King versus Jesuit Top Standouts

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This district rivalry game practically cemented the standings for each team involved. Jesuit played hard until the final tick to edge out a talent-laden King team. Below are the game’s standouts and what they did to separate themselves from the pack.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="814919" first="Tony" last="Livingston"] was aggressive all game despite drawing double teams from the tip. He’s realized there are very few defenders in the state that can stop him from getting to the rim 1 on 1 because of his size and athleticism. When Jesuit’s zone defense set two men next to him, he made strong drives to the basket, taking 12 trips to the free-throw, converting 11 of them to points. Livingston notched another 20-10 double-double on the night and continues his streak of hitting at least one three in a game.</p> <p>Domanic Betancourt struggled despite posting a near double-double with 12 points and 8 rebounds. It’s the physicals that continue to excite me about the 2023 prospect’s future. He’s grown since my first watch in August and, honestly, the beginning of the season. His body is filling out, giving him the superhero-like outline that college bigs have. I filmed the game and there are shots with his arms extended on defense, showing off a wingspan that could tip the scales at 7-foot plus. When Betancourt’s skills and basketball IQ match up with his athletic tools, we’re looking at someone that can fit on a lower to mid D1 roster.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/John-Ziegler-1.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1189917 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/John-Ziegler-1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Last game, [player_tooltip player_id="962380" first="John" last="Ziegler"] had a big chase-down block that resulted in an ugly fall. He played through the resulting injury to both wrists that should have kept him out. On limited shots, Ziegler still flashed a textbook one and two pull-up jumper in a season-low 7 point performance. John looks to have improved his handle, marrying his athleticism to his movements that shift the man in front of him. Before this matchup, he was averaging nearly 20 points a game.</p> <p>Nathan Boakye is the point guard of the present and future for Jesuit. He’s a speedy playmaker that limits turnovers. Whether in the half-court or transition, Boakye’s speed allows him to get in the teeth of the defense. Jesuit has a balanced offense, so the scoring numbers aren’t there, but his impact is noticeable in the game’s flow.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/image3-7.jpeg"><img class="alignright wp-image-1363880 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/image3-7-e1641920070728-150x150.jpeg" alt="Eliaz Lopez | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>Eliaz Lopez took advantage of defenders all night. He’s quick, reads defenders’ movements, and sheds them with the hesitation dribble to get to his spots on the floor. He hit two threes and scored in the midrange to show off his shot-making. The senior has contributed to winning all seasons.</p> <p>Jack Burkard is an athletic sharpshooter that can punish from beyond the line and get to the rim. Burkard’s 2 of 5 shooting from deep helped him to a double-digit night. His ability to attack closeouts with quick bursts and body control allowed him to finish against King’s athletic frontcourt.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/image1-7-rotated.jpeg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1363877 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/image1-7-150x150.jpeg" alt="Patrick Ruffner | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>The best way to describe Patrick Ruffner from the free-throw line down is a technician. He continues to show great footwork on the block. He finishes with pivots and up and under moves. The unsigned senior has the ball skills and quickness to take bigs off the dribble on straight-line drives. He knocked down a long two just inside the three point line to display his range. Ruffner has a strong base and used it to check Livingston on a drive. At 6'7 Ruffner leads to the team in rebounding with 8 a game and has several double double performances over the season. He’s currently receiving interest from Rollins College.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1055792" first="Chris" last="Moliere"] is part of one of the best 2024 trios in the area. He’s a strong physical driver that can take bumps on the way to the cup. He gets downhill in a flash. Moliere seems to be an emotional leader for the team. He’s vocal and gives energy after big plays. Molliere is a full-time point guard for his AAU team.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/182-Max-Sims.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1292977" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/182-Max-Sims-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Junior [player_tooltip player_id="1164282" first="Max" last="Sims"] did not play due to an ACL sprain. He should be back in two weeks. We discussed his recruiting before the game. The 6’4 sniper has heard from or been followed by colleges from all levels. Below is a list of D1, D2, and D3 schools monitoring Sims.</p> <p>D1 - Vanderbilt, University of North Florida, University of Texas Arlington, Mercer, Rice and 6 others.</p> <p>D2 - Barry University, St. Leo’s University, Flagler, and Cal Miramar University.</p> <p>D3 - Regis College and Russell Sage College</p>