The Film Room: Larry Hughes Basketball Academy 17U

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri goes into the Film Room for the first time to take a look at the Larry Hughes Basketball Academy 17U team. The LBHA got a late start during the summer, but they were able to perform quite well in a pair of tournament appearances in Iowa and Nebraska in the past two weeks. The nucleus of this team has been together for the most part since they were in grade school. </p> <p>Here is a look at the players on the Larry Hughes Basketball Academy:</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824160" first="Myles" last="Estrada"] 6’1" Francis Howell Central: A very talented offensive player who knows how to get buckets in a variety of ways. He plays very well without the ball as he moves to open spots and uses screens well to get himself open. With the ball, he makes good use of fakes and his handles to create his own shots. He is also a knock-down shooter from 3-point range. He can also rebound and score in the low post for a guard his size.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824209" first="Preston" last="Fortner"] 5’10" Francis Howell: A quick point guard who plays very fast, but does so under control while making good decisions. He has an excellent pull-up jumper in transition to go along with 3-point range. He operates the pick and roll well where he can knock down jumpers off the dribble. If the defender goes underneath the screen, he will hit the 3-pointer consistently. He is also a good on-ball defender.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="984282" first="Ethan" last="Lattimore"] 5’11" Vianney: A very solid point guard who has been playing varsity basketball since his freshman year and that experience shows in the poise he plays with. He handles the ball well, but he also keeps the ball moving as he advances it well on the pass to key the transition game. He is also capable of getting into the lane and he will hit open 3-pointers. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824204" first="Nate" last="Parker"] 6’4" Eureka: A very solid "glue-guy" type of player who can fill a variety of roles to help his team succeed. The ball rarely sticks when he has it as he keeps the offense moving with his deft passing. You can run offense through him with his ability to facilitate. He is a solid defender who is also very proficient at hitting the Corner 3-pointer.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="709240" first="Anthony" last="Phieffer"] 5’10" Webster Groves: An energizer bunny who is quick and always finds himself in the middle of the action. He scores on nice cuts to the basket and he has a very effective mid-range jumper off the dribble. He is a very aggressive defender who will hawk the ball and take charges in the lane. He makes positive things happen with his hustle and effort.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="583715" first="Sam" last="Thompson"] 6’10" Francis Howell: One of the most skilled big men in the state, Thompson has excellent moves and a nice shooting touch in the post with both hands. He is a very unselfish player as he can passes well out of the double team or from the high post. He has a nice turnaround jumper from 10-12 feet and he can also step out a hit a 3-pointer. He is also a factor on the defensive end with his shot blocking.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824189" first="Logan" last="Wich"] 6’7" Parkway West: A solid combo forward who has a nice strong body and knows how to use it around the basket. He had some very strong takes to the basket off the dribble with a nice jump stop and the finish with authority. He has a very effective jump hook in the paint and decent range on his jump shot. He's a solid athlete who plays a blue-collar game.</p>