Five More 2024’s from NY2LA Session 3

<p>One of the most enjoyable parts of the grassroots season is getting an early start on the players coming up from the middle school ranks. I gave you six names to know from the Fort Wayne Summer Finale last week. I was fortunate to catch a few more good teams at the NY2LA Grassroots Showdown Session 3. Here are five more names to keep an eye on. <br /> <i><br /> Note: these are very young players entering high school in a unprecedented time, the school they are attending are based on the best information I could gather. If I have made mistakes or there are changes I will update accordingly </i></p> <p><b>TJ Davis 6-5 2024 Muskegon Reeths Puffer </b>Some players will up a grade level and it is apparent physically. I had to do a double and triple check to make sure he was a 2024 prospect. Excellent size. Has a wide base, broad shoulders, and long arms. Also gets up and down the court quickly and moves well laterally. As a 2024 is a little raw offensively but knew what to do when he got the ball close to the basket. Would have liked to have seen a little more of him. But he was playing up on a UTS 2023 squad with a deep front court. Also appeared to be struggling with foul trouble. I have been very impressed with Rocket players [player_tooltip player_id="814609" first="Kendall" last="Smith"] and [player_tooltip player_id="814593" first="Kaleb" last="Mitchelson"] this summer. If he we’re to play up should be in a good environment where he can develop without being a focal point. </p> <p><b>Markus Blackwell 6-0 Detroit University Prep Math and Science (Middle School) </b>Impressive guard who led REACH to a 3-0 record on the weekend. Standout game was a 70-66 OT victory over Wisconsin Rise on Saturday morning. Took over late in the contest and was huge in overtime. Scored every point in the extra period including breakaway finish through a foul that pretty much decided the game as OT was just a minute long. Good ball handler and willing passer. Backcourt also featured his brother <b>Moses </b>who was also an excellent ball handler and hit a deep 3 in regulation. </p> <p><b>M’Khi Guy 5-8 2024 Muskegon </b>Even at this young age and coming off the bench for UTS 2023 it was apparent that this young man is a floor general. Plays with his head up and gets the ball up the court quickly. Has a nice looking perimeter shot and hit a deep 3 Saturday evening against Wisconsin Blizzard. It was telling that Guy got a lot of crunch time run in the one point loss. Had a timely steal and finish through contact when the game appeared to be slipping away. Should form a nice future back court with UTS teammates <b>Anthony Sydnor </b>and [player_tooltip player_id="987274" first="Jordan" last="Briggs"] </p> <p><b>Andrew Kimbrough 6-2 2024 Madison Heights Lamphere </b>Type of prospect that passes the initial eye test with flying colors. Long lean build that is easily projectable. His ability to elevate quickly and finish with both hands make him an intriguing post project at this grade level. That being said will need to keep growing to stay there. If he develops out on the perimeter will be very hard to defend. Played the Blackwell brothers on the previously mentioned REACH that went undefeated on the weekend. </p> <p><b>Stanley Gilbert 6-4 2024 Muskegon </b>A little smaller than crosstown rival Davis, but a whole bunch of potential. Appears to be primarily a post prospect right now. Has a wide frame and moves very well for his size. Did not show much of an offensive arsenal but like Davis and Guy was playing up a grade level with UTS Elite 2023. Operated well in the pick and roll but wasn’t able to get the finish at the rim. I can’t imagine that happens often when playing with 2024 prospects. Playing at powerhouse like Muskegon should allow him develop at a proper pace. Shouldn’t be forced into a position he is not comfortable with and will have good guards (see above) setting him up in the post. The future of the Big Red program is bright. </p>