End of Summer Showcase: 2021 talent: Part-2

Gregg Rosenberg September 9, 2020 @ 05:14 PM

This Labor Day weekend I attended Gerry Freitas Arizona End of Summer Showcase at Inspire Courts in Gilbert, AZ. The event had 36 teams from the West Coast as far up as Washington. Specifically he had 15 from CA, 10 teams from AZ, 5 from Washington, 3 from Las Vegas, 2 from New Mexico and 1 from Colorado in the 16 and 17U divisions.   Here were some more of the 2021 talent I watched: [player_tooltip player_id="703810" first="Bailon" last="Black"] Ironwood (Team Zona) -The long and lean combo guard is a very good passer and shooter. His catch-3 was a tad off but he has a nice 1-dribble pull-up from the 17-feet, which can become a weapon in college. He is getting into the lane better than ever before with more confidence. He can rise over the top of another guard or score it near traffic and/or get fouled with his size. The Northern Colorado commit is becoming a better defender using his length to deflect balls and block shots. [player_tooltip player_id="703820" first="Grady" last="Lewis"] Sunnyslope (Firestorm) -Lewis battled with D1 post players and held his own. He is obviously strong but showed his athleticism plus scored inside on hook shots, floaters and facing up. He cleans the glass and keeps the ball high. He can block shots and runs the floor well. He keeps making small strides with his game. [player_tooltip player_id="809694" first="Moses" last="Demalek"] Paradise Valley (Zone-6) -Slowly becoming one of my favorite players to watch. Plays all 5 positions on the court and sets the table like a true PG would. He plays vs true 5-men then will defend a guard on the next possession. His passing ability is unreal for his position. He attacks off the dribble and takes it hard to the cup but can stop on a dime and be patient and let the D go by and score it. He can face-up but loves to attack and make a play off of it. His ability to play and defend all positions makes him attractive. [player_tooltip player_id="809682" first="Will" last="Menaugh"] Catalina Foothills (So AZ Elite Ballers) (Pictured) -A massive post player is rapidly improving his skill level. He has a drop step, hook shot from either hand and can take a few steps and throw it down. He gobbles up every rebound with two hands and outlets the ball well. He passes the ball surprisingly well and blocks any shot near him. Robert Vaihola PF 6’7 Archbishop Riordian (Arsenal Elite) -An extremely effective power forward did his job better than most this weekend. He is well put together with college strength and can face-up from mid to the 3pt line plus is very patient in the post. He can score it with his left or right hand and is a strong two-handed rebounder. [player_tooltip player_id="843727" first="Omari" last="Maulana"] Life Christian Academy (WA) (Washington Supreme UAA) -He is thick, tough and fast. He uses his strong frame to get into the lane and dime his teammates. He has a tight handle and is extremely unselfish. He makes open 3’s, mid-range pull-ups, has a floater game, he is very good on the break and good on the ball defensively. He avg 23 ppg his junior year and is two-way player. [player_tooltip player_id="843745" first="Garrett" last="Long"] Wenatchee (WA) (Friends of Hoops Seattle) -A good passer can control a game with his court vision. He is crafty in the paint and can score with his right or left hand. He is smart off the pick and roll and always seems like he makes the correct decision. His ability to change speeds often makes his game go. He is feisty on defense. [player_tooltip player_id="703835" first="JJ" last="White"] Ironwood (Team Zona) -Very good shooter off the catch and a physical defender. He is that true 3 and D type that many schools covet. Has an unorthodox shooting release but he shoots it at a good percentage. He also gives you rebounding for guard and will collect almost 3 steals per game. He is tough, strong and skilled and is a true glue guy for his HS team and will be one in college. He was recently offered by the University of Mary.