Notes From SIAA High School Summer Live

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The <strong>SIAA</strong> is gearing up for another competitive season. Talent packed teams displayed what their prospects have been working on since <strong>The Rock</strong> were crowned state champions in March. While teams aren’t 100% ready, these prospects below look prepared for the season to start today. </p> <p><strong>The Rock</strong> is returning several contributors from their state title team, and it shows. The chemistry is there, but most importantly, the growth of their players is evident. </p> <p>6’5 2023 shooting guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1310852" first="Jacob" last="Sterck"]</strong> was automatic from deep. His ability to run to spots and shoot over closeouts helped him connect on at least three three-pointers a game with high efficiency. </p> <p>Rising junior<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="1055726" first="Sammie" last="Yeanay"]</strong> is now 6’9 and growing his inside-out game. His handle is still a bit shaky on the perimeter, but his athleticism and strength help him get where he needs to be. He’s a great play finisher that had dunk after dunk in Daytona. With high major offers under his belt, this season could be the one where his stock rises to national levels. </p> <p>2024 prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1163420" first="Kameren" last="Wright"]</strong> looks to have also taken another step in development. The athletic 6’5 wing plays with a high activity level, scores in transition, and attacks passing lanes on defensive plays. He’s not afraid to rebound on both ends against the bigs of this strong league. Wright is still figuring out things in the halfcourt, but he knocks down threes and shows touch on his floaters.  </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1060186" first="Dallas" last="Jones"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921106" first="Moses" last="Horne"]</strong> are the senior backcourt for this bunch. They have fairly similar games as athletic bigger guards at 6’4 that can put pressure on the rim and distribute the ball. Jones was aggressive on the defensive end, forcing turnovers and hustling for loose balls. Horne was more offensive-minded, showing off his touch within the paint and on layups.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1310855" first="Joshua" last="Hayes"]</strong> didn’t play both days but left an impression. Hayes finished plays with both hands, looks to have improved his strength in the post, and showcased toughness against a high-level Minnesota Prep Team.</p> <p>Last but not least are 2025 and 2026 point guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1450204" first="Evan" last="Sterck"]</strong> and <strong>Joe Hartman</strong>. Both have bright futures and will have daily battles with the seniors that play the same position. Sterck has hints of being an elite passer that can rack up big assist numbers again this season. He had a 10 point and 12 assist double-double against DME Academy. Hartman will have to adjust to the game’s speed but showed promise in his time on the floor. He showcased three-point range, passing IQ, and defensive awareness.</p> <p><strong>Potter’s House</strong></p> <p>2024 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1055772" first="Fredy" last="Salam-Sylla"]</strong> and 2023 <strong>Bol Agu</strong> had special performances during the weekend. Sylla posted 29 points in a loss to a much improved School House prep team. The athleticism and scoring prowess at 6’7 will only garner more offers as he competes on the Adidas circuit and the NextGen Super 60. As for Agu, his weekend of performances led to him receiving an offer from St. Thomas University. The 6’8 forward played an inside-out game showcasing a tight handle, three point shooting, and an interior game.</p> <p><strong>Oldsmar Christian </strong></p> <p>The eagles are running it back with more talent in the frontcourt. They’ll be a hard playing group that wants to play a tough brand of defense.</p> <p>The additions of 6’7 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="812640" first="Harvey" last="Wilson"]</strong> and 6’8 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1463285" first="Domanic" last="Betancourt"]</strong> at the forward spots give them the size they didn’t have last year. Both like to run the floor, will help on the boards, and pair well together. Wilson is more of a combo forward with the shooting, passing, and IQ to play on the perimeter while having the size to bang in the paint. Betancourt is a walking double-double that continues to add size to his lengthy frame.</p> <p>6’4 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1060151" first="Braylon" last="Jackson"]</strong> hit the floor running after playing with Team Breakdown on the UAA circuit. He’s an athletic three-level scorer that can get after it on defense. Jackson will be the team’s go to scorer with his almost automatic scoring repertoire. Jackson earned an offer from Chicago State and interest from George Mason, UMBC, FAU, Texas Tech, Alabama A&amp;M, NC A&amp;T.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709234" first="Joel" last="Harrison"]</strong> is a blazing athlete who can get in the paint any time he touches the ball. His first step allowed him to blow by defenders all weekend. He uses his speed to muck things up on defense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1055770" first="Willie" last="Sheppard"]</strong>’s combination of quickness and craft make him an impact two-way play for Oldsmar Christian. On offense, Shepperd creates for others, limits turnovers, and scores within the flow of the offense. Despite being one of the smaller players on the court, the 2024 guard is a tenacious defender that can get in the body of ball handlers and uses his long arms to contain opponents. </p>