Dallas Showtyme Tournament XIV: Day 1

<div class="I_52qC D_FY W_6D6F" data-test-id="message-view-body"> <div class="msg-body P_wpofO mq_AS" data-test-id="message-view-body-content"> <div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5"> <div dir="ltr"> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Getting back into basketball shape after a four month hiatus is tough, but that didn’t stop our highlighted Day 1 performers from taking on the task. We experienced high level play through spurts of rust as players regained their timing. The DFW’s first AAU experiment resulted in encouraging results especially for those who have skills that translate to the next level. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787585" first="Jamyron" last="Keller"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">As one of the most physically developed 2023s in the state, Keller applied pressure to ball handlers the minute they crossed the timeline. He was relentless, racking up steal after steal then finishing it with a dunks. If he was frustrated about being away from the court for months, he took it out on his opponent. Business as usual for the young star.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="887097" first="Ian" last="Motta"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Motta started the game where we left him last season. He’s a highly switchable 6-6 forward that pours effort into his time on defense. Hits the three at a reasonable clip while being strong enough to match up with any perimeter position.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="889562" first="Colin" last="Smith"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The rising junior looked like he was locked in the gym for the past 4 months. His combination of size and shooting led to one of the best performances on day 1. He’s transforming his game to be a true three level scorer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1008528" first="Cameron" last="Williams"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Williams is the muscle for his 16U team and at 6-6 with a wide frame, he excels at scoring in the post. The post player has a surprisingly soft touch when throwing a jump hook over his right shoulder. Thanks to his size, he’s a natural rebounder that protects his space around the rim.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="959247" first="Kyron" last="Henderson"]</strong></p> <p>A 6-6 forward with powerful athleticism that’s combined with unwavering intensity. Henderson has a strong frame built by his time on the gridiron. We’re looking at a high motor player that’ll grab boards and be a physical defender against 1-4.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="779882" first="Rytis" last="Petraitis"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Similar to his teammate, Motta, we’re looking at another high level defender. Great size and fast hands keep opponents from blowing by him as he wreaks havoc in passing lanes. A calm, heady player with a serious stroke beyond the arc.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958896" first="CJ" last="Ford"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Ford excelled in a larger role after playing with state champion Duncanville last season. He runs an offense and makes winning plays from the tip. Don’t be surprised if his scoring becomes a more pronounced part of his game going forward.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="959056" first="Cameron" last="Taylor"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Taylor showed off his handle, taking bigs and guards alike off the dribble for 6 trips to the free throw line. He proved to be a rangy defender using length to slow down guards and that same length to protect the rim with 2 blocks. He hit a few shots between 18 feet to three point range.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1008492" first="Kaden" last="Morgan"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Morgan came off the bench sweeping pass defenders on the way to the cup on back-to-back possessions. Paint touches came with ease from the Byron Nelson guard. The best part is he’s efficient with the ball in his hands. He didn’t over dribble to create opportunities, just took the ball and produced.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1006659" first="Labroderick" last="Scott"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The best way to describe Scott is a two-way player. Simple as that. He was antagonistic on defense and had no problem filling up the basket without plays being run for him.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="887080" first="Elijah" last="Stephens"]</strong></p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">If smart decision making is high on your list of point guard traits, then let me introduce you to Mr. Stephens. The 5-9 point guard used quickness to get in the paint where he found crafty ways to score at the basket. He proved to be a big time competitor while holding his own against Texas Impact’s bevy of division 1 guards.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="jb_0 X_6MGW N_6Fd5"> </div> </div> <div class="H_7jIs D_F ab_C Q_69H5 E_36RhU" data-test-id="toolbar-hover-area"> <div class="D_F W_6D6F r_BN gl_C" data-test-id="card-toolbar"> </div> </div>