20-21 Section II Players To Watch
It feels like it has been years since High School Basketball came to a screeching halt back in March. Hoopers became homebodies and what should have been championships became chances that we all missed out on. While this all may…
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Continue ReadingIt feels like it has been years since High School Basketball came to a screeching halt back in March. Hoopers became homebodies and what should have been championships became chances that we all missed out on. While this all may sound a bit dark, there could be some light at the end of the tunnel soon: basketball MAY be back.
Let’s take a look at New York Basketball. Many are quick to think of city powerhouses when they think of New York, but there is talent to be had in the upstate, specifically Section II. Section II is the home district of Jimmer Fredette (Glens Fall), Kevin Huerter (Shenendehowa), and most recently New York State’s All Time Leading Scorer Joe Girard III (Glens Falls). Let’s see who the next rising star from the section will be.
Alex Barnhill – 6’6 F – Mekeel Christian Academy
Barnhill enters the season fresh off a state championship and tournament MVP run. Where Barnhill sets himself apart is his all-around offensive game. He’s proficient from 3, uses his physicality and sneaky type of strength to battle down low and scoop offensive boards, and can even play the in-between game with a polished pull up jumper. Barnhill has that unteachable knack for rebounding, and that sneaky strength and physicality allow him to play bigger than his size. Barnhill is a versatile and talented wing that doesn’t need to be directly involved to produce. He flows in and out of open space as well as creates offense for himself on the offensive glass. Think Kyle Anderson, maybe not the quickest but the skill and athleticism is there.
Dayshaun Walton – 6’5 G – Green Tech
Walton is a lefty junior coming off a strong sophomore season. Walton has great length and size playing as the team’s primary ball handler. His 6’5 height and wingspan combined with his great motor make him a problem for the opposition on the perimeter defensively. Walton has NBA ready craft with the ball, as he is able to not just creatively get downhill and into the lane at will, but also hit some of the toughest angled “Jelly” finishes that only a few High School players can make. He has a smooth lefty stroke; he was a shade under 93% from the Free Throw line and has expanded is range as well. Excited to see not one but two more years of this guy.
Trevon Gifford – 6’8 F – Green Tech
Green Tech’s second player to watch, this is Gifford’s 2nd stint in New York. Gifford had a brief run last year at Spire (OH), Lamelo Ball’s alma mater (Or one of them at least). Before that, Gifford was a 1,000 point scorer by his sophomore year at Mayfield (NY). Gifford has prototypical wing size and athleticism. While his offense is a bit raw, the talent and athletic attributes are undeniable. He runs the floor and can guard positions 1-4. Gifford is a Division 1 athlete and defender, with a midrange jumper developing quickly. He will step out to take the 3 as well.
Photo: Upstate Scouts
Marcus Jackson – 6’2 G – Albany Academy
Marcus Jackson is the brother of former Top 50 recruit and current UCONN frosh Andre Jackson Andre Jackson 6'6" | SF Albany | 2020 State #64 Nation NY . Marcus flirted with a triple double stat line last year and is looking to improve on that. Jackson is explosive for his size, using his bounce to hang in the air for tough finishes or even rise right over the top for the dunk at times. He is lightening quick on both sides of the ball. On offense, he can break you down off the dribble before getting to the takeoff zone in the lane where his hops do the rest. On defense, Jackson is tenacious, playing and defending all 5 positions at the High School level. While he may not be able to do that on the next level, this shows his strength and diversity defensively.
Hagan Foley – 6’1 G – CBA
Foley is a knockdown shooter out of Christian Brothers Academy. Foley can extend well beyond the High School 3-point line already, and he still has room to grow. He also shoots above 90% at the free throw line. Foley is a leader among his teammates and has also shown up big in clutch performances. Just last year, he led his team to victories and OT and double OT, as well as sinking the game winning bucket in a separate game. Foley makes up for his size with elite shooting and a knack for showing up in big moments.
Marcus Shelton Marcus Shelton 5'11" | PG Colonie | 2021 State NY – 6’5 F – Colonie Central
Marcus Shelton Marcus Shelton 5'11" | PG Colonie | 2021 State NY is a flat-out bucket. Shelton’s game starts with his range and Curry-esque quick release. He can pull from deep, but also shows great quickness off the dribble. Shelton loves to get downhill and finish with a soft touch at the rim or even a floater. Shelton has the full package in terms of scoring. Shelton is also a coach’s dream as he is a standout hustle player, getting every 50/50 ball and never giving up on the play. He has great size and skill to play a guard/wing at the next level. Could improve playmaking.
Andrew Martin – 6’1 G – Shenendehowa
Martin returns looking to fill the void of two seniors who led the team to an undefeated conference record last season. Martin appears ready to step in with his dead eye shooting. Martin is a diverse shooter as he is lethal spotting up, takes hand offs, plays off screens, and can even just plain pull up off the dribble. Martin can step back behind the line as well as pull up from the midrange. Martin is a floor general offensively who takes care of the ball with his high basketball IQ. Defensively size may be an issue, but Martin’s instincts make him an active threat in passing lanes.