#GrindSznKickoff: Poised Playmakers (17U)
This past weekend, Solid Rock Basketball in Edmond, Oklahoma had some really good talent come in through the doors. At the #GrindSznKickoff, the wheels were in motion and the COVID-19 safety protocols were in place from Prep Hoops. In looking…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend, Solid Rock Basketball in Edmond, Oklahoma had some really good talent come in through the doors.
At the #GrindSznKickoff, the wheels were in motion and the COVID-19 safety protocols were in place from Prep Hoops.
In looking at the 17U group, specifically some poised playmakers, here are some prospects that stood out to me on the weekend.
ICYMI:
#GrindSznKickoff: Top Shooters (17U)
JahVante O’Connor | 6-3 | Texas Austin/THP Elite White
The confidence is endless with JahVante O’Connor. That was on full display against Triumph Gold on Saturday morning. Not overly strong, O’Connor is a crafty athlete who can get to the bucket and finish through contact. He’s vocal, rarely comes out games and stays on his teammates even when getting a breather on the bench. I thoroughly enjoyed watching O’Connor ball as he never stops battling and his effort level as a finisher. The kid can go and defenses have a very hard time containing him.
Tobias Roland | 6-3 | Oklahoma Putnam City North/BTR
Against Team Buddy Buckets Gaddis, Tobias Roland was in charge of his team from the opening whistle. He’s able to attack often and score in bunches that way. He really lived at the free throw line because of his aggressiveness and it was really a breath of fresh air to see a strong guard not settle for jumpers. Roland does have a smooth shot though which he uses to his advantage. He is a prospect college programs need to get on quickly, he is polished all-around.
Landry Harris Landry Harris 5'11" | PG Edmond North | 2021 State OK | 5-10 | Oklahoma Edmond North/Oklahoma Power
For the Oklahoma Power, Landry Harris Landry Harris 5'11" | PG Edmond North | 2021 State OK was so much fun to watch. He’s in incredible shape and can easily double as a runner for the track team if he doesn’t already. His straight-line speed hurt defenses on both ends of the floor and he was dominant in the ball in his hands, burning defenses and wearing them out possession after possession. Harris is a highly underrated athlete coming out of Edmond North and someone who is overlooked at his size, but he is one heck of a competitor.
Sonny Amabile Sonny Amabile 5'9" | CG Windsor | 2021 State MO | 5-9 | Missouri Windsor/34 Hoops
On Sunday afternoon, Sonny Amabile Sonny Amabile 5'9" | CG Windsor | 2021 State MO came to play against Rocky Mountain Select. The 5-9 guard doesn’t care about his lack of size, he makes up for it with just good basketball. For 34 Hoops, he was superb off the pick and roll, drilling 3’s time and time again. His ability to create for others stood out all through the game, but his willingness to attack the hoop was a pleasure to see. Amabile is a talented pure point man.
Joseph Hardimon Joseph Hardimon 6'0" | CG Poplar Bluff | 2021 State MO & Landon Austin Landon Austin 6'0" | SG Neosho | 2021 State MO | Victory Ministry
Both 6-0 guards Joseph Hardimon Joseph Hardimon 6'0" | CG Poplar Bluff | 2021 State MO (Missouri Poplar Bluff) and Landon Austin Landon Austin 6'0" | SG Neosho | 2021 State MO (Missouri Neosho) were really good for Victory Ministry. Neither backs down, flashed their physicality and can score in different ways. Hardimon led his offense and it showed as he was able to draw contact and finish and draw fouls. As for Austin, his mid-range is reliable, but he was also not afraid to put his head down and get to the rack.
Other names to know:
Jailyn Spears | 6-3 | Nebraska Bryan/Texas Tar Heels
As the lead guard for Texas Tar Heels, Jailyn Spears was solid as a shooter, tough defender and attacker in transition. He has a nice frame to him and is someone to watch closely as he matures in his senior season ahead.
Jack Johnson Jack Johnson 6'3" | SF Kearney | 2021 State NE | 6-2 | Kansas Andover/Team Buddy Buckets Gaddis
A very smart and keen passer, Jack Johnson Jack Johnson 6'3" | SF Kearney | 2021 State NE came out of the gates shooting it well and he continued to score from deep throughout the game against BTR. He is an under the radar rebounder. His jumper is definitely one of the best I’ve seen and he can hurt defenses in the blink of an eye.
Jalen McNealy | 6-0 | Florida Mandarin/North Florida Hurricanes
Not overly dominant as a scorer, Jalen McNealy was in full control of the North Florida Hurricanes offense every minute he was on the floor against H&H Elite. With William Spriggs William Spriggs 5'9" | CG Mandarin | 2020 State FL and Quajon Young, the top two leading scorers graduating from Mandarin, McNealy’s time has arrived this fall.