Las Vegas Live: Pool Play Standouts

The action at Las Vegas Live has not disappointed. After a slow start, the level of competition really picked up during the last day of pool play as teams jockeyed to qualify for the top brackets. What makes the Las Vegas Live so great is several different teams, with various degrees of experience all getting an opportunity to compete under one umbrella. Ultimately the top programs rose to the top, with many earning a spot in the Platinum bracket, led by outstanding play from their stars. Here are the standouts from pool play. Kyron Henderson Dallas Showtyme Rise 2022 – The 6’6 Henderson is an absolute monster who plays with relentless energy on both sides of the ball. He’s blessed with fabulous hands, and I say that because he’s often forced to make catches surrounded by 2 or 3 bodies. Still raw on his post moves, but he has a quick 2nd jump that allows him to recover and put back any close range misses. Arterio Morris Dallas Showtyme Rise 2022 – It’s easy to see why Morris is considered one of the top class of 2022 players in the state of Texas. The 6’3 pogo stick is a long athletic slasher that loves to penetrate and create. He’s not looking to shoot it, and will not settle for what the defense gives him. When he gets the ball, its triple threat, head down, and attack the rim. Great at getting paint touches, and when he does he’s able to find the open man or finish for himself. Has good footwork off his drives, including elongated 2steps, jump stops and Euro’s. Max Allen Vegas Elite Henderson 2022 – Allen has continued his strong summer. Fresh off his 12 point 6 rebound a game performance at Peach Jam last week, “Big Max” has returned home to dominate the competition in the first 3 games. At 6’8 260 most of his production has come from simply overpowering smaller players, however he has an evolving skill set that includes a nice spin move, fundamental P&R offense, and a decent touch out to about 15 feet. Currently Allen is a top 100 guy in the Prep Hoops C/O 2022. Ola Ajiboye Team RWA 2021 – I don’t use the term coach’s dream that often, however when I do, it’s for players like Ajiboye. As his head coach told me, “He checks all the boxes”. He has size, length and is a fantastic in traffic rebounder. He has a nonstop motor and is a great help side defender. Off the court he is a 4.0 student that has drawn interest from Northwesten, and received offers from Chicago st and UIC. I'm not sure if this is a skill, but he is one of the best 50/50 ball competitors I've seen this year. His offensive skill set includes dribble drives and face up mid range jumpers. If he can expand his shooting to beyond the 3, the 6'8 Ajiboye has a chance to be an impact stretch 4 at the next level. Maxine Yomi- Kemayou 2020 – The 6’8 Frenchmen is a throwback Power Forward. He has broad shoulders and a strong upper frame that he uses to carve out rebounding space. Similar to old school 4’s he makes his money in the paint. He finishes so well around the rim with both hands that it took me a while to figure out if he was right or left handed. He has decent mechanics on his shot and is comfortable shooting it out to about 15 feet. Defensively he is a great rim protector that’s either going to block or alter the shot. He currently plays on a U21 squad back in France. Kyle Karstetter Eastern Washington Elite Red 2020 – I’m really starting to like Karstetter. The easiest comparison is Kyle Korver. He’s a 6’7 shooter that moves well without the ball, however this weekend he has also shown the ability to put the ball down and get all the way to the rim off the dribble. He has prototypical size to play the wing and is good at using his size and length to defend out on the perimeter. He recently received an offer from Idaho St. Jalen Williams Dallas Showtyme 2020 – Williams is a versatile scorer, who manufactures buckets in a variety of ways. He's a thief on defense who can turn his pick pockets into easy layups. He sprints the wing and finishes well downhill in transition, and he has a knack for grabbing offensive rebounds and putting them back. At 6’4 he is the head of Showtyme’s pressure d using his length, quickness, and athleticism to wear down opponents. He has received offers from UTA, Southern, and Pacific. Zach Triplett Aussie Prospects 2020 – On a talented Aussie Prospects squad, the 6’5 Triplett plays the role of sniper. He is a knock down shooter, with perfect form and mechanics. He hasn’t displayed much of a floor game this weekend, but quite frankly he has shot the ball so well that he hasn’t had to. Whether he’s coming off screens or is in a catch and shoot position, if he gets his feet set, it’s going in. Several D1 programs are vying for his services. To date, the Australian native has received offers from Stephen F Austin, Drexel, Hartford, UMKC, Toledo and the University of Portland to name a few. Leyi Adebayo Aussie Prospects 2020 –Adebayo is a dead ringer for the former Kentucky Wildcat star of the same surname. He’s 6’7 with a 6’10 wingspan and built like a 20 year steel mill veteran. Still a little raw, Leyi has a developing post game and has shown the ability to stretch the floor. Defensively he is athletic enough to guard 1-5, and uses his wingspan and athletic ability to protect the rim. Dean Gold New Zeland Basketball Academy 2022 – He has been everything they said he was and more. The 6’7 Gold has been the most complete defender I’ve seen this weekend. He moves his feet well and has shown the ability to stay in front of guards and wings. What’s unique about him is that unlike typical players his age, he doesn't leave his feet unnecessarily, and he understands when he has forced his opponent into a tough shot. Offensively he is what I call a casual body catcher, because of his slight frame and long strides people underestimate his explosiveness, however he is looking to attack the rim and is not concerned with who’s in the way. He has a decent handle and could easily translate into a point forward at the next level.