This content series is sponsored by GameChanger-The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops. Prep Hoops NEXT ‘The Tune Up‘ was loaded with talent. Prospects were given the opportunity to showcase their ability to shoot the…
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Prep Hoops NEXT ‘The Tune Up‘ was loaded with talent. Prospects were given the opportunity to showcase their ability to shoot the three-ball, facilitate, defend, handle the rock, dunk, and hit the boards, and many of them were very impressive in doing so. While those things were great to witness, I looked beyond them to see if I could find some prospects that influenced and changed the game through their play in some of those areas as well as others. Here are a few of the 8th-graders that emerged as some of the Tune-Up’s top GameChangers…
One of the best all-around athletes was DJ Reese, an explosive guard with good bounce and an ultra quick first step. Reese scored extremely effectively off the dribble due to his speed combined with his knack for creating separation with his crossover and blow-by skills in isolation situations. Smooth, fast, and graceful footwork, Reese was able to slither through the defense in transition often squeezing through tight spaces and maintaining his balance. Also, his change of pace and immediate acceleration kept his defender on his hip and backside.
Caleb King proved to be a strong defensive talent who protected the paint and forced teams to drive and kick or take tough layups inside. King went up high and hard for defensive rebounds, he got such a good explosive jump on the ball that his opponents stood no chance competing with him on the boards at times. Respectable helpside defender, his lengthy 6-foot-2-inch frame allowed King to block and contest shots without fouling by playing with his hands high, he did a great job of playing in help by closing lanes and angles to the rack before quickly recovering to his man when needed.
Shifty and crafty ball-handler, Ty Brown got into the teeth of the defense on a consistent basis. He showed no trouble breaking a defense or a defender down off the dribble. Brown displayed a bag full of handles but a mean crossover and he sets it up well with his ability to instantly change speeds and stop on a dime.
This point guard showcased good decision making skills with the ball. This floor general had the offense running like a well oiled machine, he controlled the tempo, set his teammates up with his passing, and picked his spots within the offense well.