Cincinnati Double-Header Impressions

A pair of GCL-South programs scored Monday night wins on Dec. 23. Moeller and La Salle defeated Medina and Withrow respectively, both by double-digits. The Moeller game began at 5 PM with LaSalle starting at the traditional 7:30. The stagger allowed us to catch both games in their entirety. Here's who played well: <h4 style="text-align: center">HEADLINER</h4> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/logan-duncomb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Logan Duncomb</a> (2021) | 6-9 C | Moeller stats: 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks</h6> Virginia Tech offered Duncomb shortly after the conclusion of this game. He was locked in, controlling both ends of the floor. He is blossoming as an athlete. Duncomb proved to be much quicker off the ground and light on his feet. The improvements to his agility allow Duncomb to be more effective as a rebounder in traffic. Also, he was changing direction on defense and containing the dribble against guards. Most of his rejections were a result of him sliding his feet and tracking blocks across the floor — it wasn't like Duncomb was just standing there waiting for blocks to come to him. The defense was phenomenal but he also ended as their top scorer. Duncomb shot 6-of-8 from the free throw line and nailed a 3-pointer. His stroke impressed on those shots. He finished efficiently inside, too, on over-the-shoulder finishes. <h5 style="text-align: center">Medina at Moeller Standouts</h5> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-mccracken/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Will McCracken</a> (2021) | 6-4 SG | Moeller stats: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals</h6> McCracken makes life extremely difficult for his matchup. His length, effort, and athleticism is a troubling combination. He's proving capable of defending high-level lead guards as the small, quick athletes don't cause him issues. McCracken provides pressure on the inbounds pass and turns opponents all the way up the floor. The springy athlete is a plus rebounder for his position, too. Good catch-and-shooter from distance. <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/max-land/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Max Land</a> (2020) | 6-4 SG | Moeller stats: 7 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists</h6> Land's athleticism is always notable. He's a potentially high-level defensive player at the college level, where he is committed to play at St. Francis (PA). The new thing that stuck out about Land, though, was his passing ability. He dumped difficult post entry passes in time and again. Showed craft with ball fakes to open up passing windows. <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-williams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alex Williams</a> (2020) | 6-4 SF | Moeller stats: 20 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists</h6> Williams continues to maximize his potential in nearly every facet of the game. His shooting appears to be an area of improvement. Williams drilled set-shots from distance, a threat that compliments his ability to put it on the floor and score in traffic. He's a handful going coast-to-coast. Eluded defenders in the open floor with behind-the-back dribbles. <h6>Spencer Aylward (2020) | 6-3 SG | Medina stats: 7 points</h6> Aylward kept Medina in the game early with his hot start. He showed skill around the basket by finishing with either hand in traffic. Aylward can also shoot the rock. Good positional size if he goes on to play at the Division III college level. Active legs and length on defense.   <h5 style="text-align: center">Withrow at La Salle Standouts</h5> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/derek-eddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Derek Eddings</a> (2020) | 6-3 PG | La Salle stats: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists</h6> Although Eddings didn't tally huge numbers, he was unmistakably the best player on the floor. The Thomas More signee appeared more athletic and large than ever. Eddings utilized his size and athleticism by making ball-handlers uncomfortable with pressure. Caused several deflections. Eddings can fill a number of roles at the next level by defending multiple positions and playing on- or off-ball. He can penetrate into the second level where he is dynamic as a passer. In summation, on Monday Eddings is the player we always thought he could be. The potential has been realized and it was awesome to see. <h6>Jaylen Lemons (2020) | 5-10 PG | La Salle stats: 17 points, 2 rebounds</h6> The Mount Vernon Nazarene recruit was very impressive in our first time seeing him. Lightning-quick lead guard that provides outside shooting. He has a very sound shooting stroke that comes out of his hand quickly. Lemons may be undersized but his quickness allows him to effectively defend opposing point guards. Plus, he can get to the rim and make a play. <h6>Justin Lovette (2021) | 6-0 PG | La Salle stats: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists</h6> Lovette is a slasher. Flashed athletic prowess on a missed dunk and by beating guys up the floor with his speed. He plays in straight lines, hardly ever wasting motion with pointless crossovers. More of a score-first guard but he did show passing ability in transition. Good rebounder for his size. <h6>Ayden Schneider (2021) | 6-3 PF | La Salle stats: 13 points, 4 rebounds</h6> Schneider is a fundamentally sound undersized four with good touch around the rim. Very tough kid who battled for rebounds. Showed skill on interior passes and crafty post finishes. Timely cuts against a 2-3 zone, often going from elbow to block. Schneider may not blow you away but he's a very serviceable player with toughness and finishing ability.   <h5 style="text-align: center">X-Factor of the Night</h5> <h6>Michael Wergers (2020) | 6-3 C | La Salle stats: 4 points, 4 rebounds</h6> Wergers is a defensive anchor who can rebound and provide a physicality off the bench. Just an absolute solid body that won't budge if you try to push him around. Communicates like crazy on defense. Finishes by throwing his body at you and putting the ball on the square.