The Platform: Scotty B’s Sunday Notebook

The Platform concluded on Sunday in Birmingham with an excellent day of hoop. We break down all the exciting games and prospects we saw on the final day of the event in The Platform: Scotty B’s Sunday Notebook!   Illinois Bears 16U Capture Close Win to Open Day We began the day with the Illinois Bears 16U against the Alabama Celtics. It looked like the Bears were going to control the game, but in the second half the Celtics made a run at it, but the Illinois Bears secured a close win. Their point guard and top prospect [player_tooltip player_id="989273" first="Grant" last="Fridley"] was the best player on the floor. The lead guard from Trenton Wesclin is such a high IQ guard that has passing feel and can score from all-around the floor with his crisp jumper and slick handles. Went for 21 points. His backcourt mate [player_tooltip player_id="939049" first="Cade" last="Altadonna"] chipped in 10 points knocking in a couple threes and dishing the rock. [player_tooltip player_id="1113525" first="Caden" last="Hawkins"] from Carterville shot it well from deep going for 13 points. Inside five man [player_tooltip player_id="1048383" first="Wyatt" last="Hamson"] is a tough and physical post that rebounds well in his area and has touch finishing in the paint. [player_tooltip player_id="1113522" first="Tyler" last="Franklin"] is another power forward that impacts the game on the boards including grabbing one of the biggest of the contest then draining two clutch free throws. For the Alabama Celtics Isaiah Matthews was the guy. Quick guard off the bounce that had an excellent second half winning his one on one matchups getting to the rack for scores.   LivOn 2024 Post Duo Have Upside We caught the second half of LivOn 15U. The Louisiana Nike EYBL team has some talent in the pipeline. [player_tooltip player_id="1105540" first="Todd" last="Jones"] jumped off the floor to us. The 6’8” power forward has a great frame, length, and is a plus athlete. He sealed on the block, explosive finisher, and showed mobility diving to the hoop for a reverse layup. Christopher Leman is another post that left an impression with his activity level on the glass playing with a ton of energy.   Craft and Avila Do Work Leading Meanstreets 17U to 5-0 Record Meanstreets went 5-0 defeating four really good squads to head into Peach Jam with a ton of momentum. It was the [player_tooltip player_id="863588" first="Kam" last="Craft"] show once again! The Xavier shooting guard was the most productive high-level prospect all weekend. He saved his best for last dropping 31 points against Minnesota Fury. Craft did just about whatever he wanted hitting threes, mid-range off balance pullups, runners, transition buckets, and more. He was unguardable in this one! The Musketeers got him off the board early and they must be happy about that! With Jalen Washington resting on Sunday it opened up a spot in the starting line up and power forward [player_tooltip player_id="863583" first="Robbie" last="Avila"] more than filled his production. The Oak Forest High School big man had it all working. Rebounded at a high level. Drained several threes. Put backs and had a couple of his slo-mo takes from the mid-post. Went for 15 points. Priority mid-major target. Liked what we saw out of Jackson Lodge from Minnesota Fury. The big man is an excellent area rebounder and can really pass it for a post! Skilled five with feel for the game.   More Stellar Play for Meanstreets 16U Group We came away really impressed with the Meanstreets 16U team over the weekend. Simeon 2023 power forward [player_tooltip player_id="1048306" first="Miles" last="Rubin"] was dominant on the interior. Wiry lefty is such an explosive finisher that shoots a high percentage inside. Seals, high/low, alley-oops, and just converting dump offs. Also protected the rim on the defensive end with his hoops. Went for 15 points. His brother [player_tooltip player_id="1048305" first="Wesley" last="Rubin"] also had a nice game showing soft hands and excellent passing as always. One time he dished it behind his back, got it back, and then hit a mid-range jumper. OPRF shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id="939068" first="Sam" last="Lewis"] had another strong outing. Plus shooter that was feeling it this weekend. You knew he was still hot from distance when the first one banked in. Would go on to his several more for 14 points. Emerging as a legit mid-major plus guy.   MPJ Elite Scores Impressive Win Omarion Henry broke out in MPJ Elite’s uber impressive win over Team Teague. The power forward elevated his recruitment with a strong performance. He will go the prep route next year. Big man that stretches the floor with a beautiful looking shooting stroke along with being able to finish with force in the paint. He scored 19 points and opened a lot of doors for his future with this outing.   Triple Double Guard Drops 30+ This was a fun contest between Triple Double Tar Heels and Kessel Heat at the 17U level. Nicolas Narzisi was so fun to watch. Crafty guard is a player you can’t take your eyes off of. He scored with nifty finishes at the cup along with seven triples showcasing an excellent shooting stroke. Speaking of shooters on the other side [player_tooltip player_id="863595" first="Matthew" last="Volkening"] from Kessel Heat went for 16 points. The Marengo High School product is a skilled scorer. Early on his three ball was falling, but he proved this weekend he is more than just a deep threat with crisp handles and solid athleticism.   KC Spurs Front Line Brings It Minnesota Prep 6’8” power forward Antwaun Massey is a 6’8” four man that plays with a ton of energy. Like the frame and athleticism up front. Springy legs getting on the offensive glass for put backs on a regular basis. Nice rim runner as well. Thick bodied 6’6” undersized four Kortez Stephenson scored with strength through contact in the paint and rebounded well in his area. Very productive outing going for 14 points.   Sleepers on Illinois Attack Several under the radar prospects had flashes for Illinois Attack. Thick bodied lefty point guard Joshua Farmer made plays in the first half hitting a three and connecting on a baseline floater. We came away intrigued with a couple of small college prospects at the small forward spot. Metea Valley 6’4” small forward Charles Nosek has nice size and can put it on the deck. Also scored on a nice back cut. La Salle Peru 6’5” forward [player_tooltip player_id="1210442" first="John" last="Riva"] is a skilled prospect who rebounds and has range to beyond the arc.