VYPE Pre-Season Shootout Standouts
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The VYPE Pre-Season Shootout happened in Houston, Texas on October 15th & 16th. The tournament was held at Texas Tornadoes in Cypress, where over 25 varsity teams competed against each other. A couple of standout players are listed below. Jaylen…
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Continue ReadingThe VYPE Pre-Season Shootout happened in Houston, Texas on October 15th & 16th. The tournament was held at Texas Tornadoes in Cypress, where over 25 varsity teams competed against each other. A couple of standout players are listed below.
In a competitive 16-6A school district, Jaylen Benard Jaylen Benard 6’3″ | CG Cypress Ranch | 2023 State TX is an early favorite for district MVP after a spectacular performance at the VYPE Pre-Season Shootout. Coming from an ACL injury last year, Benard is unfazed. His confidence and poise will most definitely benefit him at the collegiate level as he is committed to play for the Longwood Lancers next fall. Jaylen Benard Jaylen Benard 6’3″ | CG Cypress Ranch | 2023 State TX is a crafty pass-first combo guard, who plays both the 1 and the 2 efficiently. Jaylen’s high level IQ, reading the defense and setting his teammates up, high-motor, and his effortless scoring are what sets him as one of the top players in Houston. In his first game, Benard scored a whopping 24 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds in a 73-51 victory against Tomball Memorial. In his second game, Jaylen scored an impressive 22 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds in a 90-42 victory against St. Pius X. It was very evident that Jaylen Benard Jaylen Benard 6’3″ | CG Cypress Ranch | 2023 State TX was the best player at all times on the floor. Benard is stepping into the leadership role, and is definitely going to be a vital piece to Cy-Ranch’s success this year.
Chris Tippins Chris Tippins 6’5″ | SF Cypress Ranch | 2024 State TX is an ultimate package that every high school team will fear. He is tenacious on the defensive end, being a primary rebounder for their squad, as well as a proficient 3-point shooter. Chris is a veteran coming into their starting lineup this year and will be one of the main scorers for their team. His defensive presence is very underrated as he gets several deflections, which turn into points on the offensive end.
Isaac Saavedra
Isaac Saavedra
Coming into the varsity lineup this year as a sophomore, Isaac Saavedra is stepping as a key role factor to Cy-Ranch’s backbone. Saavedra is a knock-down 3-point shooter, and possesses a crisp handle package to get to the paint and dish out to his teammates. Isaac picks up his opponent from half-court, and applies pressure every second on defense; his fast feet and quick hands makes him a defensive threat at all times. He is a very underrated guard, who will quickly develop in more areas of his game, as he is still a sophomore.
Jace Posey Jace Posey 6’4″ | SG Houston Strake Jesuit | 2023 State #79 Nation TX , son of NBA player James Posey, is a very intriguing player to watch. It was quite clear as to why he holds the state record for high jump: Posey head is always at the rim, hammering literally everything when driving into the basket. Jace always looks for his teammates first, before diving himself into offensive situations. He is an effortless scorer, who can score at all 3 levels efficiently.
Michael Gillyard Jr.
Michael Gillyard Jr.
Michael Gillyard Jr. is a crafty point guard, who is very smart in pick and roll actions: he knows exactly when to attack the paint, when to hit the 3, or even dish to one of his teammates. Michael is a very tough finisher, someone that always initiates contact to draw a foul. During fast-break opportunities, Gillyard always looks to lead the pass ahead to his teammates for the easy finish. Despite being undersized for his position, his speed and lateral quickness will help him be glued to his defender. Michael Gillyard Jr. is definitely one to keep an eye one, as he will have a terrific senior campaign!