Observations from Cactus at Notre Dame Prep

Gregg Rosenberg February 5, 2021 @ 10:42 AM

On Tuesday January 26th I attended the 4A Cactus Cobras at the 4A Notre Dame Prep Saints.   Here were some observations from the two games I viewed: #1 Both schools have stud freshman who can be program changers! #2 One freshman stood out on JV for Cactus. Aydan Delgado PG 5’8 2024 NDP -An old school pure PG has that throw back feel to the game. The lefty is all about facilitating for his team. He advance passes perfectly. He throws pocket passes to teammates and passes well in the post. #3 Two freshman and one junior stood out on JV for NDP. Tyler Friend PG 5’7 2024 Notre Dame Prep -A pure PG who has a good burst into the lane to score on layups. He is undersized but is crafty and smart. Changes speeds well and plays with a high IQ. Alex Afele CG 5’11 2024 Notre Dame Prep -A combo guard who squares up quickly to shoot the 3. He also is an outstanding passer. He looks to become an off guard but someone who will definitely make plays for his teammates. His sweet shooting stroke will see him get minutes on varsity possibly next year. Oliver Cardinali SG 6’0 2022 Notre Dame Prep -An easy 3-level scorer who can also is quick to defend the passing lanes. He can shoot the 3 plus uses the euro well and can out run his competition for layups. He has a good IQ for defense   Varsity game: #4 NDP has multiple shooters would should keep them in most games. #5 Cactus has an undersized overall team, BUT with their freshman big man, they can play inside out to give the Cobras open looks. #6 Both teams have a shot at the playoffs despite their rocky starts. (they both have had difficult schedules). #7 NDP have other important guards, not mentioned, that will go a long way into trying to make a playoff run with [player_tooltip player_id="998974" first="Brandon" last="Nacario"] and Ben Stafford.   #8 Here were the Varsity standouts: Notre Dame Prep 66 Cactus 59 (unofficial stats) [player_tooltip player_id="1123041" first="Bradey" last="Henige"] Cactus (10 pts 8 rebs 2 blks) (Pictured) -A unusually tall freshman has a lot to like. He can become a cornerstone for the Cobras. The lefty palms the ball effortlessly and his reach is incredible. He moves well for his size and has a soft touch inside. He keeps the ball high for rebounds and will attacks the glass. He also passes well out of the double teams and his upside is very high. He had an unfortunate injury in the 4th quarter. The staff at PHA hopes he will get a speedy recovery! [player_tooltip player_id="1123139" first="Rob" last="Jenkins"] Cactus (22 pts 4 rebs 1 stl) -An athletic guard who can shoot the 3 with range. He has a the floater game and used an impressive crow hop to score it in traffic. He can get to the FT line using his athleticism to get passed his defender and has good open court speed. He can improve his shot selection moving forward. [player_tooltip player_id="1123040" first="Anthony" last="Batson Jr"] NDP (17 pts 4 rebs 2 stls) -A gifted freshman guard has huge hands with an explosive first step. He has nice looking catch 3pt shot and If he gets a step on you, he will finish at the rim in traffic and can take it right to the chest of the defender. He has a knack for collecting steals and rebounds well using his gifts and IQ. [player_tooltip player_id="1123137" first="Tyler" last="Kolar"] NDP (22 pts 3 rebs 2 ast 3 stls) -A high IQ combo guard plays a cerebral game. He has good skill and loves the mid-range jumper and floater. He uses his IQ on defense having the awareness to knowing where to be. He understands how to get to the FT line and he is a gamer. [player_tooltip player_id="1123138" first="Andrew" last="Fitzgerald"] NDP (15 pts 5 rebs) -A natural scoring guard can get to the rim. He has good body control in the lane to score it in traffic or get fouled. He is competitive on defense and rebounds the ball well in his area.