Observations from Brimmer and May Open Gym

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by Tom Nelson, the Brimmer and May boys' basketball team is primed for an incredible year in the NEPSAC Class AA. There's so, so much talent on this squad, and it shined through at tonight's open gym. Watching some of the best players in New England go to work and attempt to perfect their craft was a treat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five observations from today's open gym:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1081871' first='Bryce' last='Dortch'] is the real, real deal</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although my 2024 rankings haven't been released, Dortch was certainly going to be very highly-ranked. But after today, Dortch has the opportunity to leapfrog into the top-3. He's athletic. He can score inside, and out. He's a lockdown perimeter defender, and a rim protector for the position. He can do it all. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In terms of the little things, Dortch is a fluid-moving athlete that has the ability to jump out of the gym with ease. It's not hard for Dortch to make athletic, highlight-reel plays. His plays the game with ease, and the feel he has is off the charts. He's a high-level prospect that's going to be impactful at the highest next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1205156' first='Andre' last='Mills'] is an elite two-way prospect</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mills really impressed me with his finishing ability and competitive spirit. He demands the basketball in the biggest of situations. Granted, it was just an open gym but that didn't matter to Mills. He wanted to compete at a high level. Mills also was supremely awesome as a slasher and finisher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He gets to the basket with ease and once he's there, he has the flexibility, strength, and creativity to finish through anything. He's also a really, really great shooter. The mechanics look great, and the athleticism is there as well. He's someone that's going to continue getting better and getting more high-level looks, because he is in fact that good.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1081889' first='Elijah' last='Kinney'] is ready for the big show</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kinney is arguably the best shooter on a very talented offensive team. He's that good. The shot looks absolutely incredible. He hit the scrimmage-winning shot in the corner that was super impressive. He's excellent at moving off-ball, as he gets to his spots and squares his feet into shots. He's going to be really impactful in that department wherever he plays at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The most notable thing about Kinney, however, is his character. He's a vocal leader, and he's always communicating on the court. He brings a ton of heart and energy to the court, and it's every coach's dream. When chatting with him, he was incredibly personable. He's going to be a great addition for whichever program nabs him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1489321' first='Edrick' last='Quezada'] can make the jump</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quezada is a raw, 6'6" wing. But, he's more than capable of taking the leap this season in 2022-23. He's got solid footwork, he's creative inside, and he's flashed an inside-outside game that's coming along nicely. Quezada's length and athleticism is what separates from the pack. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's one of the better athletes on a team that's filled with them. He's also coming along nicely as an off-the-catch shooter. In terms of his athleticism, he's got great hang-time while in the air. I truly expect a breakout year from Quezada, and with it, much more regional attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1205477' first='Ta'quan' last='Williams'] - crafty and creative</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is yet another prospect that makes up a highly-talented Brimmer and May squad. He's an excellent passer, and he reads the floor really well. He's also more than capable of putting the ball in the basket. He had some euro-steps and turnaround jumpers that jumped out right away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is great at getting to and finishing around the rim. He's super creative and crafty around there. He's great at contorting his body and using his high-level athleticism and flexibility to finish around contact. I'm excited to watch Williams emerge this season, because I fully expect him to. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->