OTR Exposure Lee-Sloan Invitational Day 2 – 17U Standouts
The OTR Exposure Lee-Sloan Invitational displayed a ton of talent this past weekend. On Saturday, I was able to watch a very entertaining game between two 17U teams: GPS West Texas and the Houston Defenders. The Defenders got out to…
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Continue ReadingThe OTR Exposure Lee-Sloan Invitational displayed a ton of talent this past weekend. On Saturday, I was able to watch a very entertaining game between two 17U teams: GPS West Texas and the Houston Defenders. The Defenders got out to a large lead in the first half, but GPS stormed back in the second half to secure the win, lead by Denym Smith, Jalen Braziel and co.
Jaylen Benard Jaylen Benard 6'3" | CG Cypress Ranch | 2023 State TX , 6’3 Guard – Cypress Ranch HS – 2023
Jaylen Benard Jaylen Benard 6'3" | CG Cypress Ranch | 2023 State TX was most likely the most impressive prospect on both offense and defense during this game. The soon-to-be senior guard is still coming off of a severe knee injury, which kept him out of the entire 2021-2022 high school season, but he still looked great. He had somewhere in the ball park of 4 dunks in the game, knocked down several threes, scored driving to the basket, but most impressively took the challenge of locking in on every defensive possession. Jalen Braziel possesses a solid frame, but Benard’s size and strength bothered him all throughout the game. Benard is a low to mid major D1 prospect at the moment, but that could change as he makes up for his missed time last season, and if he’s able to improve his mid range game, his offensive arsenal will be very scary.
Denym Smith, 6’ Guard – Arlington Martin HS – 2022
Smith used his great burst of speed to get into the lane often. He struggled to finish at the rim in the first half, but when the second half came around he scored bucket after bucket in the lane. He also possessed a ton of energy on the defensive end and constantly guarded opposing players full court. Additionally, Smith hit a few 3’s, which kept the defense honest and opened driving lanes for him throughout the game. Wouldn’t be shocked to see some junior college and sub D1 4-year schools take a look at Smith, if they’re looking for a high energy, athletic guard who likes to put pressure on the defense.
Jalen Braziel, 6’2 Guard – Frenship HS – 2023
Braziel has a beautiful jumper, which he uses to score from both the mid range and past the 3-pont line. Braziel is a scoring guard, who possesses deep range. He can also create off the bounce to make plays for himself or others. After a quick start, he struggled to get things going during the middle of the game. But, he bolstered a comeback win for his GPS Texas team by doing a great job of coming off screens and getting open for catch and shoot opportunities. I would like to see him continue to improve his play making off the dribble in order to increase his prospects gong forward. He possesses a solid frame, but he could learn how to use his body a bit more to get space away from his defender.
Smurf Millender, 6’ Guard – Clear Brook HS – 2023
Millender was very impressive at the point guard position on Saturday. It was literally impossible for the opposing defense to keep him out the paint. He displayed high level court vision throughout the entire game, and used a combination floaters and mid ranger pull-up jump shots. He single handedly bolsters his team’s offensive potential when he’s in the game. Millender also is a strong and quick on-ball defender, who made it very difficult for the opposing ball handlers to make plays.
Andre Norris, 6’3 Guard/ Forward – Arlington Martin HS- 2022
Norris continuously impressed throughout the game with how he was able to score the ball in multiple ways. The 6’3 wing/ forward shot 3’s off the catch, made driving plays in the both the half court and on fast breaks, and even scored a floater or two. He kept his team within a respectable reach of the game, by making timely baskets when they were down early. Defensively, he was able to guard the opposing team’s wings and forwards with his lateral quickness and solid upper body strength. Norris is definitely a sleeper, late 2022 Summer signee who could help a junior college or sub D1 team.
Tracy Godfrey, 6’5 Forward – Frenship HS – 2022
Godfrey plays like a beast and didn’t back down to the length of the opposing team’s bigs. Fortunately for Godfrey, he was able to use his muscly frame and explosive bounce to get several offensive rebounds and score on a few post up opportunities in the lane. Additionally, I loved Godfrey’s willingness to constantly rim run on fast break situations for his team, which created scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. I am very confident that Godfrey will find find a school looking for a high energy big, who crashes the offensive glass, has BOUNCE, and can finish around the rim.
Jake Pike Jake Pike 6'7" | PF Houston St. Thomas | 2023 State TX , 6’7 Forward – St Thomas Catholic HS – 2023
Pike is a big forward who, after the game was over, left me feeling as if I only saw 60% of what he can actually do. He showed flashes of really good potential. He is a good athlete that can also space the floor and pick & pop for catch and shoot 3’s. Pike ran the floor well, battled on the boards, and was physical in the paint.
Charles Yao Jr., 6’5 Wing/Forward – Good Vision Academy 2022
Yao is a long-active bodied athlete who made several plays for his team. Yao increased possessions for his team, by crashing the offensive glass. He is also a serviceable rim protector who blocked shots or bothered layup opportunities. What I like most about Yao is that he can guard 1-4, which is a very valuable skill to possess in today’s game.
Brodie Robinson, 5’10 Guard – The Phelps School – 2023
Robinson is a solid guard who can play both guard positions despite his size. He possesses the ball handling ability and poise to run an offense and he possesses the shooting ability to play off the ball as well. Defensively, he was a pest in the passing lanes, by getting numerous deflections and steals, which led to plenty of fast break opportunities for his team.