Ridgewood Shootout: Top Performers

<p>The Ridgewood Shootout on Sunday at Ridgewood High School was the biggest one they have ever had with a massive crowd!  Always a great event by Chris Mroz and his staff.  This year was one for the books with three player of the year candidates and a matchup of top 5 teams in the event.  We will start our coverage out with the standouts in <strong>Ridgewood Shootout: Top Performers</strong>!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925183" first="Braden" last="Huff"] (Glenbard West – 2022)</strong></p> <p>The Gonzaga commit shined when it mattered most.  The 6’11” big man scored effectively from all three levels.  He is so mobile around the hoop with spin moves, cuts, and throwing down an alley oop.  Also got to the charity stripe.  Stretched the floor to beyond the arc for a couple threes en route to 16 points.  One of the most unique players we have had in the state with his size and skill.  Can really pass it and length got in passing lanes for deflections and steals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="996070" first="Paxton" last="Warden"] (Glenbard West – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Warden is the lone uncommitted player of the Glenbard West fab 5.  He is going to be a key glue guy for them this year and in the biggest game of the season to date he was on fire from deep draining four triples along with crashing the glass for a tip in that proved to be the game winner.  Passes well.  What we like about him is he is a star in his role and will be an excellent small college get.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925190" first="Cooper" last="Noard"] (Glenbrook South – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Noard was doing his best Steph Curry impression Sunday afternoon as the Cornell commit bombed in seven threes and they were flaming from DEEP!  He was making GBW extend their zone out as he was shooting it just a step beyond where they were.  Made several nice passes in transition.  Noard finished with 21 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="925224" first="Nick" last="Martinelli"] (Glenbrook South – 2022)</strong></p> <p>The Elon signee didn’t have the touch on his jumper but his crafty floater game and ability to get on the offensive glass for second chance points was impactful in their game against Glenbard West.  Works well from mid-range in with quick drives.  He had 16 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="863582" first="Jaden" last="Schutt"] (Yorkville Christian – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Duke commit lived up to the billing in the last game of the night.  The top ranked senior in the state was quiet to start letting his teammates get their footing.  Then he ripped off 11 points in a couple minute span on a sick coast to coast drive followed by three triples to push the lead.  One of the most elite shooters we have seen in some time.  Drained at least five from distance both off the catch and creating on his own.  Got tremendous elevation off the floor on those shots.  Crisp passing sharing the ball getting his teammates good looks and was consistent on the defensive glass all night.  He had 23 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1194341" first="David" last="Douglas"] (Yorkville Christian – 2023)</strong></p> <p>The long and rangy shooting guard from Yorkville Christian boosts his stock every time we see him play.  Did it again on Sunday hitting five from distances mostly off the catch.  Quick and fluid release on his three point shot.  Mixes in runners and mid-range jumpers.  Like what he brings defensively on the perimeter.  Scored 21 points and is emerging as a D2 recruit.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="771543" first="Timaris" last="Brown"] (St. Patrick – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Brown was not great in the first half and then turned it up significantly in the third quarter to have a big second half.  The 6’5” combo forward has a strong upper body.  He makes quick and powerful plays from 15 feet in.  Spins and straight line takes for scores where he converted with dunks and difficult layups.  Gets on the offensive glass for second chance points.  Struggled shooting it so he went inside to rack up 22 points.  D2s would be wise to take a look here!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1295643" first="Julian" last="Triffo"] (Maine South – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Triffo is a 6’7” post that has steadily seen his stock rise over the last year.  He has a good understanding of post moves and what works for him.  Finishes dump offs and is excellent with up and under moves.  Crafty big man also finishes well around the hoop with efficiency.  Went for 14 points and 11 rebounds.  Small college sleeper!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Michael Dempsey (Taft – 2022)</strong></p> <p>Dempsey is a 6’1” point guard that opened our eyes with a strong performance.  He drained a couple threes and played a heady all-around game.  Saw the floor and made sound decisions as a passer.  Crisp handles in traffic.  Went for 10 points.  D3/NAIA prospect.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>