Most Intriguing Prospects: Prolific Prep vs Hillcrest Prep
Thursday night in front of a national TV audience two of the top five teams in the country met at HoopHall West as Hillcrest Prep (AZ) took on Prolific Prep (CA). Prolific Prep jumped out early behind their defense and…
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Continue ReadingThursday night in front of a national TV audience two of the top five teams in the country met at HoopHall West as Hillcrest Prep (AZ) took on Prolific Prep (CA). Prolific Prep jumped out early behind their defense and three point shooting. They never looked back winning by a final of 88-71. Here are my Most Intriguing Prospects: Prolific Prep vs Hillcrest Prep.
Jalen Green (Prolific Prep – 2020)
The top uncommitted prospect in the country was electric on the big stage Thursday night. The athletic two guard sometimes relies too much on his athleticism, but in this game he let it come to him. Early on the three ball was falling so he kept letting it fly. Hit a handful of threes including several really deep pull ups. Seemed more comfortable shooting it than in the past. Gets elevation off the floor and has sound mechanics on his release. He can also slash as well which was shown breaking down the defense on multiple occasions for scores at the cup. Finished with both hands at the rim along with getting to the free throw line for 33 points. Didn’t seem to force many bad shots either.
Nimari Burnett (Prolific Prep – 2020 – Texas Tech)
This Chicago native recently committed to Texas Tech and they are getting a big time playmaking combo guard. Like Green he had his perimeter jumper working which goes out to well beyond the college arc. Moves well without the ball to get open. Pushed it in transition and has the ability to get others involved with his passing. Defensively he has a chance to be really good at the next level with his lateral quickness, anticipation, and willingness to compete on that end of the floor. Went for 15 points.
Coleman Hawkins (Prolific Prep – 2020 – Illinois)
Hawkins is a 6’10” skilled power forward with long arms and a projectable frame. He signed with Illinois during the early signing period. When in rhythm he is a very good shooter especially off the catch. At times he forced some back shots from deep. Also liked his passing inside with quick dishes for dimes. Finished with 6 points.
Saba Gigiberia (Prolific Prep – 2020 – Georgia Tech)
This 7’1” center has broad shoulders and his best basketball is ahead of him. Liked the skill he showed with a soft touch around the hoop. Mobility in the pick/roll game. Passes well out of the post. Got to the free throw line at a nice clip. Went for 9 points.
Jordan Pope (Prolific Prep – 2022)
Pope is a shooting point guard that connected on an array of threes for Prolific Prep. One to watch down the line especially if he rounds out his game as a distributor. He had 11 points.
Dalen Terry (Hillcrest Prep – 2020 – Arizona)
Terry was the standout player for Hillcrest. The Arizona commit has excellent size at 6’7” for the point guard spot. Showed flashes of his feel for the game on several dishes especially in the paint. More of a scorer from what we saw at this stage, but definitely has the potential to develop into a big time distributor as well. With his size and long strides he is a tough cover on straight line drives in the half court. Won off the dribble throughout the night finishing or getting to the charity stripe. Slick handles allowed him to get through traffic and score against pressure. He had 16 points.
Sadraque Nganga (Hillcrest Prep – 2022)
Ngagna is already a nationally known prospect, but he was one of the biggest stock risers in this game from what we saw. The five-star 6’9” power forward runs the floor with the fluidity of a guard. He has a long and angular frame with a free and easy jumper which he displayed flashing to the mid-post and later in the game with a three. Can also put it on the deck crossing his man for a layup along with a sweet coast to coast take. A lot of upside on the defensive end and boards once his frame fills out. Finished with 19 points.
Michael Foster (Hillcrest Prep – 2021)
Foster is an uber talented big bodied four man. Has size, skill, and athleticism. At times as shown in this game he can be a bit wild and too perimeter oriented forcing some bad shots or turning it over. There is no questioning the raw talent as there are very few that can handle it and score from all three levels like he can at his size on the high school level. Went for 11 points.
Keon Edwards (Hillcrest Prep – 2021)
Bit of a quiet game for Edwards. Liked what he did on the UAA circuit last spring. Projectable combo forward with length and athletic pop. Should grow into a quality offensive rebounder with his quickness around the hoop. Also hit a mid-range jumper. He had 7 points on the night.