MADE HOOPS: East Warmup 17U MD/DC Observations
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MADE HOOPS hosted their East Warmup over the weekend in New Jersey and it gave us a chance to evaluate some MD/DC prospects in the first competitive setting this spring. Derik Queen backs his five-star status Queen is considered a…
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Continue ReadingMADE HOOPS hosted their East Warmup over the weekend in New Jersey and it gave us a chance to evaluate some MD/DC prospects in the first competitive setting this spring.
Derik Queen backs his five-star status
Queen is considered a top-15 prospect in the class nationally depending on what site you utilize for rankings and he showed why he’s primed for a big spring/summer as Team Thrill looks to repeat as UAA champions. The 6’9 forward’s versatility was on full display as he scored from all three levels, made excellent deliveries off the live bounce to streaking teammates in transition and was a commanding presence in the paint defensively closing down the glass. Queen’s body has steadily improved over the last six month and it showed with improved pop on athletic finishes above the rim.
Byers shows reasons to track
2024 wing Brant Byers had a good weekend shooting the ball from outside as he preps to establish himself as a floor-spacer. He’ll surprise you with an athletic finish if the driving lane is clear and has the makeup to eventually be a valuable defensive piece with his size and length. Look for Byers to fill a similar role as former Thrill standout Noah Batchelor if he can continue to shoot from deep at a high clip.
Mallory finds his groove
2025 guard Chance Mallory Chance Mallory 5'10" | PG St. Anne's Belfield | 2025 State #73 Nation VA put together his share of explosive scoring performances throughout the high school season thanks to his elite ability to shoot from range. He struggled to find his mark in the first game against Jersey Force, but hit multiple triples in a big win over a very talented NY Rens group. Mallory showed impressive instincts coming off pin downs or elevator screens and feel off the catch to make split-second decisions based off how the defense reacted.
Palmer’s showing with his new team
The current No. 1 player in our MD/DC rankings, Malachi Palmer Malachi Palmer 6'6" | SF Mt. Zion Prep | 2024 #53 Nation MD , took the floor with the NY Rens 17U to help make up and impressive roster on paper. The 6’5 guard seems to have added even more muscle to his frame, which was evident in his 1-to-2 dribble pull ups where he’d use his body to create space from the defender. Despite the losing effort against Thrill, Palmer did a nice job of getting downhill in straight-line fashion and finishing layups before the weakside shot blocker could rotate and alter the attempt.