Putnam City Invitational Day 1: Top Under the Radar Competitors
The Putnam City Invitational kicked off Thursday, Jan. 6 at Putnam City High School. Day one of the tournament was filled with multiple contributors for each team. Let’s evaluate how these players either helped their team attain or come up…
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Continue ReadingThe Putnam City Invitational kicked off Thursday, Jan. 6 at Putnam City High School. Day one of the tournament was filled with multiple contributors for each team. Let’s evaluate how these players either helped their team attain or come up just shy of a semifinal bid.
Isaac Williams, Putnam City, Sophomore, 6’0 Guard
Isaac Williams started his day on fire, with an and-one and a tough finish in the first quarter, Williams helped the Pirates knock off 13-5 Hirschi (Wichita Falls, Texas) to advance to the next round. With 15 points on the day, Williams’ ability to step through the lane and weave through traffic for the score was something special. Changing his pace of speed at a moments notice and handling the ball with confidence, Williams had multiple tough finishes in the paint on the day. Not only that, but Williams pull-up jumper is very fluid as well, it may not go in every single time but his mechanics are certainly there. If Williams can improve his accuracy on his pull-up, it will open up more scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. As a sophomore, Williams will certainly make some noise in his next couple years.
Boomer Barnes, Putnam City West, Senior, 6’7 Center
Boomer Barnes may not be the flashiest player out on the court, but his fundamental ability speaks for his game. Barnes is a putback monster, under the rim with every chance he gets, he gives his team multiple second-chance opportunities in a contest. Along with his ability to sniff out the ball, he is a reliable finisher as well as he finished with 11 points on Thursday. These are two skills that go hand-in-hand when searching for a college level big man. Although, he is not only an impressive rebounder, his shot-blocking intimidates offenses and forces them to adhere to West’s defense.
Ernest Young, Hirschi (Wichita Falls, Texas), Senior, 5’11 Guard
What Ernest Young lacks in height, he makes up for in his shot-creating ability. Young is a nifty ball-handler who specializes in hitting off-dribble jumpers. A 22-point performance in a 7-point loss to PCO, Young was the shining star as his teammates were struggling other than fellow senior Juju Clay. Young’s crossover provides a great amount of space for the 5’11 senior, opening himself up for jump shot or to pump fake and drive it to the hole. Young also impressed defensively as he had multiple steals on the day.
JuJu Clay, Hirschi (Wichita Falls, Texas), Senior, 6’0 Guard
JuJu Clay alongside Ernest Young were a tough duo to stop for the Pirates. Clay’s jumper is a work of art, rising up and letting his shot go at the peak of his jump was fundamental. Hitting a three in the first half but none in the second, Clay does need to improve on his desire for the ball in his hands. In tandem with his 3-point shooting, Clay’s explosiveness is stunning to say the least. A would-be track star, Clay’s hops give him an immediate advantage when heading to the rim for a layup or going up for a rebound. His natural athletic ability alone gives college coaches something to look at.
Tristan Hankins, Moore, Freshman, 6’0 Guard
Tristan Hankins saved the day in a victory over Midwest City on Thursday night. Hankins’ forte is beyond the 3-point line, knocking down three 3’s. His most important trey ball came after an extremely quick 4-point comeback by the Lions. A 44-42 game saw Hankins sink a go-ahead three to seal the contest and win by one. For a freshman to step up to that large of a plate and hit the three shows that Hankins will continue to grow and become an even more confident player. Starting as a freshman, Hankins has plenty of time to improve in other aspects of his game and to become a college prospect.