Big Shots Virginia Tip-Off: electric 16u performances
The Big Shots Virginia Tip-Off was held at Boo Williams Sports Complex on April 1-2. The event featured numerous well-known teams and prospects, as well as promising newcomers. This past weekend, over 100 teams competed, each with their own set…
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Continue ReadingThe Big Shots Virginia Tip-Off was held at Boo Williams Sports Complex on April 1-2. The event featured numerous well-known teams and prospects, as well as promising newcomers. This past weekend, over 100 teams competed, each with their own set of tools. Let’s have a look at some of the top athletes I was able to spot in the 16u division.
Vincent Ordenes
Vincent Ordenes
Ordenes was a threat to score from behind the arc, which ended up opening endless opportunities for the 6-foot-1 guard. Ordenes knocked down multiple three pointers off the catch while in rhythm and kept a consistent form on his shot throughout the weekend. He did a good job of attacking closeouts to get into the paint when the defense anticipated a three-pointer. Ordenes pushed the pace in transition and was adept at using the pump fake to get the defense out of position in the paint.
Mekhi Wilson
Mekhi Wilson
Wilson was a player that we highlighted at the Big Shots Ralph Sampson Virginia Horizon Tip-Off for his ability to score from beyond the arc and in the midrange with great touch as well as create for himself and others. Wilson’s shooting masterclass picked up where it left off. At Boo Williams Sports Complex, Wilson was able to punish defenders for going under the screen on the perimeter by pulling up for three once the defender was clipped on the screener. He put pressure on the rim by getting downhill with a variety of dribbles that he uses to open up lanes and attack closeouts.
Jayden Mess
Jayden Mess
The speedy guard for Local Legends was able to push the pace in transition as well as in the half-court, and make the right decisions with the ball in his hands. He possesses great speed with the ball in his hands and the skills to keep his head up and eyes scanning the floor the while doing so. In transition, Mess is able to take advantage of the defense as they backpedal into their defense. He consistently makes the right reads and can always find teammates sneaking behind the defense or cutting towards the rim.
Tyshawn Neals
Tyshawn Neals
Neals did a good job of staying in motion off ball to receive easy shots at the rim as well as bailing teammates out by hunting down offensive rebounds for put backs at the rim. On the defensive end, the 6-foot-2 forward was able to contain ball handlers on the perimeter and get around screens promptly, making it difficult for opposing teams to set up their offense or execute on actions. Neals displayed his defensive IQ by staying on the ground on pump fakes and timing up his blocks perfectly to send back a handful of shots throughout the event.
Tykie Jones Tykie Jones 6'4" | SG Henrico | 2025 State VA
Tykie Jones Tykie Jones 6'4" | SG Henrico | 2025 State VA
Jones dominated the paint throughout the weekend at Boo Williams Sports Complex. Whether it was picking up the assist out of the post or getting physical with his back to the basket, the 6-foot-3 forward was getting things done. We saw Jones get down hill in a variety of ways. His ability to get down hill using a spin move to finish at the rim as well as using his strength to drive through the defenders was something that you could not ignore. He played with a high offensive IQ. Jones was able to read the defense while keeping track of all of his teammates on the court. On multiple occasions, he forced the defense to collapse or overreact, leading to easy assist.