Interior Playmakers from the Spring Kickoff
Graham Eikenberry – BDH Elite – 2023 Eikenberry caught eyes all weekend thanks to his low post touch, advanced footwork, and obvious size advantage over the opponents. He was consistent on both ends of the glass, in part due to…
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Continue ReadingGraham Eikenberry – BDH Elite – 2023
Eikenberry caught eyes all weekend thanks to his low post touch, advanced footwork, and obvious size advantage over the opponents. He was consistent on both ends of the glass, in part due to his height, but just as much thanks to his energy. Coming in as a top-20 player from Oregon, Eikenberry will be a tough opponent to match for interior players shorter than 6’7.
Photo: Flip Dalfonso, Flip Dalfonso – Dakota Ridge High SchoolCole Holloway – Hoops Academy – 2023
Although undersized for a frontcourt player at 6’3, Holloway has created a role as the glue guy doing the dirty work on both ends. Hailing from Dakota Ridge High School, Holloway brings in the tough as nails pedigree by ranking top-10 in charges taken for Colorado. From their second game on Saturday, the forward put up 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Typically using the high post as an area to make passes, Holloway has quickly excelled as a passer when given the reps. Another noticeable strength of his has been offensive rebounding, where he puts in the effort to out muscle opponents and stays ready under the rack for a put back.
Justin Ugo – Space Jam Elite – 2023
Ugo was another pleasant surprise from the weekend, proving to compete down low with any big defensively. Standing at roughly 6’6 or 6’7, Ugo did well using his long arms to deter shots around the rim while doubling down as a defensive rebounder. Depending on the matchups, Ugo was able to take advantage of smaller opponents on the glass by outmuscling and staying consistent with his effort. Although Ugo rarely takes shot outside the paint, his free throw form was consistent which leaves me to believe he has legitimate potential as a spot up shooter.
Ryan Dixon Ryan Dixon 6'5" | PF Valor Christian | 2024 State CO – Team Revenge – 2024
The lone 2024 athlete for this post, 6’5 Ryan Dixon Ryan Dixon 6'5" | PF Valor Christian | 2024 State CO was one of the strongest guys for his age. Energy and fearlessness were the two words that came to mind while watching Dixon, due to his aggression on the glass going both ways. Since Dixon has done so well attracting double teams, he has potential as a playmaker finding corner shooters and under the rim dump-offs.
Luke Wagstaff Luke Wagstaff 6'7" Fort Collins | 2023 CO – 24MD Team Daum – 2023 (pictured above)
Wagstaff was quite possibly the most consistent rebounder this weekend, averaging roughly 13 points and 11 rebounds. The 6’6+ forward made a living under the basket thanks to his combination of size and excellent touch. Wagstaff possesses excellent post footwork that gives him a variety of options against similar sized opponents. Arguably the most intriguing area will be his jump shot volume and confidence on those takes, since inside the arc he is so clearly advanced. I look forward to seeing Wagstaff’s low post passing put to the test, given the array of perimeter scoring threats available with Team Daum.
Myles Anderson – Colorado Premier – 2023
Being my second time checking out the 6’7 Anderson, he proved that he could hang with the big guys thanks to his fundamentally sound post defense. Although skinny, Anderson has put on some muscle since the fall and it shows when defending the big guys. Probably the most unique aspect of Anderson’s defensive effort is his ability to switch screens two through four, allowing him to contain wings and most shooting guards thanks to his elite wingspan and budding footwork.