Weeks 3 and 4 Scouting Report: (Part 2 of 3)

Weeks 3 and 4 this year in Texas high school basketball was stacked with highly anticipated games and matchups. Two of the nation’s best teams went head-to-head against one another on an NBA court at the American Airlines Centers. Sophomores are dominating the land all over Texas. Basketball was at its best at the end of November. Here are just a few of the standout performances I witnessed during the last couple of weeks of the month. North Mesquite 44, Chisolm Trail 51 [player_tooltip player_id="959248" first="Arop" last="Arop"] - Small Forward - Chisolm Trail - 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="959248" first="Arop" last="Arop"] had back to back monster double-double games on back to back days during the last week of November. Chisholm Trail faced off against North Mesquite High School and Arop put up 32 points while also pulling down 10 boards, and swatting away 3 shots. [player_tooltip player_id="959248" first="Arop" last="Arop"] displayed high-quality footwork and good use of the fundamentals of the game. The Junior forward made precise moves that freed him up for a jumpshot or an open lane multiple times, even making a few beautiful euro-steps. He had such an outstanding day shooting the ball that he finished the game with more than half the team’s points. Arop did an impressive job of catch and shooting from beyond the arc, from mid-range, and from down low with his back to the basket on turnaround jumpers. Also showed off some leaping ability when he got open on a fastbreak and threw down a one-handed slam. [player_tooltip player_id="959248" first="Arop" last="Arop"] has the perfect size and length at his position, he’s a very long and lean 6 foot 8 inches with a massive wingspan and standing reach, and he knows how to use it well to his advantage. He has a release point high enough to shoot over everyone. You’re not going to find many defenders if any at all that can block his shot or effectively contest it, once he rises up you’re in trouble. When Arop is on the move, he uses long strides that allow him to get to the basket in just a few steps inside the half-court. Chisolm Trail 55, Poly 45 The very next day [player_tooltip player_id="959248" first="Arop" last="Arop"] put up 19 points at Poly High School and snagged another 10 boards. [player_tooltip player_id="959248" first="Arop" last="Arop"]’s outstanding play lead to back-to-back victories for Chisolm Trail. His stock is on the rise and the game is starting to look a bit easier to him, he even looks a few steps quicker than last season. Arop is a special talent that is starting to gain more and more attention each game. L.G. Pinkston 57, Arlington Heights 66 Sasha "Dink" Pate - Combo Guard - L.G. Pinkston - 2024 This prolific freshman is playing like the most elite 2024 recruit in the city. Dink Pate is a 6’6 combo guard with next-level point guard instincts. He was an absolute sniper from deep against Arlington Heights, especially when given space. If a hand isn’t up by the time Pate gets the ball you’re in trouble, it doesn’t matter how far out he catches the rock, he will let it fly. Dink displayed a high arcing rainbow jumpshot that splashed right through the net every time it fell. Phenomenal jump shooting mechanics, perfect form, balance, elevation, release point, touch, and consistency, Dink quickly set his feet and got the ball out of his hands before the defense could even contest. He’s proving to be a flat out pure shooter and ballplayer. In this game, he excelled off of his spot-up and catch and shoot opportunities, he was most deadly from anywhere near the top of the key. Dink Pate is a true freshman that is playing more like a senior, averaging 17 points per game through the month of November, leading the troops in scoring and assist, and bringing a high level of play each and every game. He’s already receiving interest and offers from local Universities in the metroplex, but he’s going to become a very heavily recruited prospect from colleges all over the country in no time. Fort Worth Christian 69, Birdville 57 [player_tooltip player_id="1051195" first="Alex" last="Bossinakis"] - Point Guard - Fort Worth Christian - 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1051195" first="Alex" last="Bossinakis"] didn’t hold back one bit against Birdville and their Texas ranked prospects, he played with a true passion and determination to win and it paid off tremendously. Alex has a knack for always making the right play, he ran the point guard position as great as he ever has, not only creating for himself but setting his teammates up with open shots and easy layups. His ability to get to any spot on the floor kept the defense on their toes, he garnered all of the attention which gave him the chance to find his guys that were in positions to score. Bossinakis’s jumpshot was money in the bank, whether he was pulling up from mid-range or spotting up from 3-point range. Once he caught fire there was no stopping him, Alex took what the defense gave him and flourished by using his quick thinking and decision making, consistently knowing exactly when to pull-up and when to blow-by a defender. Bossinakis finished the competition with 23 points. He’s been playing like a man on a mission while also displaying great on-court leadership, not only with his words but also with his actions. Prestonwood Christian Academy 60, Fort Worth Christian 63 [player_tooltip player_id="1051195" first="Alex" last="Bossinakis"] put on a show in this one, taking over the game, dropping 36 points, and doing it in a dominant way. Alex went into his bag and pulled out an abundance of moves against Prestonwood, crossing guys up left and right and making some beautifully lethal combo moves, he had a crossover for every defender that came his way. It didn’t take much for Alex to get it going but once he did he knocked down everything he put up, even when off-balance, being contested, or being fouled. His stop on a dime pull-up jumper around the elbow was deadly and caught the defense off guard most times. The Fort Worth Christian guard showed off his ability to slither through tight spaces and finish at the rack with either hand. Alex can be very shifty and slippery at times with the way he twists and turns his body while on the move. It was also impressive to see how he was strong enough to score through bumps, fouls, and just all-around physical play. Always a joy to watch, he plays with a love for the game, you got to love the energy and enthusiasm he brings to the floor. His play has been very consistent thus far, Alex ended November on a high note and started December on an even higher one. He and his counterpart [player_tooltip player_id="887077" first="Alec" last="Zambie"] go together perfectly and they’re starting to become a very dangerous combination that can do some damage come playoff time. Luke Carson - Point Guard - Trinity Christian (Willow Park) - 2021 Luke Carson had a terrific showing throughout the month of November, already accumulating over 100 points through the first four games of the season. Carson’s an incredibly crafty point guard with superb instincts, IQ, body control, and footwork. His ball skills are extremely smooth, quick, tight and under control, he has 101 moves that he can pull out at any moment. Luke’s knack for breaking his man down with some quick-twitch combo moves and pulling up right in their face was uncanny and will get you out of your seat. He’s been a deadeye shooter with and without a hand in his face. Luke plays with no fear, he’ll pull-up from another area code with no hesitation and knock it down, or he’ll drive through the lane relentlessly no matter how hard he’s fouled. Carson plays by the motto "hand down man down", do not let this player get hot or it is over for you. A remarkable finisher under the basket as well, the Trinity Christian point guard can score with either hand, use reverse layups effectively, and can convert tough shots through contact. I love how he plays at his own pace, he’s always in control of the flow of the game at all times. He’s also equipped with phenomenal open court and stop-and-start speed. He’s the floor general for his team, he plays with a great natural feel for the game, possesses the energy to ignite his teammates, has that killer mentality, he wants the ball in his hands when it matters most, he can create his own shot on any given play but is also unselfish, and willing to make the extra pass, knows how to look to sets his guys before looking for his own shot, Luke seems to always be involved or in control of the offense and what transpires. Luke Carson has flat-out been scorching the nets, he’s definitely a player to keep track of going forward, his stock has been on the rise since the season began.