Bruce’s Best: 7 Breakout Candidates

<p>Last year at this time I was tagging [player_tooltip player_id="856694" first="Mikey" last="Medlock"] as my breakout player of the year. All he did is go out and average 13 per game and help Arbor View Capture the Mountain Division Title, while earning an opportunity to continue his career at Peninsula CC. This season it’s obviously a lot more difficult to highlight my breakout player, however in this article PH takes a look at 5 potential candidates.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1038162" first="Tommy" last="Brascia"] <em>6’7 PF Durango 2023</em> - I’m not sure if a transfer should count as a breakout player, but for article sake, Brascia makes the list. The first thing I look for when it comes to evaluating breakout guys is opportunity. Durango is losing the production of [player_tooltip player_id="856674" first="Kendrick" last="Gilbert"] from last year, and there is a chance that Brascia may be the only big on the roster. He’s got game as well, his athleticism and activity should certainly provide instant production for the Trailblazers.</p> <p>Jaquavis Williford <em>6’4 SF Western 2023</em> - I have not seen a lot of Williford, but what I have seen I’ve liked. Combined that with the fact that every single person I have spoken with speaks highly of his game. The lefty has a sweet stroke, and a terrific opportunity to make a major splash next season with his length, defensive instincts and scoring ability.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1032938" first="AJ" last="Storr"] <em>6’6 SF Bishop Gorman 2021</em> - Storr has been bouncing back and forth from Vegas to the Midwest, so a big part of his breakout is the fact that by the time the season starts he’s going to have taken more reps then most of the players he’s competing against. Don’t get it twisted though, the kid can definitely play, and should be a great addition to the 9 time defending state champs. The versatile scorer is an above average R&amp;J athlete, that can knock down the 3 or score in transition. Gorman should be a top 10 team Nationally and Storr only strengthens their Geico chances.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="927154" first="Jaydyn" last="Dalton"] <em>6’0 SG Spring Valley 2021</em> -  I’ve seen Dalton in several setting where I have fallen in love with his game, and other times not so much. When he’s good, he is a knock down shooter that can play both backcourt spots effectively. Spring Valley is one of the favorites in 4A, and Dalton’s play may just determine how far they go.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859644" first="Dontrell" last="Johnson"] <em>6’5 PF Bonanza 2022 (#11PHN 2022)</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - It seems like I write an awful lot about a guy that hasn’t played a varsity game in two season. There is a reason for that, every time he takes the floor Johnson produces. He’s a high motor athlete that never has to be turned up, and is capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Bonanza is in rebuilding mode under 2nd year coach Kevin Soares, however if anyone knows something about developing players it’s the Hall of Famer. Expect Johnson to play a huge role, put up big numbers and make a splash on the local scene.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859649" first="Aaron" last="Price"] <em>6’5 PF Liberty 2022 (#14PHN 2022)</em> - I think I’m just going to will [player_tooltip player_id="859649" first="Aaron" last="Price"] playing into existence. I recently saw him on the floor, with 9 other D1 players, and you couldn’t convince me that he wasn’t the 10th. In fact I have scene Price play live on exactly 3 different occasions over the last 10 months. Each time, I was blown away by his motor, and athleticism. Him and Josh Jefferson in the frontcourt this year at Liberty may be as good as it gets.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859643" first="Shane" last="Thomas"] <em>6’3 SG Durango 2022 (#6PHN 2022)</em> - I feel like the entire city is waiting for this kid to play. Thomas is an electrifying athlete with the ability to change the scoreboard with his shooting, or defend the opposing teams best player. The lefty is in a great situation on a talented Trailblazers squad. The only question I have is what level does he take his game, does he simply fit in with his talented teammates, or does he raise his level and bring them along with him?</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops Nevada</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>