White, Greer & Maggard Holiday Classic: 2023 Top Performers
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The White, Greer & Maggard Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic produced some great games as some of the states top talent was on hand from every class. These were the top performers in the 2023 class. Reed Sheppard KY #1…
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Continue ReadingThe White, Greer & Maggard Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic produced some great games as some of the states top talent was on hand from every class. These were the top performers in the 2023 class.
Sheppard lived up to the hype. He gets a ton of praise for his scoring (rightfully so), but I came away most impressed with his vision and passing ability. He showcased an elite ability to pass with either hand and weak side vision. Has great feel in pick and rolls to make the right play. Is a threat to elevate and shoot from anywhere on the court, especially when he is off the dribble and in rhythm. He proved again why he is one of the best players in the nation.
I walked away very impressed with Davidson. Carries a heavy load for them in the paint. A little undersized for his position, but makes up for it with his high motor and physical strength. One of the strongest players in this tournament. Finished everything around the rim, especially thru contact. Underrated athlete as he finished some dump off dunks. Showcased his ability to step out and make jump shots knocking down some from both the mid-range and from 3pt. Really solid prospect that deserves more attention than he gets.
Henry would have been my vote for MVP if they would have won the championship as he led Mason County to the final game by doing everything for them. He has great size and athleticism and played just about every position. Strong left handed that has a knack to score, especially when he gets to his left hand. Once he got downhill, he was virtually unstoppable. Primarily a driver, but does a good job pulling up in the mid-range and can shoot from 3pt off the catch. Had one of the best plays of the tournament making a final second drive to beat Bracken County in the first round. Big time player.
Meyer solidified himself this week that he deserves to be in conversations for Mr. Basketball. He was relentless all week scoring the basketball and did all he could to lead Holy Cross. He was on fire getting to the rim making tough shots but it was the best I had seen him shoot it from distance. If he can continue to develop his jump shot and become more consistent, bigger schools will have no choice but to enter the sweepstakes to get him on campus next fall. Love his game and should be on a ton of college coaches radar.
Highlights
My first time seeing Roberts and I came away impressed. He carries a huge usage rate for them as he is both the primary ball handler and scorer. Scored both in isolation’s and in pick and roll’s. Big time shooter both off the catch and dribble that has deep 3pt range. Showcased a high basketball IQ and feel. Saw him go on some impressive scoring runs.
Highlights
Sisk had himself a really good tournament. Has great size and deep 3pt shooting range for the wing position. Never got sped up and did a good job playing at his pace. Didn’t need the ball in hands a lot to score as he was super effective off the catch and using 1 or 2 dribbles. Loved how he moved without the ball to find openings to shoot the ball. Will be a huge get for a school at the next level.
This was my second time seeing Davis and he was much improved. Played extremely hard and was aggressive looking to score. His length and athleticism was a problem for defenders, especially when he attacked the offensive glass. Did a good job getting to the rim and finishing in traffic. If he can build off this weeks performance and continue to be aggressive, Madison Central has a chance to not only get to state, but win it all.
Highlights
Hamilton proved again how valuable he is for the Camels. He is heavily relied upon to both score and guard which he did all week. Took some tough shots, but when he was left open and given lanes to drive, he took advantage and finished. Did a great job getting out in transition and finishing. One of the best all around athletes in the state.
There is only a few players who brings more value to their team than Sparks does. He was consistent all tournament bringing scoring, defending and rebounding. Sparks is a long active athlete which allowed him to defend multiple positions. He made a ton of timely shots that allowed them to advance and ultimately win the championship. Was elite in transition running the floor and finishing. Big time player.
Potter had a solid week as he was one of the best big men in the field. It’s always harder for big men to get involved in the scoring column unless they are getting offensive boards, but he did a good job finishing most of his attempts that he was given around the basket. Not a dominant player yet with his back to the basket but he is continuing to improve as he gets stronger. Affected a ton of shots around the baskets with his size and length.
Izayiah Villafuerte
Izayiah Villafuerte
Villafuerte is a solid point guard that plays within himself and doesn’t seem to ever get sped up. Has deep 3pt range that was really good when he got his feet set. Did a great job defensively getting deflections and leading the break. Was at his best getting to the paint and finding teammates. Does a great job running the team. Senior leader for them.