Arizona End of Summer Showcase – Biggest Surprises

<p>Gerry Freitas had an impressive collection of team and individual talent on hand Labor Day Weekend at the Inspire Courts in Arizona for his End of Summer Showcase. The collection of teams from the West Coast included a number of familiar faces in new jerseys, including Compton Magic standout [player_tooltip player_id="747080" first="Malik" last="Thomas"]<br /> , who participated with Oxnard-based Team Build Up.</p> <p>Washington Supreme was the story of the event, as they dominated EYBL program Vegas Elite en route to a 4-0 showcase record.</p> <p>In this report, we talk about some of the players who surprised us over the weekend that was.</p> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id="956469" first="Jeremiah" last="Minegar"], 6-2 2021 G, Gamepoint Inland</h3> <p>Minegar, who had a nice junior year at Linfield Christian, is proving he’s more than capable of leveling up to big-school competition in the AAU setting. The wiry, long combo guard has a sweet shooting stroke and is a crafty playmaker. He needs to add bulk and get tougher on defense and the boards, but the tools are there, and Minegar is a solid college prospect.</p> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id="970253" first="Vincent" last="Berlucchi"], 6-7 2022 WF, Gamepoint 16u</h3> <p>Berlucci has been known throughout his career as a "glue guy," but his skill level and scoring ability are rounding nicely into form. He drained threes from the corner off of guard penetration, and even showed flashes of slashing ability from the wing and on the baseline. The biggest change is in Berlucchi’s mindset, which is more assertive than in previous viewings. </p> <h3>Emmanuel Austin, 6-1 2021 PG, Nevada Hard 2 Guard</h3> <p>Explosive is the best description of this uber quick lead guard out of Nevada. Austin has a strong frame and an explosive first step, which allows him to get into the paint at will. He absorbs contact well, and is a solid finisher in the lane. The one area where he needs to improve is his perimeter shooting, which will open up easier driving lanes for him to attack.</p> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id="932438" first="Jake" last="Schleifer"], 6-7 2021 PF, Team Zona 17u</h3> <p>Scheifer was one of the best shooting big men in the gym in the games I watched this weekend. He knocked down shots consistently out to the college three, and used his shot fake to create scoring opportunities off the bounce (really nice one-dribble pull-up). Around the rim, Scheifer showed soft touch and finished plays created by his guards. </p> <h3>[player_tooltip player_id="680245" first="Trevan" last="Martin"], 6-5 2021 G/W, Gamepoint 17u Elite</h3> <p>Martin was one of SoCal’s top prospects as a sophomore before a broken foot sidelined him for almost his entire junior season. After this weekend’s performance, it’s safe to say he’s back. Martin scored capably from three levels, and showed improved mechanics on his catch-and-shoot three. And as always, Martin was a menace in transition, looking to finish above the rim.</p>