#NEXTLonestarStateShowdown: Outstanding Post Performers
Mansfield, Texas — The Prep Hoops Next Lonestar State Showdown consists of a wide margin of talent that filled the gym and produced various high-scoring games. Here we take a look at some of the top-performing postmen of the weekend.…
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Continue ReadingMansfield, Texas — The Prep Hoops Next Lonestar State Showdown consists of a wide margin of talent that filled the gym and produced various high-scoring games. Here we take a look at some of the top-performing postmen of the weekend.
Demarion Lee | Bentonville, AR | Next Page Force 2027
It never took long for Demarion Lee to make his presence felt on the court. Relentless defender with an unwavering motor, unteachable effort, and a pure competitive spirit. The 6-foot-2-inch postman was a big-time threat in the paint, challenging and blocking any shot in his vicinity and chasing down as many rebounds as he could, proving to be a dynamic defensive rebounder. Demarion Lee is a very raw prospect with a lot of potential and plenty of room to improve and hone his skills. Lee has solid bounce and can already leap high enough to put the ball over the rim, he also has a noticeably super-wide wingspan combined with a massive standing reach that made him to dump-off option from all areas of the court, as well as a lob threat on every inbounds play under the basket.
David Mata | Dallas, TX | Southern Assault 2029 Elite
David Mata is one of those players that always seems to be in the right spot for a rebound or a drop-off pass. Mata displayed good timing and anticipation for where the basketball would bounce off of the rim. David stayed in a good position to box out with his eyes locked onto the hoop before pulling down a rebound off the glass the moment they were available, often snagging the ball out of mid-air before anyone else had a chance. Mata’s tall and long frame also made him a passing option in halfcourt settings, allowing him to receive the ball near the hoop for high percentage shots.
Alex Aluga | Dallas, TX | Texas Impact 4:13
Alex Aluga may have been the most impressive big man of them all, he’s the full package, solid build, tree trunk legs, and does his best to be the most effective player on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Aluga showed off his low post skillset, always establishing position each time up and floor looking to receive the ball and go to work with his well-polished turnaround jump hook. Aluga also stood out due to his ability to create second-chance scoring opportunities, he displayed a good second jump and loved to follow his teammate’s shots all the way to the hoop. Defensively, Aluga proved to be a very disciplined rim protector with a knack for swatting shots on their way up, even if he didn’t get a full hand on the block Aluga found a way to swipe it with the tip of his fingers. The great thing about his defensive prowess was that he didn’t bite on head and pump fakes, which is rare for players at his age. Aluga did an impeccable job and making himself big with his hands held high forcing the shooter into tough shots that often turned into a miss. One thing is for sure, Alex Aluga has a high ceiling, there’s a lot of potential in this young ballplayer.
King Manau | Euless, Tx | Team Ferrari 2028
This 6-foot-1-inch, lengthy prospect did an outstanding job of defending the post while staying out of foul trouble. A true paint protector that didn’t allow anything easy in his house and he did it without forcing the issue, Manau didn’t have to block every shot to be effective or make his presence felt, he contested every interior shot, forced kick-outs, and didn’t allow any second chance opportunities.
Hunter Hughes | Southern Oklahoma, OK | Oklahoma Intensity 2027
Hunter Hughes had times where he was a dominant x-factor with the ball down low. Ths big man ran the floor and instantly put himself into a scoring position with his back to the basket, putting points on the board from each side of the paint, his power and strength made Hughes a force of nature near the hoop. Hughes proved to be too big and strong to be defended by a single player, eventually, he began to draw double-teams which led him to the free-throw line on multiple occasions. Hunter Hughes also showed a good touch along with the ability to get a shot up off the square through all sorts of contact, even while being fouled hard.