April Bash Recap: Stockrisers
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The second annual April Bash kicks off this weekend. Presented by Chosen Few, the event features teams from around the Southwest and the West Coast. The event is the unofficial kick-off to the Spring Live period, as it takes place…
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Continue ReadingThe second annual April Bash kicks off this weekend. Presented by Chosen Few, the event features teams from around the Southwest and the West Coast. The event is the unofficial kick-off to the Spring Live period, as it takes place the week before college coaches are eligible to come out and lay eyes on players. The tournament-style event features both boys’ and girls’ teams ranging from 8U – 17U. This exposure event will feature heavy media coverage, including Prep Hoops and highlight company Balldawgs. The event was the perfect platform for players to showcase their talents right before the live period. Several players used the event as an opportunity to rise in the rankings. Here’s a look at some of the top Stockrisers from the event.
“Gouda” Jackson is really good at basketball. The PG did what top ranked players do in exposure events, he stood out. The PG showed great quickness, combined with elite finishing and knock down shooting ability. Perhaps his best strength is his intangible, as he seemed to time and time again make big shots for his team when they needed them.
Moses was perhaps the most impressive player I saw during the weekend. I saw him play a few times at Meadows in limited minute situations, however I didn’t realize how good he was until this weekend. He controlled the pace of games, playing like a pure PG. When he was off the ball he was one of the best shooters at the event.
Speed and Moses played together for the Program which went on to win the 17U championship. It’s easy to make a joke about how his play equals his last name, but it’s true. He’s was one of the fastest players from end to end, completing several transition plays with layups. Look for him to make a move North when the next rankings are released.
Jones impressed both days I saw his game. He’s a shooter that can score and that skilled proved valuable as it was the first time I ever saw him produce even when his shot wasn’t falling. He was able to get to the rim, and he got a couple steals, turning defense into offense. He even tried to throw down a breakaway dunk, he missed it, but him looking to dunk in a game was something that seemed unthinkable just a few months earlier.
Highlights
Moose was more than crafty this weekend. He was effective and efficient. The PG showed terrifc quickness, toughness and skill. He was able to get to the rack off the bounce, and made enough outside shots to keep defenders honest. His best skill was his toughness, and he made several gritty plays to help his squad advance to the championship game.
Truth is when you go a while without seeing a player, sometimes you just forget. I saw Flowers early this season, with Valley, but didn’t remeber him until he made a couple sweet dimes that led me to asking his coaches for more information. He has a good frame, and addition to his passing, showed the ability to drive and finish consistently throughout the event. He proved once again that it’s up to players to make scouts watch.