Bruce’s Notebook: April Bash Friday Night Standouts
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 PrepHoops Prephoops Next, and highlight company Balldawgs. The event was the perfect platform for players to showcase their talents right before the live period. Here’s a look at my standouts from opening night.
Cash Stewart
Cash Stewart
Events like this provide a perfect opportunity to see some new faces, and Stewart was a pleasant suprise. The combo guard showed a little shiftyness, getting by defenders off the bounce, he also showed that he’s talented enough to finish drives as he attacked the cup well. He was one of the first standouts I saw on the day.
Jonquil Victor
Jonquil Victor
In addition to his size, perhaps the most impressive thing about Victor was his willingness to play hard. He got on the floor more than a few times to win 50/50 balls for his team. He also showed some offensive versatility, scoring with his back to the basket as well as when he was facing up and attacking the basket. He’s a fluid runner who was impressive on the day.
JJ Humphries
JJ Humphries
Humphries just kept making plays throughout the day. I watched him play a good portion of two contest and he was sound in both. He showed good offensive skill, getting to the rim, while finishing his drives with layups. He was one of the more consistent paint touches I saw, as he was able to time and time again collapse the defense before creating for his teammates.
Tristan Washington
Tristan Washington
Washington was one of the better two way players I saw. The long wing was a force on the defensive end, putting together a few emphatic swats to protect the rim. offensively he seemed to always be out in transition, either off steals that he created or simply being ahead of the break. He showed some advance finishing ability as well, using Euro’s and 1.2’s to avoid charges and finish at the rim.
Dion Parker
Dion Parker
If you want to look at the anatomy of building a program take a look at Democracy Prep. The defending 2A state Champs will be adding Parker to their roster as they make the move to 3A and they look just as dangerous. The forward was simply bigger and stronger than his opponents on this day, rebounding the ball at a high level, while finishing at ease around the rim. He has a unique skill set, as he was both the receiver and finisher of a few lobs in the game, overall he was one of the top players at the event, and is poised for a high initial ranking when the 2027 class rankings are released.
Ty’jir Broxie
Ty’jir Broxie
Speaking of the 2027 rankings Broxie is a player that can be considered a stockriser. The young big man has shown quite a bit of development over the past few months, and is poised to be one of the top players in his class. Currently I would describe him as a skilled bruiser. Broxie is one of the best pure rebounders in the class, with strong hands, and the ability to win in traffic rebounding contest. He also has shown improvement in his offensive game scoring with his back to the basket as well off a few faceup dribble drives. Word is he’s headed to Arbor View, which would provide the Aggies with a strong influx of size and interior depth.