Hawks-Naismith Tipoff Classic: Unsung Seniors
Nash Kelly (Wheeler)- Wheeler freshman PG Isaiah Collier is getting lots of early notoriety and deservedly so, but Kelly gives the Wildcats another piece in the backcourt that Coach Larry Thompson can rely on. In what was an ugly offensive…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNash Kelly (Wheeler)- Wheeler freshman PG Isaiah Collier is getting lots of early notoriety and deservedly so, but Kelly gives the Wildcats another piece in the backcourt that Coach Larry Thompson can rely on. In what was an ugly offensive game at times, he was a productive and efficient scorer on his way to 14 points against Heritage. Kelly is built well, doesn’t make many mistakes, and is solid as a defender. He provides a calm presence but also seems to be a good leader for a Wheeler team that is pretty youthful. Kelly has a sound, low-maintenance game that should be helpful against almost any opponent.
Maclean Hoekwater (The Heritage School)- Hoekwater’s game might not provide a ton of flash or highlights, but he has consistently gotten better over the last year and looked good once again on Friday night. He has a throwback type game, doing the dirty work and banging inside even against bigger opponents. On both ends, he has inside-out capabilities because of his toughness, IQ, and skill. Hoekwater moves well without the ball, understands his role, and doesn’t back down from anyone. The strides he has been making lead you to believe that his ceiling has not been reached and even more improvement could come this year and beyond.
John Whitehead (Glenn Hills)- To be honest, I was ready to write off the entire Glenn Hills team when they were trailing 28-10 against Mt. Bethel on Saturday. But, the Spartans found a way to climb all the way back and eventually won the contest in overtime, thanks in large part to Whitehead. The Glenn Hills press gave Mt. Bethel all types of problems in the 2nd half, forcing turnovers left and right. Whitehead was an absolute terror on the defensive side of the ball; he collected steals both on and off the ball due to his length, quickness, and ability to read and anticipate opposing offensive players. He is an explosive athlete who uses his athleticism on both ends. Whitehead came through big on offense as well, exploiting smaller guards inside and connecting on 2 important 3’s in the 2nd half, including one that sent the game into OT. He was Region POY in 4-AA last year and will need to give GH similar production this season.
Demetrius Rives (Tri-Cities)- It’s not often that a key returner and All-Region performer for a defending State Championship team is overlooked and underrated, but Rives definitely fits that label. You know what you’re going to get from Rives every game and he does his job a no nonsense mentality. For a 6’4” prospect, he is a tremendous rebounder, even among trees inside. Rives is strong and tough, times boards well, and is a solid two-foot leaper. Against Westlake, he consistently grabbed important rebounds along with scoring at a nice rate. He uses his body well when attacking the basket and finishes often through hits. Rives is also a capable shooter who picks and chooses his outside opportunities wisely. He is a quality guy to track as schools go back and look at more targets after the early signing period.
Michael Whitmore (Woodward)- Save the best for last right? I don’t think anyone made more of a statement with their play on Saturday than Whitmore did. He has been patient and fully took advantage of a big opportunity against a super-talented Pace team. Whitmore didn’t waste any time inserting himself into the game, quickly ripping a Pace ball-handler and getting an and-one on the other end. His effort on defense was there all game, and his offensive contributions were outstanding as well. He hit a difficult baseline pull-up in the final minutes to help Woodward seal the victory, to go along with some important late free-throws and traffic layups throughout the game. Whitmore set the table and got others involved as well while limiting his turnovers. If he continues to play this way, he’ll have numerous college options before long. Quincy University reached out shortly after Saturday’s game.