The War: Most Unstoppable Slashers

The War, presented by War Hoop Events, gave us what might be the last grassroots tournament or event of the year, seeing as though the school year is starting for most kids in Texas. This event consisted of the absolute best teams in Dallas along with some of the top teams from Utah, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The building was filled with talent and future NBA prospects, this tournament had every type of recruit from the class of 2021-24 that a college coach could possibly be looking for. Here are a few of the most unstoppable slashers from this past weekend at The War. JeDerris Carr | Forward | Dallas Showtyme | 2023 |<img class="size-medium wp-image-1048033 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/IMG_3348-153x300.jpg" alt="" width="153" height="300" /> Offensively skilled, versatile forward with a great physical package at 6 foot 3 inches, combining size, strength, and athleticism. JeDerris operated effectively out of the mid to high post, an exceptional face-up and back down player that did a good job of sizing his defender up, using his power, and attacking the basket for a pull-up or a layup. Carr used the triple-threat position perfectly, he utilized jab steps, shot fakes, and head fakes to get his man off balance. His bread and butter was his nice dribble-drive spin move that got him into the paint over and over again. JeDerris Carr proved to be a good scorer and finisher with a sweet touch around the basket. Carr is really going to excel as he gains more experience playing this game. <div> [player_tooltip player_id="787323" first="Finley" last="Bizjack"] | Shooting Guard | Southern Assault 15U | 2023 |<img class="size-medium wp-image-1048034 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/IMG_3361-128x300.jpg" alt="" width="128" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="787323" first="Finley" last="Bizjack"] is by far one of the best finishers you will find anywhere and the absolute best of his class. In this event, Bizjack came out the gate looking virtually unguardable, getting to the hoop at will, making tough, crafty, layups while maneuvering his body through the contact. Finley has a game that resembles Kyrie Irving, he has a shifty, herky-jerky style, and a truly remarkable ability to change directions on a dime. He’s an incredibly smooth and creative finisher, shooter, and ball-handler. Bizjack is unpredictable once he’s in the lane, the kid can really make some of the most unbelievable circus shots. Finley can jump off either leg and score with either hand, but the spin he puts on the ball is immaculate. [player_tooltip player_id="787323" first="Finley" last="Bizjack"] consistently displays all the qualities of a high-level go-to scorer and you got to love his enthusiasm, his energy is just contagious. Can’t wait to see how he does in his sophomore season this year. <div> [player_tooltip player_id="1047567" first="Khalil" last="Mahtani"] | Point Guard | Court of Dreams | 2021 |<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1048036" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/IMG_3369-146x300.jpg" alt="" width="146" height="300" /> Mahtani got to the rack so easy I thought it was a layup drill. His drive and kick is the most effective element to his game, Khalil’s ability to be a threat to pass, shoot, or beat his man off the dribble kept defenses on their heels. He does a very good job of blowing by closeouts with aggression and taking advantage of holes in the defense. Elite speed in the open court, Mahtani did an outstanding job of leading the fastbreak, he pushes the ball up the floor, gets downhill, then uses his body control and craftiness to finish at the hoop. Khalil doesn’t’ shy away from contact either, he gets into the chest of the defender and can still maintain control. This summer has turned out to be a big one for [player_tooltip player_id="1047567" first="Khalil" last="Mahtani"], his game has really expanded and he has even begun receiving interest from the likes of Ranger College. Khalil’s success will continue as he goes into his senior season playing for the talented Ricardson J.J. Pearce High School basketball team. <div> [player_tooltip player_id="887060" first="Marcell" last="McCreary"] | Shooting Guard/Small Forward | Mudiay Elite | 2021 |<img class=" wp-image-1041579 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/IMG_3260-153x300.jpg" alt="" width="141" height="276" /> McCreary is a really good slasher with a crazy fast first step, blow-by speed, and explosiveness. This fearless attacker is a tank in transition, when Marcell drives to the rim with a full head of steam you might want to get out of his way, he’s not somebody you’d want to be in front of when taking a charge or challenging at the basket. McCreary is often one of, if not the strongest guy on the court, he has a strong solid frame that is still developing, displaying all of the physical tools needed to succeed at the college level. He was an excellent finisher around the basket even after contact, powerful enough to absorb the physicality and still get the shot up. [player_tooltip player_id="887060" first="Marcell" last="McCreary"] is a very unique prospect, he’s different, there are not many players out there that I would compare him to. His name has also starting to gain some traction, picking up some big-time offers and interest from North Carolina’s Catawba College, Texas State University, Dallas Baptist University, Western New Mexico University, even Ivy League’s very own Cornell University. The potential for Marcell is high and the future is extremely bright, whatever school gets their hands on him will not regret it. <div> Deonte Greer | Combo Guard | Dallas Showtyme | 2021 |<img class="alignright wp-image-1048038" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/IMG_3388-164x300.jpg" alt="" width="145" height="265" /> Deonte Greer showed and proved to be a relentless attacker of the rim, and once he’s inside he’s going to score, there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Greer created space and got into the lane fairly easily, he constantly broke down the defense with his lethal first step and slick crossover move which he sells well. He displayed an uncanny ability to slither his way through small creases in the defense where he then had crafty ways of making shots around the basket using reverse and up-and-under layups. But, shying away from contact isn’t in his nature, he initiates the foul and scores through the rough play with no problem. His knack for getting deep inside the paint led to several free throw attempts that helped bust the game open early for Showtyme. Deonte Greer and his teammate LJ Johnson were one of the best backcourts in the whole tournament, their games went together wonderfully and it translated to wins. </div> </div> </div> </div>