Etowah Summer Scrimmages Observations

<p>Dropped by Etowah HS last week for the first of what was two nights of scrimmages featuring 7 teams over 2 gyms. Here are some of my observations from the main gym on Wednesday night:</p> <p><strong>ETOWAH IS PRIMED</strong></p> <p>With so many players having big springs and with such familiarity amongst this group after last season, it’s easy to see why Etowah may be thinking big things for next winter. Their 2023 stars, [player_tooltip player_id="1042849" first="Brandon" last="Rechsteiner"] and [player_tooltip player_id="873083" first="Mason" last="Etter"], rightfully garner a ton of attention, as Rechsteiner has quickly established himself as a top 20 talent in the class at lead guard, able to score it from deep and kill you with the blow-by as well. His handle is effortlessly forward-moving and his vision as a passer is an aspect often overlooked. Etter has gotten bigger and stronger now at 6-5 and brings a full package on offense that goes from serious finishing ability inside 5 feet all the way out to 20+ feet and a 3-pt stroke that has come miles. His improved foot speed and defense has also become a huge boon for him as he is a wise stopper and takes a ton of charges, while also being able to guard 4 spots without missing a beat. He, like Rechsteiner, is beginning to open up D1 eyes and that will only continue to ramp up this live period as their play does all the talking. Not to be underscored, the 2022 trio of forward [player_tooltip player_id="1049037" first="Josh" last="Hughes"] and guards Dajuan Devonish and [player_tooltip player_id="1045843" first="Jonah" last="Hamilton"] will be just as instrumental to any serious postseason success. Hughes has taken massive steps as post man, working on his hands and footwork and integrating an array of clever interior moves to his already solid defense near the basket. Devonish has matured so much and found the right speed for his game to unleash a perimeter shooting and downhill driving game that can be really tough to handle. Hamilton gives this group precisely what you need with all these weapons, a high percentage 3-pt shooter who likes to spot up at the arc and has the textbook stroke and quick release to be a more than viable weapon. Shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id="1063051" first="Dimitri" last="Angelakos"] sees significant minutes both as a sub and in the starting lineup for the Eagles, a physical young guy at around 6-2 who has seriously worked in the weight room, can play either guard spot, and is one of the 2024 class’ best pure shooters.</p> <p><strong>GET CHEROKEE EARLY, BECAUSE THEY WILL GET BETTER LATE </strong></p> <p>New Coach Joe Veihman has plenty to work with despite losing two D1 players in [player_tooltip player_id="754245" first="Taihland" last="Owens"] and [player_tooltip player_id="869583" first="Elijah" last="Tucker"] and a third key starter in [player_tooltip player_id="1036811" first="Ethan" last="Pickett"]. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id="1011350" first="Caleb" last="Richardson"] and Ming Bulter will likely see larger roles, and while Richardson is playing football this month Butler looked confident in the backcourt Wednesday shooting it and on the attack. It’s the 2023 class that will likely make the most impact in Canton, as guards [player_tooltip player_id="1020689" first="Tayden" last="Owens"] (Taihland’s brother) and [player_tooltip player_id="793816" first="Cameron" last="Pope"] are two names that have been having a monster impact on the grassroots scene for Wood Elite and should continue that when fall camp opens. Pope was not playing last week, but has star potential either with the ball in his hands or playing off the wing with his clever package of deft moves to the hole and perimeter shooting, while Owens is a protypical PG with lightning-fast speed at both ends, is an elite defender, and possesses a true scorer’s mentality that can put up points in bursts. Another spring star for Wood has been 2023 combo guard Mason Bennett, who has shown off great versatility around 6-0 tall and does all the winning-type things you ask from a player with sneaky good athletic ability and a real understanding of the game. Wouldn’t at all be surprised this live period to see his phone start ringing with offers. 2023 forward [player_tooltip player_id="1201526" first="Dastin" last="Hart"] brings athletic ability and some size to the starting lineup, and Braylin Giddens was a bit of a surprise the other night my getting eyes on him for the first time, he’s got skill and savvy with the bounce and can play I think in a 3 or even 4-guard package with Owens, Pope and Bennett and make for a very difficult group to stay in front of.</p> <p><strong>OTHERS TO WATCH FROM THE EVENING:</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Tremain Davis, 6-3, CG, 2022, North Cobb Christian</strong></em></p> <p>Physical, can play either guard spot, showed off 3-pt range and we know he can blow-by folks with the bounce, defends 4 spots with his good frame and athleticism, terrific rebounding guard, he’s a must-see attraction in Kennesaw for recruiters along with the likes of 2022 CG [player_tooltip player_id="1130590" first="Jack" last="Hewitt"], 2023 CG [player_tooltip player_id="1049233" first="CJ" last="Wallace"], and up and comer 2025 PG Josh Dixon.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1049042" first="Trent" last="Jackson"], 6-1, PG, 2022, Creekview</strong></em></p> <p>Will be relied on to score more with production lost to graduation and can both from deep range as well as getting to the basket, has really jumped up his skillset as a lead guard and knows how to run a team, solid leader and makes for a good backcourt with 2022 6-4 wing Drew Vajda, the play of 2023 Seth Jack as an off-guard around 6-3 was intriguing as he scored from multiple levels and the Grizz will need a 3rd option to develop. </p>