Jordan’s Kingdom of the Sun Standouts – Local Teams (Part 2)
The Kingdom of the Sun is a great chance to watch some of the best talent in the 352. Here’s the second group of local guys who got it done at the Kingdom (you can find the first group here):…
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Continue ReadingThe Kingdom of the Sun is a great chance to watch some of the best talent in the 352. Here’s the second group of local guys who got it done at the Kingdom (you can find the first group here):
Horne was always one of my favorite players when he was on The Rock’s national team last year, and that has not changed now that he’s a member of the Blue Wave. Horne has made massive improvements to his already well-developed offensive arsenal. He is a gifted scorer who can take really tough shots around the basket, in the midrange, and from anywhere beyond the arc. This 3 level smoothness is paired with an offensive tenacity that makes him a force going downhill and suits his athleticism and strong build. On defense, Horne’s on-ball work really stood out. He was able to generate steals on even the most talented ball handlers (think Olympia’s Jizzle James) and made life difficult for opposing guards. He had a string of solid scoring performances for a P.K. Yonge team who made the Semifinals and played a (mostly) close game with a really great Olympia team.
Highlights
Harris was one of the tournament’s greatest surprises for me. I had never heard his name before, but was well acquainted after the Kingdom. A lanky point guard, Harris was explosive, shifty and hard to stop going downhill. His dribble moves were tight and fast, aiding him in getting by defenders easily. Around the rim, he was crafty and athletic, leading to some great finishes and even a few (almost) dunks. Harris is an unsigned senior with the ability to play the game effectively and at a high level. For D3/JUCO schools who are willing to take a chance on a developing guard, Harris would be a guy to look at.
Cameron Powell
Cameron Powell
Despite the Kingdom being held at Vanguard’s Jim Haley Court, it was a tough weekend for the Knights. After a narrow victory against North Marion, Vanguard dropped 2 tough ones to P.K. Yonge and Covington Catholic. While most of their team is composed of seniors, junior guard Cameron Powell stuck out to me throughout the tournament. A hard-nosed, strong guard, Powell was relentless in going to the basket and forcing defenders to take a hit from him. His touch around the rim needs some work, and his jump shooting is non-existent, but Powell’s tenacity and physical tools nevertheless made him a consistent boost of energy for the Knights. Defensively is where Powell shined, as his strength and aggressiveness made him an issue on the ball and in the passing lane. The soft skills, basketball IQ part is still in the works for Powell, but with a great set of physical tools and the drive to get better, Powell could very well shape up to be a dominant force in Marion County hoops.