Proving Grounds Day 2 Superlatives

<p>With a full weekend of games under our belts, it’s time to put some attributes next to our standouts. Day 2 was filled with prospects showing traits of a next level of talent. We’ve got high level shooters, athletes, and, of course, impactful defenders listed below.</p> <p><strong>Defensive Prospects</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8603-rotated.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1433015" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8603-150x150.jpg" alt="Anniel Pichardo | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a><strong>Anniel Pichardo</strong> looks like one of the most annoying players to matchup with. He’s a pest with high energy and constantly talks on both ends. Pichardo moves his feet well on defense and has discipline yet causes turnovers with his hands. The leadership he shows on the court and in the huddle is phenomenal.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1060170" first="Keenan" last="Johnson"]</strong></p> <p>6’7 and agile make for a healthy dose of defensive potential. Johnson can rebound both ends and excels as a backline defender in a press. He covers a lot of ground laterally while having the athleticism to disrupt plays around the rim.</p> <p><strong>Swiss Army Knives</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1261870" first="Brandon" last="Noythanongsay"]</p> <p>Noythanongsay does a bit of everything as a long athletic 6’6 wing. He’s a solid slasher that can finish through contact and make big plays at the rim. He rebounds well for a perimeter player and shows good vision as an outlet passer. The 2023 prospect can knock down the three with his feet set. He racks up deflections on the defensive end thanks to good timing and length. Noythanongsay is a great target on the wing in transition.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8608-rotated.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1433020 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8608-150x150.jpg" alt="Gerkoby Christopher | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>Gerkoby Christopher</strong></p> <p>At 6’4 Christopher has a diverse game. He does the dirty work while being the lead scorer for a team. He’s consistently around the rim for tip ins. Is an adept scorer as a finisher and wing three point shooter. His length and size allow him to defender multiple positions and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line for charges.</p> <p><strong>Top Athletes</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1296009" first="Elijah" last="Dawson"]</p> <p>Dawson’s athleticism and motor help him play much taller than his 6’2 listing. He’s a powerful athlete that plows through contact and dunks with authority. He channels all of his tools into a highly effective level of hustle that turns into plays on both ends.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1060243" first="Dominick" last="Scott"]</p> <p>Equipped with ideal size for wing position, Scott routinely scored above the rim. The 2023 prospect’s long strides and open court speed made him one of the best transition scorers of the weekend. Scott had a monster poster attempt to show off his explosiveness in the halfcourt.</p> <p><strong>Top Shooters</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8611-rotated.jpg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-1433032 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8611-rotated-e1650318091997-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="930654" first="Christian" last="White"]</p> <p>White shot 5 of 7 from three to finish with a game high 20 points. He knocked down shots from all over the perimeter. The 6’2 can take you off the drive to finish in the paint and draw fouls on the way to the cup. He made all three of his free throw attempts. White is quick enough to make plays in passing lanes.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/image1.jpeg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1433022" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/image1-150x150.jpeg" alt="Lucean Milligan | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>Lucean Milligan</p> <p>Milligan was on fire in the final game of the tournament. He knocked down 6 threes half of which came off the dribble. Milligan is growing as an offensive. He’s improved his handle, shooting, and confidence in a short amount of time.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1293099" first="Connor" last="Mohr"]</p> <p>The 2024 prospect is a three point shooting specialist. He shot 3 of 7 from the field, showcasing his ability to run to spots and come off screens. Mohr was fouled on a three point attempt, he knocked down all three shots at the line. When Mohr solidifies his footwork, he’ll really be able to use his strong 6’3 frame.</p> <p><strong>Top Scorers</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8624-rotated.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1433024 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/IMG_8624-150x150.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="956817" first="Tyrone" last="Smith"]</p> <p>If you needed a bucket on Sunday, Smith was one of your best options. He’s an athletic combo guard that can score from all levels. The unsigned senior has the burst and moves to beat his man off the bounce, the balance to pull up in the midrange, and hit threes from the top of the key after pushing the pace down the floor. Smith is an active off ball defender that reads the floor and stays in the right defensive position.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1055760" first="Trey" last="Murray"]</p> <p>Murray is a downhill scorer that doesn’t force offense. All 22 of his points came from around the rim. He showcased his ability to use both hands on layups. Murray is a true transition threat with his ability to take steals down the court and run the wing with his speed.</p>