#Throwback King versus Wharton standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last month I had the pleasure of watching two Ling and Wharton play for a conference championship. Several players stood out, including a 6'5 forward brimming with upside. I'll introduce the seven players below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wharton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["709222"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fc16bc4a54a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='709222' first='Karmello' last='Branch'] showed out with the game on the line. He proved he could handle a double team from two absolute hound defenders by passing out of traps and scoring 14 points. Branch knocked down two of his four three-pointers, proved he could keep a defense on its toes with his slashing, and showcased his feel for the game. He was stout defensively, blocking shots, making tough plays, and hitting the boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["812621"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fc16bc4a5d0"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='812621' first='Chandler' last='Davis'] was a ball mover who could find and make the open skip pass. At 6'5, he has good size, shoots well from three, and is the team's best perimeter defender. Davis makes all the plays that won't show in the box score but will affect the game. He can score as a slasher and spot-up shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1631266"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fc16bc4a649"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1631266' first='Lucean' last='Milligan'] is a floor general that can make teams pay with his passing and shooting. He had four assists, knocked down a pair of sidestep threes, and is an active defender. He has a nice handle in isolation and should be a player to earmark as he becomes the leader of next year's team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jayson Montgomery plays a mistake-free game and can spray teams from the perimeter. He knocked down four threes to keep Wharton in the game. He's more of an off-ball player at this stage in the game, but that could change in the offseason. The sophomore is 6'2 but finished well in traffic on limited attempts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>King</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='962380' first='John' last='Ziegler'] struggled to find his shot but showed off much more than his scoring prowess. His defense changed the face of the game early. He plays hard on defense and is always in his man's jersey. He's long, athletic, and active in passing lanes. When he realized his shot wasn't falling, he moved off the ball to score as a cutter and pushed the ball in transition for early buckets. His ability to adapt to the game and play at a crazy pace while playing 28+ minutes a night for the last four years speaks to his maturity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["962380"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fc16bc4a6bf"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amun Atkins may have started the game late, but he's become one of the best-shot blockers in the state. He has excellent timing and length. Atkins is 6'5 now, but his size 18 shoe could mean another growth spurt. He grabbed a double-double in his first season playing basketball. Atkin's a tough paint defender, rebounds bigger than his frame, and finishes through contact. He may be raw but he has enough feel for the game to make smart passes in a crowd. If you're willing to take a flier on an undersized big with surprising ball skills, a motor, the ability to keep plays alive, and good hands, here's your chance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->