The Legends Classic At STVM Day 1 Top Performers

<p>The Legends Classic at STVM brought two prep teams to Akron, Ohio for a two day event. I was only able to catch the first day, seeing Minnesota Prep take on Chaney and Phoenix College Prep battle the host Irish. In the first game, Minnesota Prep held on to win a 58-54 battle that saw dozens of free-throws shot by each team. In the nightcap, the host Irish pulled their starters up 27 points with a few minutes to go in their 73-55 victory. Here were the top performers from the games.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="593905" first="Malaki" last="Branham"], 6’5 SG STVM 2021: Branham put together the performance of the season in my eyes, dominating a Phoenix College Prep team stacked with Division I recruits. Branham was using his size to get whatever he wanted in the 6-12 foot range, moving well without the ball and using his touch to score. Branham ended the night with 27 points, but had a couple shots go in and out and missed a layup he probably thinks he should make 100 times out of 100, that means it could’ve been even more dominant. Nonetheless, Branham proved once again that he’s the top prospect in the state and this performance was just wow on both ends as he refused to let this game even become competitive. Ohio State fans are very lucky to have him coming next season.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="809600" first="Ramar" last="Pryor"], 6’3 SG STVM 2022: I’m finally starting to come around on Pryor’s talents. The Junior off guard is excelling in his role off the bench and continues to improve as a shooter. Pryor also had a couple near highlight reel dunks in this one. Pryor looks more comfortable finishing below the rim than last season. Next year will be a great test for Pryor as he’ll be relied upon to be a primary scorer next to [player_tooltip player_id="787627" first="Sencire" last="Harris"]. Mid and Low Major programs should be showing strong interest in Pryor.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="919005" first="Austin" last="Rayman"], 5’11 SG STVM 2021: Rayman and [player_tooltip player_id="922594" first="Kevin" last="Hamilton"] locked up DePaul commit [player_tooltip player_id="809688" first="Brett" last="Hardt Jr"]. Rayman looked at least capable athletically against a team filled with division I prospects. He did get blocked a couple times at the rim, including one LeBron-esque chase-down block he was the victim of. Rayman shot the ball well from the outside and competed defensively and that’s all you can really ask out of a likely Division III prospect against a bunch of Division I kids. Rayman’s stock improved with this showing.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="706704" first="Dominic" last="Capriotti"], 6’4 SG Phoenix College Prep 2021: Capriotti was really the only guy keeping Phoenix College Prep in the game in the first half with his outside shooting. Capriotti hit a couple from the parking lot, scoring almost half of the Fire’s points in the first 16 minutes of action.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="846126" first="Odier" last="Olange"], 6’7 PF Minnesota Prep 2021: Olange was dunking everything in sight in the paint against Chaney. Olange can really succeed in transition where his physical tools are best utilized. While Olange struggled from the outside, his one made 3-pointer was a rarity for this contest.</p> <p>Amahn Decker, 6’6 PF Minnesota Prep 2021: Decker showed patience in the paint, using a pump fake (amazing what that can do for you) to get defenders in the air. Decker had an impressive feel for the game and should be a physical body that will help a college program from day one. It was refreshing to see a post player without much of an outside shot look to score the ball in the paint and not settle for jumpers or try and dribble past the defense.</p> <p>Josiah Gonzalez, 6’1 SG Chaney 2023: Gonzales popped as a name for the future on this mostly upperclassmen led Chaney squad. The lefty knocked down a 3-pointer, had a couple nice cuts and rebounds and held his own defensively. While he needs to improve on ball-handling to make it easier for him to get past defenders, I think he’ll end up as a college prospect by his Senior season.</p>