PH West Coast Clash: All-Aggressive Team (Day 1)
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There was a big sample size to choose from at the highly competitive Prep Hoops West Coast Clash at the Northwest Sports Hub in Centraila, Washington. The 6+ court gym drew a wide array of prospects from all over the…
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Continue ReadingThere was a big sample size to choose from at the highly competitive Prep Hoops West Coast Clash at the Northwest Sports Hub in Centraila, Washington. The 6+ court gym drew a wide array of prospects from all over the PNW and they didn’t disappoint. There were many more physical and aggressive players who separated themselves from the bunch, here are five I thought hit that mark:
Christian Ballah, 6’3, Wing, NW Thunder 17U, Graham-Kapowsin High School, C/O 2022
One thing struck me after seeing Ballah play in both contests on Saturday, Christian is a straight dog and one of the most active players at the West Coast Clash on both ends. He is a special athletic defensive player with high drive and has a nose for the basketball. The 2022 SPSL Defensive Player of the Year is long and lanky, he is capable of bothering any pass or shot if he is lurking around the area and is an absolute pogo-stick on the glass. In addition, he’s more than switchable, guarding any type of matchup to the best of his ability in both games. What was most evident on offense was his hustle and aggressiveness when attacking the rim, which led to many extra scoring opportunities for himself and others.
Jalon Blackwell Jalon Blackwell 5'7" | PG Kentridge | 2023 State WA , 5’8, PG, Big Drip Hoops Elite, Kentridge High School, C/O 2023
A hyper-atheltic guard with bounce that pops out instantly, I loved what I saw from BDH’s Jalon Blackwell Jalon Blackwell 5'7" | PG Kentridge | 2023 State WA . Super quick with the ball in his hands, he’s a type of speedy point guard that makes things happen. At 5-foot-8, he’s a blur on the fast break and isn’t afraid to take it inside against the trees and finish off plays. An excellent lob thrower, and underrated rebounder, it surprised me how high he can leap to get up for a board. He out-jumps players of a taller stature and offensively he is unselfish. BDH is loaded with quality guards, and Blackwell fits in perfectly with the corps.
Parker Gerrits Parker Gerrits 6'1" | PG Olympia | 2023 State WA , 6’2, PG, South Sound Roots Academy, Olympia High School, C/O 2023
Fresh off a runner up finish at state for Olympia, and a name that’s turning heads across Washington is Parker Gerrits Parker Gerrits 6'1" | PG Olympia | 2023 State WA . Our #2 overall 2023 prospect is certainly proving his name belongs at the top of the list. Running the lead point guard spot for a star-studded South Sound Roots roster, he was aggressive with the rock and showed his all-around playmaking and scoring upside. A noticeable communicator, he runs the show and draws a lot of attention from opposing defenders. While going downhill he makes great on-the-fly decisions, can pull up from 3, and excels in the midrange in the pick-and-roll. He has a filled-out frame and his added strength helps him a ton while he’s flipping home off-balance scoop shots and runners.
Jordan Bailey, 6’1, PG, Team Feugo 17U, Renton High School, C/O 2023
A solid defender and capable one-on-one scorer, Jordan Bailey is another name that jumped out to me on Day 1. He has great size for a point guard and uses it well. He has the ability to break defenders down off the dribble and sneak past them for layins and he brings intensity on the defensive end. In the crunch time moments, he felt to me like a player who belonged on the floor and one that doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
Nicolas Hunter, 5’11, PG, NW Thunder 17U, Graham-Kapowsin High School, C/O 2023
One of the more underrated pesky guards from the first day of the tournament, Nick Hunter stands out to me as a spark plug point guard who loves to pick up full court on defense. He shows toughness and hits the floor hard for lose balls and is a player who ends up with extra possessions. He’s definitely stronger than he looks as a shorter guard and is a player, and, Offensively; he didn’t take a ton of jumpers, instead using his skills to slash inside and finish through contact.