The Hardwood Invite: Stars of the Tournament (Pt II)
In this article:
This is the second installment of my Stars of the Tournament from The Hardwood Invite. You can check out part one here. Jaylin Stewart WA #1 SG #1 HEIGHT 6'7" POS SG CLASS 2023 View Profile Jaylin Stewart Instagram Twitter…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis is the second installment of my Stars of the Tournament from The Hardwood Invite. You can check out part one here.
Stewart left his mark all over this tournament, scoring from all levels and rebounding the ball at a high rate. He ended up second in total scoring, first in rebounds per game and total free throws made. He eclipsed the 30-point mark twice, but most impressive was his efficiency. Stewart only missed more than three field goals in one out of the four games he played at the Invite, while averaging over 25 points per game. He was the most dominant player out there and looks like a man on a mission to end his high school career with a championship.
Harshman isn’t the tallest, he isn’t the strongest or most athletic, but he gets the job done and exhibits a truly unique and exceptional feel for the game. He is a show runner that impacts the game across all phases. That skillset was on full display over the course of the tournament where he was leaned on to be a playmaker and scorer without Martin Kaupanger Martin Kaupanger 6’5″ | SG Annie Wright | 2025 State WA suiting up. Harshman always looks in control out there, but at the Invite he showed an expanding offensive game, scoring the ball from three and mid-range.
When you watch McDaniel, and you see the way he moves out on the floor it is apparent there is something special about the guy. He didn’t light it up from the field like we are often used to seeing, but even in brief moments, a step back here, a contested fadeaway there, you can see the ease with which he makes the tough plays look routine. However, this weekend it was his playmaking that stood out. He seemed to have eyes on the back of his head and found teammates without giving a hint to the defense. He had some truly masterful passes and is able to make just about any type or length of pass you need.
Hernandez plays at his own pace and really sets the tone for Davis offensively. He is calm and controlled, taking what the defense gives him. If defenders come up tight on him, he has a strong rip through and quick first step to burst into the lane and create. If you give him room behind the arc, he will drill the three ball. What I like most about his performance through the tournament is his ability to finish over taller defenders inside. He has that high-arching layup/floater that just kisses the glass its way down over leaping defenders.
Emmett is such a versatile player that it is hard to pinpoint one thing that stands out. He moves supremely well on the defensive end, guarding players from the perimeter to the rim. He rebounds well at 6’9, has superb awareness and passing ability. He can use strength at the rim or spot up from three and is efficient with his touches. Marquardt put all of this on display throughout the tournament and was a big contributor filling up the box score.
Highlights
If you want to see how one player can change the way an entire team plays, look no further than Robinson. He opens up so much space with his ability to get inside and draw defenders with his drive. There aren’t many players who can keep up with his quickness one-on-one and that lets him regularly suck in 2-3 defenders. He also showed off some nice shooting, extending his range and hitting a few step backs. There is an energy he brings to both sides of the court that the rest of his team clearly responds to, and he has helped Skyline become one of the teams to be reckoned with in 4A this season.