270 Hoops Proving Ground Week 8 Standouts
On the conclusive Sunday to a whirlwind summer into fall basketball season, Zach Fleer and 270 Hoops put on its final Proving Ground showcase and they put the spotlight on the class of 2022. As usual, the Proving Ground is…
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Continue ReadingOn the conclusive Sunday to a whirlwind summer into fall basketball season, Zach Fleer and 270 Hoops put on its final Proving Ground showcase and they put the spotlight on the class of 2022. As usual, the Proving Ground is an exhibition where upwards of 20 kids make-up four teams and compete to be the first team with 6 victories. To win the game, the team must get to the target score then nail a free throw after to finish the game off which gives the game a sense of drama and makes the young men step up and hit clutch free throws which is something all basketball players will be faced with at some point in their career. On the final Sunday of this great event, here are the players that stood out and made an impact at the Elevate Basketball Academy.
Aaron Lawson- Eastmoor: One of the most improved players from last basketball season, Lawson has developed into a tremendous point guard with a huge upside. Sunday he was the leader of his team, consistently scoring when his team was stagnant and keeping his teammates involved the rest of the time which led to his team winning the final Proving Ground event. He was hellacious on defense, using his long and newly sculpted arms to disrupt timing of offensive players. Lawson made some spectacular passes to set his teammates up perfectly for scoring opportunities. Over the summer, Lawson changed his body and he uses it to his advantage with more physical play in the paint.
Dennis Asoro- Eastmoor: The chemistry with his teammate Lawson showed all day as they ran the screen and roll very well and Asoro was a constant threat as the roll man due to his ability to finish at the rim. Asoro also showed great timing on putback layups and then combining it with his natural athleticism to soar and score over defenders. His jump shot was not dropping today but he made up for it by being an absolute terror in the paint and on defense where he had a block that reminded this writer of the famous Zion Williamson block while he was at Duke. Asoro proved that he was ready for this upcoming Columbus City League season where he will be a key piece to the Warrior team.
Chase Ouellette- Wellington: A consistent shot maker, Ouellette was one person on his team who was seen as the biggest threat to put the ball in the basket. His length caused problems for defenders inside as this young man was good at keeping the ball above his head while finishing at the rim. On the perimeter, Ouellette was money as he was able to get his feet set numerous times and make teams pay for leaving him open. Also, the high arch allows him to know that it’s going to take a lot for defenders to block his shot. Ouellette showed grit all afternoon, getting after rebounds and showing scouts that he is more than just a good shot maker.
Corey Hudson- Pickerington North: Smooth and easy yet physical and tough, Hudson has a good blend of an old man’s game with a high schooler’s moveset. He was in control whenever he had the ball and set the pace for the possession. Hudson got in the lane at will and hit a few game winning buckets. The point guard was relaxed and comfortable in his game and did not allow defenders to speed him up. Hudson will be called upon a lot in this upcoming season, and he has the demeanor to handle it. Hudson’s clutch shot making and steady play led to him winning MVP of the day.
Eljae Deas- Gahanna: This young man gets better every dribble, and he relies less on his uncanny athleticism and more on his skill every time this writer sees him. On Sunday, Deas was a menace on defense with numerous steals while on offense he heated up shooting later in the day. His quick feet allowed him to live in the paint and make plays from the heart of the defense.
Ryan Paris Ryan Paris 6'4" | SG Hilliard Davidson | 2022 State OH – Hilliard Davidson: Aggressive on offense as soon as he touched the ball, Paris was able to keep his team in games even though they did not win many actual games. Paris showed a never quit attitude that coaches love, not taking a play off. He had a good day shooting the ball from deep and finished in traffic a few times that was impressive. The 6-foot-3 guard had to play aggressive to keep his team within striking distance and get over the hump for a win. This season will be important for Paris as he looks to continue the improvement he made over the summer.
Josh Harlan- Pickerington Central: The victories his team claimed, came from his brilliant performances during those games. Harlan showed the ability to make tough shots and get his nose dirty defensively to make all the winning plays that come along with playing basketball. Harlan’s jumper was working Sunday afternoon, with the corner/wing three seeming to be his shot of choice when left open. He cut really hard when he caught the defense lacking and made them pay with sweet layups off the glass. Harlan will be another good piece on the Pickerington Central squad that has high hopes for this season.
LB Towns- Linden McKinley: The fastest player in the building with or without the ball in his hand (as proven by his 2nd place finish in Cross Country this season) and his speed was on fully displayed all afternoon. Whether he was outrunning others while cherry picking for an easy fast break layup, splitting a double team and exploded to the basket or getting back on defense to stop a fast break, Towns used his acceleration to effect the game when he was in. An underrated passer, Towns was impressive with finding open shooters after getting into the lane and on the break leading the players that leaked out with good passes for easy transition buckets.