Spring Valley Fall League Recap: Stockriser
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Basketball season never stops. A month after crowning state champions, local programs are back at it, getting ready for the 2023-24 season. The Spring Valley Spring League pits several 4A and 5A programs against each other, giving me a way…
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Continue ReadingBasketball season never stops. A month after crowning state champions, local programs are back at it, getting ready for the 2023-24 season. The Spring Valley Spring League pits several 4A and 5A programs against each other, giving me a way too early look at some potential high school star performers. The event also provided a platform for some already ranked players to raise their stock. Here’s a look at some of the top stockrisers from the event.
Gordon made his first appearance in the rankings as a top 40 player in this class. Perhaps he could be higher, he showed terrific speed, moving effortlessly up and down the court with the ball in his hand. His skill set extended to his shooting, as he was able to knock down a couple threes in the game I watched.
Highlights
Gilbert is a top 60 player, who showed himself well on the day. His best skill was his willingess to move the ball. Gilbert made the extra pass, a few times, as well as hitting teammates with passes out of drive and kick situations.
The Desert Oasis coaches told Jones that he needed to improve and he seemed to take that to heart. Jones has always been an accurate shooter, however he looked much more aggressive than I’ve seen him in the past, both on his drives and shot selection. His frame looked like he had been spending some time in the weight room as well. Good performance has given him an opportunity to rise from his current top 70 position.
TDJ was absoluteley dominant on the defensive end, and I mean dominant, he had two consecutive plays where he just picked the offensive player clean. He has already gotten himself on my radar as a potential 1st team all defensive team selection next year, the question may be what other achievents lay ahead. He has good athleticism, combined with speed and basketball instincts, Darden finished one of his steals with an easy layup, the other with a miss dunk attempt, showing the level of aggression he’s playing with.
Natale certainly looks like a player that is ready to rise from his top 80 ranking. A solid face up foward, he showed some nice offensive skill, slashing to the bucket as well as knocking down a couple of threes in catch and shoot situations. Coming off a strong junior season, and a good start to the grassroots season, Natale is a threat to rise in the rankings.
Highlights
I think we should appreciate what Patterson does while he’s in high school. I’ve watched the lefty post player play since his freshman days, and I can’t remember one time he didn’t bring it. His game isn’t flashy, and he’s not the biggest player on the floor, however somehow he just keeps putting up numbers. He finished everything around the rim, scoring off direct post ups, as well as catch and finishes. He even showed a solid second jump, getting his Moses Malone on, grabbing his own miss and sticking it back.