All Academic Basketball Rising Stars Top Standouts Pt. 2
This past weekend, John Curtis High School in New Orleans, Louisiana played host to the inaugural All-Academic Basketball Rising Stars game. The event featured some of the top players from the class of 2023 and 2024 who not only excel…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend, John Curtis High School in New Orleans, Louisiana played host to the inaugural All-Academic Basketball Rising Stars game. The event featured some of the top players from the class of 2023 and 2024 who not only excel on the court, but off the court in the classroom as well. I was on hand for the event and here’s a look at some additional top standouts from that game.
1. Scotty Belnap – Mater Dei (CA)
Belnap is a good ball handler and playmaker both in transition and in the halfcourt. Keeps his head up while dribbling and sees the floor. Good off the dribble game, his shot was a little off but you can tell he has the motions and fluidity to get scoring opportunities. Can shoot off the dribble and he can hit the pull up three in transition.
2. Jacob Hammond – IMG Academy (FL)
Hammond is a strong forward with a good feel in the halfcourt. He can handle the ball and he makes strong moves to the rim. He finishes well and he does a good job protecting the ball and not exposing it to the defense. He has good body control at the rim to finish through traffic. He runs the floor well on the break. Good rebounder in traffic.
3. Jack Margoupis – Marianapolis Prep (MN)
Margoupis has a lot of upside. He stood out mainly for his off ball play. He has good hands and is ready for the pass. Aggressive going to the rim. He plays well in the pick and roll as the screener and then rolling to the rim. Good finisher in the paint, he has a soft touch around the rim and has a little hook shot. He can shoot from distance and he shoots free throws at a good clip.
4. Vincent Delano – PHH Prep (AZ)
Delano is a good scoring guard. He handles the ball and he can shoot well off of screens. He looks to make the right pass in the halfcourt and once the pass is made he does a good job relocating to the three point line. Shoots it from distance at a consistent clip and can really light it up from three point range. He runs the floor well without the ball, fills the lane properly and can finish through traffic.