Freshman Standouts: CT Big Time Challenge
There was plenty of talent at one of the state’s final Zero Gravity events of the spring season. While many players contributed in big ways this weekend, several players in the freshman division stood out among their peers. Jordan Sutton…
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Continue ReadingThere was plenty of talent at one of the state’s final Zero Gravity events of the spring season. While many players contributed in big ways this weekend, several players in the freshman division stood out among their peers.
Jordan Sutton
Jordan Sutton
Despite Sutton being in eighth grade and playing up a year, he is a man among boys on the floor. His 6’7 frame looks even longer on the court and is something opposing playmakers cannot overlook in the paint. The threat of his shot blocking deters finishing anywhere within 10 feet, yet he showed tenacity outside of the paint, actively participating in his teams full court press and consistently moving the ball up the court with quick outlet passes. His size will help him make waves as he takes the step into high school.
Nasir Dunlap
Nasir Dunlap
Nasir Dunlap is an oversized guard who consistently find ways to score around the basket. His combination of size and athleticism is rarely seen in underclassmen. His physical gifts and high motor helped him rack up several impressive blocks and steals. He has a natural feel for the game cleaning up offensive rebounds and making savvy cuts to pick up a ton of easy buckets. There were several stretches where Nasir would score 3 or 4 straight possessions at the rim, and the defense couldn’t seem to figure him out. His high motor, athleticism, and feel for the game make him a tough problem to solve for opposing coaches.
Lameik Black
Lameik Black
Lameik is an athletic 6 foot with a good frame for a freshman. He was elite early in transition grabbing defensive boards and immediately pushing pace with either pass or dribble this led to numerous easy buckets for his team. In the half court he drove effectively from both the perimeter and the midrange. His quick first step from a face up got him past the first level of defense, and his creative finishing high off the class helped him convert at the cup.
Emmanuel Jouissance
Emmanuel Jouissance
Jouissance plays much bigger than his height. He is an elite rebounder for any position let alone a guard. He aggressively attacks the boards on both ends putting the ball right back on offense and pushing the pace after a defensive board. His vision was on display in the full court making good reads and delivering the pass on time and on target for his teammates. The combination of strength, tenacity, and IQ bodes well for Jouissance.
Justin Steele
Justin Steele
Justin is an athletic wing who gets downhill in transition. What sets him apart is his balance around the rim. He is creative with his footwork yet maintains the balance to attempt a good shot around his defender. He doesn’t shy away from contact, but rather jumps into the arms of defenders leading to easy looks at the charity stripe. He also uses his length and quickness to make an impact on the other end of the floor.