Brawl for the Ball: New Kids On The Block 16U

<p style="text-align: left;">The sun has set on inspire courts in Gilbert AZ and Brawl for the ball is over. I had a chance to witness some really good ball this weekend and was really impressed by some of the talent I saw. Here are my New Kids On The Block!</p> <p><strong>Nate Wanhoji SF 6’5” D1 Nation AZ 2024</strong></p> <p>Wonjohl’s play this weekend was so impressive you couldn’t help but notice. Has always been effective as a slasher but the improvement was evident on his shooting touch from mid range AA well as from deep. Looked really good in transition finishing at the rim and elevated his play on the defensive end. Seems like his confidence level was through the roof at brawl for the ball, hopefully he continues to make strides as the summer continues.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1500851" first="Matthew" last="Green"] F 6’3” Hoop Society 2024</strong></p> <p>A very skilled prospect who showed flashes of what he can become. Has a strong build that he uses to bully defenders but a soft touch when he finishes around the basket. He possesses a good all-around offensive game, rebounds well on both ends of the floor and is a decent defender. </p> <p><strong>Drew Pierce (In set) G 6’1” IE Fire Elite 2024</strong></p> <p>Pierce is a gamer that plays at a high level on the offensive end. A knock-down shooter with a good enough handle to get where he wants on the floor. Does a lot of his damage within the flow of the offense, doesn’t force things, and he doesn’t play rushed. Played his best basketball against the better competition over the weekend. <br /> <br /> <strong>Marcel Longmire II F 6’3 Team Rampage Elite 2024</strong></p> <p>A long, athletic rim runner who thrives in transition. Runs the floor very well and has great hands to catch tough passes in traffic and finish through contact. Has a nice mid-range jumper but needs to increase his range to become more of a threat offensively. A great on-ball and help-side defender that erases weak shot attempts. Has the ability to defend multiple positions as well. Plays with a high motor all the time. Longmire is a prospect with good upside.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1036000" first="Khalon" last="Johnson"] F 6’4” D1 New Mexico 2024</strong></p> <p>An athletic wing with a very polished offensive game who can score the ball in a variety of ways. Explosive when he gets into the lane with the ability to finish around or over the top of defenders. Plays with patience, always in attack mode but picks and chooses the right times to do so. A great rebounding guard and plays the passing lanes extremely well on defense. Johnson is on my radar after his play this weekend, let’s see if he stays there.</p>