16U Shifty Standouts at Game Point
There was enough talent in the place fit for a King last weekend. Coincidentally, the venue was held on Kingspointe Pkwy, in Orlando, FL! Game Point Arena was absolutely packed, with vendors like hoopculture lined up awaiting to drip out…
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Continue ReadingThere was enough talent in the place fit for a King last weekend. Coincidentally, the venue was held on Kingspointe Pkwy, in Orlando, FL! Game Point Arena was absolutely packed, with vendors like hoopculture lined up awaiting to drip out talent as they came bustling through the door. I was given permission to sit in the main gym where the four courts met, in order to observe every angle of play. I couldn’t get enough basketball action! A few major players were in attendance:
6’1 PG Darrius Thomas Jr. (Camden County HS)
Darrius’ game is definitely comprised of finesse, with a hint of lockdown mentality. He takes his time dismantling the defense with his shifty ways and savvy passing in transition. He is also very eager to get the ball back on defense, so he gives his opponents zero breathing room. Defense is a specialty with this player. He is focused and aware of his surroundings at all times. He is also very patient and makes his team better with every play by sharing the ball. He most definitely sets his team up for success. This point guard will be one to watch in the future.
6’2 CG Ja’Marley Riddle (Camden County HS)
For all the coaches that love a defensive threat… this is your guy. Ja’Marley brings a sense of court awareness on both ends that is few and far in between at his age. He drives aggressively and rebounds magnificently. The knack for knowing where the ball is going to land after coming off the rim is intuitive. Starting his fast break in succession with his own rebound is also an impressive skill he likes to show off. This player hustles, jumps out of the gym, and sees the floor well. He loves tip backs. If a teammate misses a layup in transition, guess who is there for the follow-up put-back? This player can do it all.
6’0 CG Jordan Rhone (Camden County HS)
A flashy passer this player is! His teammates remain on notice when he has the ball in transition. His misdirection passes are clean and on point. Jordan loves to be a floor general and share the ball. It’s like he considers his assists his points. He interacts very well with his teammates and talks, as a playmaker should. He can finish on a dime as well. I am looking forward to seeing more of this player this summer.
6’1 SG/SF Corde Neyland (Morrow HS)
Mr. Neyland’s game is quite impressive when it comes to ball tracking and steals. He stole the ball mid-court, then proceeded to dunk on the opps like he was making a highlight tape for Nike. As he floats up and down the court, his opponents most certainly have the daunting task of keeping up with this highly skilled player. Corde does not mind going to cup. He can shoot free throws well, drives in a hurry, and finishes brilliantly. I am looking forward to seeing him more active on the boards and being an even more aggressive threat to teams in the future.