Emptying out the Notebook: The Platform Part 1
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Today we’re closing the book on last week’s The Platform coverage, by doing a once over on the “notebook” aka the Apple Notes app I used to joint down observation from this past weekend’s games. Here’s a look at players…
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Continue ReadingToday we’re closing the book on last week’s The Platform coverage, by doing a once over on the “notebook” aka the Apple Notes app I used to joint down observation from this past weekend’s games. Here’s a look at players that haven’t previously been covered but made a mark.
Stop if you’ve heard this before; on Friday night Loper’s second half shooting changed a game. In the second half, Rogue pulled away for a win against a quality team from Minnesota, while it was a team effort it also involved consistent dagger threes from Loper. When the Westmoore Jaguars’ feet are set, he is an absolute weapon as a catch and shoot specialist. There were also signs of other growth, as he skied for offensive rebounds when crashing the glass. He also had a good move to the rim after being ran out of the line. Loper already has one aspect of his game that standouts with shooting. Now he has flashes that his overall game could be improving, he could be a good candidate for an Oklahoma prospect that makes one of the biggest junior year leaps.
Highlights
Kylen Defreeze
Kylen Defreeze
The hybrid forward was an intriguing watch to kick off the tournament way back on Friday afternoon. He was light was on his feet with his movements, with a good feel as an offensive player in face up situations. He worked the mid-range well, knocking down 10-15 foot jumpers. While also understanding how to finish at the rim, once using the rim as a way to protect from a shot blocker. He does need to continue to improve his footwork on post ups.
The Norman Tiger had moments throughout the high school season, as a strong driver. Now he’ll be playing a bigger role for the team coming off a state tournament appearance. During the high school season while he has a good frame to be effective on drives, the times he was watched made it feel like he was a head down driver who needed to improve his feel. On Friday with Wolfpack Freeman, he was getting his head up more. From pitching it ahead in transition to having better awareness on drives and passing it to teammates, instead of forcing shots.
Jodie Shavers
Jodie Shavers
The athletic and active big continues to leave his mark on games. Shavers’ combination of being light on his feet and good wingspan allows him to always be in play to block and contest shots. Along with his ability to impact games with rebounds and rim protection, he also showed some promise with the ability to attack off face up situations.
Wilson continues to make his case as a top 5 pure athlete in the class. On Friday night he put a shot-blocker on a poster, or I suppose a “head tap” as the kids call it now. He continued to play above the rim for the rest of the game, catching lobs and converting put-backs with authorities. He’s a high motor player that plays above the rim. Those traits gives him D1 upside.
A drum I like to beat is “staring in your role”, the dual-sport Norman North standout did that this weekend. He made the most of his shot opportunities with physical finishes thanks to off the ball movement, transition scoring and hitting the occasional spot up three pointer. On the defensive end he stepped up and took charges. While also blending playing the passing lines with applying on the ball pressure while covering positions 1-3. After a strong finish to the high school season, Eshelman looks set up for a summer of producing at the “little things” leading to a big impact.
Highlights
The big man for Team Griffin Select 16U has a good amount of skill and feel for a player his size. Those traits are shown with quick hands on the defensive end, swiping for steals and blocks. While also being a good passer on offense. Weaver had a mixture of quality outlet passes, while also setting up in the high post in the half court. Where he fed cutters and open teammates with great passes.