Bash in the Desert: AZ Sleepers

Gregg Rosenberg May 5, 2021 @ 09:52 AM

This weekend I attended the Bash in the Desert at Inspire Courts in Gilbert, AZ. The event had 15-17U competing for the three days with 67 total teams.   Here were some of the local sleepers of the event: [player_tooltip player_id="1066478" first="Malik" last="Payton"] (Team RHJ 2022) -A tough two-way guard likes attacking off the bounce and getting to the rim. He is an improved perimeter shooter from mid to the 3 and was tough on the ball defensively. He is more athletic then you realize and he holds multiple offers and backed it up this weekend. [player_tooltip player_id="1035129" first="Adrien" last="Armstrong"] (PAL Elite 2023) -A wing who can play multiple positions. He plays and defends most positions on the court and brings a huge motor in every game he plays. He grew at least one inch and can handle the ball well, make a play, then rebound like a power forward. His offensive rebounding ability is one of the best in his class and he is just starting to be a bigger threat on offense. [player_tooltip player_id="827000" first="Dorell" last="Thomas"] (Team RHJ 2022) (Pictured) -A long wing forward with skill and athleticism. His 3-ball looks more polished then the last year and his ball handling is improving. He can slash to the basket and get to the rim. He defends the 2-4 for his team and he is adding a few wrinkles to his all-around game. [player_tooltip player_id="973563" first="Jason" last="Ernest"] (Factory 2023) -A powerfully built forward is making big strides. He is the youngest junior in the state and maybe even in the country. He battles hard inside for rebounds and will score on put backs with energy. He is slowly extending his range out to the perimeter but does his best work inside in the trenches. [player_tooltip player_id="936907" first="Shane" last="Williams"] (Team RHJ 2023) -A freaky long and athletic post player. He is a true rim runner playing above the rim on the break and flushes it down with authority. He blocks shots out of his area and grabs rebounds high above the crowd and will sprint back on defense. He can keep improving his offensive game but he is making strides. [player_tooltip player_id="1033021" first="Chris" last="Long"] (PAL ELite 2022) -A sturdy framed 4-5 who can stretch the floor. He has a pretty stroke with range he utilizes and crashes the glass. He keep the ball high and outlets the ball smartly to his guards. He can give a shot fake and get to the cup plus score a little inside as well. He plays a cerebral and physical game to go along with his shooting ability.