Top shooters from the Durant Lion Classic
The players listed below are among the top shooters I saw last weekend at the Durant Lion Classic. Remember that these players are among the players I was able to watch, exclusively. Demetrius Neal | 2022 PG | Tulsa Hale…
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Continue ReadingThe players listed below are among the top shooters I saw last weekend at the Durant Lion Classic. Remember that these players are among the players I was able to watch, exclusively.
Demetrius Neal | 2022 PG | Tulsa Hale
Demetrius Neal was one of the most all-around touted players to watch at the Lion Classic. The sophomore is heady, shifty and easily creates separation to get shots. His footwork is phenomenal, allowing him to size-up a shot and launch it quickly out of the dribble. He had moments in which he seemed all-but-untouchable in the open court as he shot confidently with a bombs away mentality.
Treyvon Brown | 2021 W | Hugo
Treyvon Brown was one of the best new players of the weekend as we evaluated the junior sharpshooter for the first time. Though his game wasn’t entirely predicated upon his shot-making talents, Brown’s best moments came when he hit big shots against tough defenses. He was great when shooting with adhesive defenders in his face and could even hit shots through contact for a 4-point play opportunity.
Mason Mecke | 2020 PG | Union
Union senior floor general Mason Mecke is one of the underrated gems you’ll want to see this season. Mecke has a sniper in his back-pocket as he tantalized opponents with pump-fakes before driving and knocking down mid-range shots before you could even say splash. It would not be hyperbolic to claim Mecke’s quick release rivals those of the best shooters in the state. He was also very consistent and reliable to hit his favorite shots almost without question.
RJ Forney | 2020 SG | Union (pictured above)
RJ Forney was far from an unsung hero at the Lion Classic, where he was named the tournament MVP. However, he may not have been your first guess coming into the weekend to be the best shooter at the event. Nonetheless, Forney came into the tournament with expectations on his own accord to perform, and that he did. In one game, Forney knocked down a sextuplet of 3-pointers as the Redskins stormed past Alma, each of which a more difficult shot than the last. Forney could square-and-knockdown with the precision of a talented archer, even out of the dribble and with tall defenders between him and the hoop.
Austin Cluck | 2021 SF | Alma (AR)
Austin Cluck, despite a slow start for the Alma Airedales, was impressive shooting the ball. He was surprisingly consistent and avoided hesitation when taking shots despite often facing a deficit. Cluck may not have looked the part of a great shooter, necessarily, but the junior small-forward made the perimeter his playground while also displaying his three-level scoring talents at the Durant Lion Classic.
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