Spring Valley Fall League: Middle School Standouts

Kirkland is a long prospect with upside and a ton of skill. He does a lot of things well including rebounding and passing and he put both of them together to create several grab and go opportunities for his team. He’s part of an impressive crop of incoming freshmen for Arbor View.

Popoola plays the game with an edge. It’s an intangible trait for sure, but while others are playing to play, he plays to win. The lefty had a sick crossover that left the defender frozen and normally leads to a spontaneous celebration from the player that committed the act. Popola completed the layup and got back on defense When he made a three, there was no arrow or 21 gun salute, simply a player looking for his man to guard. The highly skilled lefty, equipped with an arsenal of 1 v 1 moves was one of the top players regardless of class on the day.

Carter is a dynamic combo guard with tremendous scoring ability. His best skill may be his 1st step. He was impossible to stay in front of, allowing him to get to the rim pretty much at ease. He didn’t do as much playmaking as I saw him do a week ago, however he made up for it by knocking down multiple mid range jumpers. Despite being on the floor with players two and three years his senior, he looked like the best player on the court

I honestly thought Thatcher was an upperclassman when I watched him. He has a good frame, however it was the skill and poise that he played with that made me take notice. He was money from behind the three point line, knocking down multiple threes in the short time I watched him. He also flashed some solid ball skills leading the break and setting up teammates.

Johnson has the type of wiggle that forces you to take notice. He hit an opponent with a stutter step move at the free throw line that probably still has the defender shaking. His overall shiftiness is simply a pre cursor to him getting to the rim. The competitive, hard nosed guard was terrific when finishing through contact, completing at least one three point play in the game I saw.

Constant is another player that looked like he fit right in with the Varsity. The lefty showed off a smooth stroke, burying multiple threes in the game I saw. While his shooting got him on the radar, it was his competive spirit that intrigued me, as time and time again the incoming freshman was first to the floor for several 50/50 opportunities.