Top Prospects: Eastside Catholic vs. Franklin

The Crusaders of Eastside Catholic continued their winning ways against the Franklin Quakers on Friday, January 3rd. Eastside Catholic remains undefeated in league play. I’ve been excited to see the Crusaders play, and even without a full roster, they were very impressive in the easy win, defeating Franklin 77 to 61. Franklin played hard and did have some noteworthy performances, but they were physically outmatched by the Crusaders who had a dominant height advantage. Eastside Catholic has seven ranked athletes on their roster - five of who were in action against Franklin. The Quakers only have one ranked athlete on their roster, but they have a few young athletes who are looking to build their reputations over the course of this season. Here’s a closer look at some of the top prospects. [player_tooltip player_id="711293" first="Isaac" last="Ticeson"] | 6’4" W | ECHS 2021 <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/isaac-ticeson/">Ticeson</a> is relentlessly physical. He is the youngest of four brothers, so he has had to learn how to play tough from a young age, and now that he has matured, he is an absolute force on both ends of the court. Isaac is a disciplined defender who challenged his opponents by keeping his hands up and taking advantage of his quick first step, and he showed off an ability to displace smaller players while leaping for rebounds. Ticeson would lead his team with 20 points in their win over the Quakers. He scored one three-pointer and added the rest of his point with a collection of put backs, fast breaks, and tough finishes at the rim including a highlight reverse near the end of the first half. *Featured Image [player_tooltip player_id="843715" first="Shane" last="Nowell"] | 6’6" G | ECHS 2021 <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/shane-nowell/">Nowell</a> is one of those players who can look like he is giving about 70% effort while still dominating the game, but his combination of court vision and leadership shows that he is just operating at a different speed entirely. Like a chess player, Nowell communicated with teammates and made decisions with the basketball that were two steps ahead of his opponents. He wasn’t needed all game but still finished with 13 points. Nowell had two memorable plays: one smooth scoop lay-in that he finished through contact and a missed windmill that illustrated his effortless athleticism. [player_tooltip player_id="843781" first="Patton" last="Lanier"] | 6’1" SG | ECHS 2021 Another junior on a team stacked with 2021 talent, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/patton-lanier/">Lanier</a> added 10 points for the crusaders including two three-pointers and a dunk. Lanier looked like a shooting specialist in the first half, but he showed that he also has the athleticism to challenge for rebounds and to throw down on a fast break. Coach Brent Merritt showed his confidence in his shooter, encouraging Lanier to run the court and spot up, and with Eastside’s squadron of athletic guards, he should continue to find open looks and shooting success beyond the arc. [player_tooltip player_id="764788" first="Chika" last="Nduka"] | 6’4" PF | ECHS 2020 <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chika-nduka/">Nduka</a> was another athlete that controlled the game with his strength and athleticism. He pulled down 3 offensive rebounds in the first half, and in the second half, he made his way to the line often as the Quakers simply couldn’t match his physicality under the hoop. Nduka would finish the game with 14 points. He made the most of his athletic gifts, scrapping for the ball and fighting for loose rebounds with a competitive determination that may outshine his physicality. Tariek Harris | 5’10" G | FHS 2021 Although the Quakers were physically outmatched, it was Tariek Harris who would lead all scorers with 26 points. At first glance, it looked like Harris was settling for contested jumpers, but as the game went on, it was clear that he wasn’t settling at all. He dropped three 3-pointers in the first half, one that scraped the ceiling after he was forced to shoot over the outstretched arm of 6’6" [player_tooltip player_id="843715" first="Shane" last="Nowell"]. His shooting was his most impressive skill, but Harris also impressed with his ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. He used his speed and touch to add difficult lay-ins against taller, stronger defenders as well. [player_tooltip player_id="674444" first="Earl" last="Riley"] | 5’5" G | FHS 2022 One of Franklin’s young athletes, [player_tooltip player_id="674444" first="Earl" last="Riley"] provided double-digit scoring for his Quakers. It was a bit shocking to see the 5’5" Riley on the floor with the giants of Eastside, but he showed that he belonged through his scoring abilities and resilient defense. Riley employed a baseline floater that helped him score over taller defenders and he could also hit from deep. On defense, he used his size to his advantage by keeping his hands active and working to challenge the ball-handling skills of his matchups. [player_tooltip player_id="923116" first="Jamari" last="Jackson"]-Kinz | 5’7" G | FHS 2023 Freshman [player_tooltip player_id="923116" first="Jamari" last="Jackson"]-Kinz has got his high school career off to a good start. The fifteen-year-old has already impressed with his ability to hit from downtown, scoring five 3’s off the bench against Lincoln earlier this season. He also has the court vision to zip the ball around the court and find open teammates. Jackson-Kinz has a winners mentality - he is goal-oriented but also understands the daily commitment that is necessary for long-term success.