March 25th & 26th Big Shots Virginia Horizon Tip-Off
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Last weekend, I was able to get my eyes on some talented individuals in the 17u division of Big Shots Ralph Sampson Virginia Horizon Tip-Off. The match-ups were filled with exciting plays and above-the-rim finishes from start to end. These…
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Continue ReadingLast weekend, I was able to get my eyes on some talented individuals in the 17u division of Big Shots Ralph Sampson Virginia Horizon Tip-Off. The match-ups were filled with exciting plays and above-the-rim finishes from start to end. These athletes put all of their tools on display in the thrilling event that took place in Harrisonburg, Virginia last weekend. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the talented players that I was able to get eyes on.
Landon Etzel
Landon Etzel
Etzel is a versatile guard who’s equipped with a lighting quick release on his three-point shots. Etzel can knock down the three-ball a ton of different ways but his ability to knock down the catch-and-shoot-three-pointer, in the blink of an eye is something that you cannot ignore. At 6-foot-3 Etzel has all of the skills that you look for in a guard. Good positional size, a high motor, and can knock down the three any way that he needs to. Etzel also has great court vision as he displayed with an awesome skip pass to the opposite corner to the open shooter for the assist on the three-pointer, Etzel was able to deliver this live dribble pass as the defense attempted to put pressure on the ball, very impressive.
Powell did a tremendous job of getting physical for his points in the paint and protecting the rim on the Defensive end. At 6-foot-4, Powell is a player who gives opposing offenses tons of problems. He played lockdown defense in the paint, Powell operated with a high defensive IQ and a high motor to contain bigger or quicker opponents. He did a good job of getting a hand up quickly to contest shots and rotating over to deny shots at the rim. On the offensive end, he played with that same high motor to hawk down offensive rebounds and easy put-back opportunities at the rim.
Highlights
Aiden Yates
Aiden Yates
Aiden Yates put his ball-handling and point-forward skills on display last weekend in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The 6-foot-5 forward was able to get his buckets by grabbing rebounds and taking them coast to coast to finish at the other end, as well as putting his head down and driving through the paint with a tight handle to finish at the rim. On the offensive end, Yates made good decisions with the ball, he was able to pick up some assists by penetrating the paint, causing the defense to collapse which typically leaves someone open. He was able to knock down catch and shoot three-pointers with a consistent shot form throughout the weekend. On the defensive end, Yates did a good job of closing off the lane and disrupting shots as he was able to rotate into the paint on drives to send shots back.
At 6-foot-3, Banks Jr. was a serious threat to the defense from anywhere on the court. He did a good job of getting out quickly in fast break situations to create easy layups for himself. In the half court, Banks Jr. Got downhill with ease and did a good job of securing the ball while doing so. The biggest bright spot from Banks Jr’s weekend was his shooting. The electric wing player knocked down a slew of jump shots and the defense had serious problems trying to put an end to his hot shooting. He kept a consistent form as he looked most comfortable knocking jumpers after catching the ball on the move. On the offensive end, he was able to provide anything Team Brown needed from him.
Zackary Diggs
Zackary Diggs
opposing defenses throughout the weekend. He’s a sneaky rebounder who moves well off the ball. His first points came from him running with the fast break and cleaning up the missed layup with a putback at the rim. That putback was followed by a tough and-1 scoop layup with two defenders draped all over him and then he shows his strength by bullying his way to an easy layup at the rim on his next touch. When the ball isn’t in Diggss’ hand, he almost poses as just as dangerous of a threat. He moves with intent when playing off the ball and takes advantage of the holes in the defense by diving and cutting into soft sports constantly. Throughout the weekend, Diggs was able to get to the rim at will as well as make the right reads when the defense would commit to him. On the defensive end, he was able to contain opposing guards and force missed shots by moving his feet.