Prep Hoops Tune Up Standouts
In this article:
The Prep Hoops Circuit invaded the DFW area for Easter weekend with a bunch of hoops under the roof of Drive Nation. During the first two days, Louisiana preps had their hand in a lot of the action with a…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops Circuit invaded the DFW area for Easter weekend with a bunch of hoops under the roof of Drive Nation. During the first two days, Louisiana preps had their hand in a lot of the action with a few of the players leaving their mark on the courts. Simply put, I will highlight Louisiana preps who stood out during Day 1 and 2 of the Prep Hoops Tune Up.
Treylin Whaley Treylin Whaley 6'4" | PF Livonia | 2022 State LA (6’4″ / Showtime Elite / 2022)
Whaley was the best player I observed from the four Louisiana teams that participated during the weekend. He showed the ability to score from the perimeter and routinely took advantage of players when he had the advantage in the post. The two things that were very impressive was his body control to avoid charges and his shooting ability. His ability to pull up from one dribble behind the arc or in the mid-range was next level stuff. I know he is a very good football player; however, he is rounding into a very good basketball player also.
Donald Butler Donald Butler 6'5" | SF Walker | 2022 State LA (6’4″ / Showtime Elite / 2022)
Butler has always been able to run the floor and finish at the rim. While other parts of his game were on display this weekend at Drive Nation, his ability to run the floor and finish above the rim was a definite asset for the success of Showtime Elite. Butler created a poster with his breakaway finish at the end of the first half during one game. He has improved his handle and was able to execute a couple of drives from the wing into finishes. His ability to rebound and finish in traffic has improved as well. Butler’s play was a pleansnt surprise for the weekend.
Jalan Washington Jalan Washington 6'1" | CG White Castle | 2023 State LA (6’1″ / Showtime Elite / 2023)
I caught Washington during their loss to Arcadia at Marsh Madness. Watching him live, I came away impressed with the number of things he can do well on the floor. He plays under control at all times and never in a rush. Washington uses subtle moves like hesitation dribbles and shot fakes to get players off balance to execute his drives to the rim. He has the mid-range pull-up to go with his ability to drive and get fouled. Washington also can shot it from deep. He is becoming a three level scorer and a true offensive problem for the opposition.
Jakobe Dykes Jakobe Dykes 6'5" | SF Shaun Dumas Academy | 2023 State LA (6’4″ / Showtime Elite / 2023)
Dykes stood out as the 16U team went undefeated because he did pretty much everything on the floor. Dykes was able to attack from the wing in several situations and take advantage of his height and strength in the paint. He finished through contact consistently. In most cases he was smart enough to take advantage of his leaping ability and score with several short jumpers over smaller defenders. Dykes was excellent at running the wing and beating defenders down the floor as well. He has a big upside and he definitely displayed aspects of why that is this weekend.
Lance Waddles Lance Waddles 6'3" | CG Victory Rock Prep | 2022 State LA (6’3″ / O.W.E. Travel / 2022)
Some players who have sat out a high school season usually play a step slow during their first competition in awhile. Waddles did not have that problem this weekend in Dallas. His game improved as he got more comfortable on the floor on the floor each game. Waddles was deadly from deep and has range out past the college line. He pushed the ball in transition effectively as well. He kept his head up at all times and found players behind the defense or advanced the ball with the pass. His all around guard skills were on full display. Waddles has definitely worked on his game during his season to sit.
Desmond Washington Desmond Washington 6'4" | SF Huntington | 2022 State LA (6’5″ / O.W.E. Travel / 2022)
Another player who displayed an ability to bang in the midst of the trees was Desmond Washington Desmond Washington 6'4" | SF Huntington | 2022 State LA . He was the most active member of the O.W.E. (Out Work Everyone) team on the glass. He had several rebound putbacks and was a workhorse on the defensive boards. Washington’s best trait is his ability to defend one through five with the same intensity with which he rebounds. His ability to carve out space in the paint mixed with his athleticism makes him a threat at all times. If he continues to improve by adding a baseline jumper to his offensive abilities, Washington will see success as a post player for O.W.E.
The Prep Hoops Circuit tournaments will be a way to see players like these, and others, that will not regularly be seen. This circuit is independent of the shoe circuit and will open more doors for prep players across the country. The Prep Hoops Circuit will continue throughout this month and conclude in August.