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We held our Southwest Kickoff event in Edmond, Oklahoma this past weekend. There were several talented teams and players, many would say that there were several “gamechangers.” As the game of basketball has progressed over the years, the needs of teams and what can impact the game has changed. The American Basketball Association (ABA) implemented the 3 point line in the late 1960s, as it tried to compete with the National Basketball Association (NBA) for fan popularity. The NBA and ABA merged in 1976, with the league adopting the 3 point line in 1979. A few years later, the NCAA adopted the 3 point line for college basketball in 1986. A year later, high school basketball introduced the 3 point line (This is where the dates came from). From there, it has just exploded as the game has changed. We have went from a game that was dominated inside, to a balance between the inside and outside game. Now we are to the point to where teams lean heavily on being able to stretch the floor. With how the game has expanded and how many players focus on shooting the ball when they practice now, it is essential. There are a lot of great shooters out there nowadays. This article talks about the best shooters at the event this past weekend. Lets find out who makes the list, as these players are “gamechangers” for their teams.
Brody Blades contributed on both ends of the court. He played great perimeter defense and forced a steal. He showed the ability to run in transition, as he turned a steal into fastbreak points. He also grabbed a few rebounds, including an offensive rebound. While running in transition, he picked up an assist. Now the reason why he is in this article: his shooting. He knocked down an open three, but his most impressive play was him hitting a stepback three pointer off the dribble. His shooting release was smooth and it showed, as the ball floated right through the net. He was a great 3 and D guy in this game.
Jaxon Weingartner came out of the gates firing, setting the tone early. He hit a three from the corner and knocked down two more throughout the game. He showcased a quick and smooth release, that helps him get it off despite other players being taller. Reflecting on how he shoots, it reminds me of Pete Maravich. At that age, Maravich was not the tallest player, but he would shoot with a quick release from the hip, earning him the name Pistol Pete. Weingartner exemplifies the same technique and mechanics, which showed to be beneficial. His game expanded beyond his shooting ability, as he was able to playmake, even driving the gap and kicking to an open shooter after the defense collapsed. Throughout the game, he also grabbed a couple of rebounds, knocked down his free throws, and came away with a steal. It was an impressive performance by him.
Daniel Nimsey-Creepingbear lit the weekend on fire, as he averaged 19.8 points over the course of the full weekend. I saw him in the last game that he played, but there was buzz surrounding him going into it. I was hearing that he is a must-see shooter, which he showed to be. It was an impressive shooting display by him. He knocked down multiple three pointers a game, shooting 50% from three over the entirety of the showcase. He has a quick release that helps him get a shot off, even with the tiniest bit of space. His impact went beyond his shooting, as he grabbed a few rebounds and showed the ability to finish at the rim. He played solid defense on the perimeter, as well. It was an impressive shooting display by him for the entirety of the event.
Matthew Toyekoyah showed off his shooting ability this past weekend. Averaging 12 points per game, he was efficient from deep, knocking down 40% of his three point attempts. His game expanded beyond that, as he played solid interior defense, as well as some perimeter defense. He made an impact rebounding the ball. A player that can stretch the floor with that size and shooting ability is impressive and something that might cause problems for opponents down the road.