is almost Jedi-like.
Jaxon Pillich / F / 6’4”/ Heights High / 2020
Jaxon Pillich is an absolute force. His awareness on both sides of the ball makes him look like a man amongst boys. He has the ability to pull up and shoot from a variety of distances, as well as the physicality to finish strong at the rim. Pillich’s overall vision enables him to play as if he is one step ahead of almost everyone on the court. He has an eye for openings that allows him to pass the ball with surgical precision, setting up his teammates flawlessly. As a defender, he is an immovable force that proved to be challenging for everyone he faced. Jaxon Pillich is the total package.
Zachary Mascarenas / G / 6’1” / Cibola / 2020
This player was the embodiment of lead by example. Putting up 41 of his team’s 73 points in their final game, Mascarenas was unstoppable. With the ability to pull up from anywhere around the three-point range, it should come as no surprise that 10 of his goals were three-pointers. Mascarenas has a game-changing motor that makes him a true playmaker on both sides of the ball. He is an impactful defender who can create multiple turnovers without being overly aggressive. Much like a true leader, Mascarenas is a competitor who knows when to be selfless and when to take control.
Keyshawn Maltbia / G, F / 6’3” / Fountain-Fort Carson / 2020
Maltbia is a relentless scorer who is extremely electrifying when the ball is in his hands. He can pull up a drain a net-snapping three or finish with a stylish layup in traffic almost effortlessly. His aggressiveness on offense makes him a game-changing tone setter for his team, while his high motor as a defender proves to be a real challenge for his opposition. In addition to his infectious physical energy, Maltbia is also vocally commanding as a leader which seemed to instill confidence within his teammates. Whether on offense or defense, Maltbia’s skill set could easily be summed up as finesse.
Issac Jessup / G / 6’3” / Resurrection Christian / 2020
Although he wasn’t an immediate standout, Issac Jessup was the epitome of “Mr. Reliable” for his team. Jessup is a legitimate offensive asset whenever he has the ball in his hands because of his uncanny ability to get open and sink a quick shot. He’s not the type of player who will garner a lot of attention at first, but he knows how to make his presence felt and respected. Jessup played a strong supporting role as a reliable scorer with a fearless demeanor.