Big Shots VA Memorial Classic: Electric 16u Standouts (Part 2)
Big Shots Virginia Memorial Classic had talented players from all over the east coast in attendance. We saw some familiar Virginia talents and a few fresh faces. The event took place May 27th through the 28th. Let’s dive in and…
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Continue ReadingBig Shots Virginia Memorial Classic had talented players from all over the east coast in attendance. We saw some familiar Virginia talents and a few fresh faces. The event took place May 27th through the 28th. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the electrifying performances from the 16u athletes.
Ayden Slash
Ayden Slash
Slash was able to get things done on the offensive end in a variety of ways. He was able to put his touch around the rim on display by occupying the dunkers spot patiently and consistently to receive dump off passes for shots at the rim. Slash was able force loose balls leading to fastbreaks. He was comfortable taking loose balls coast to coast and pushing the fastbreak with intention in transition. He showed the ability to get to the rim at will in the halfcourt, and the focus to knock down tough three-pointers off the dribble with a hand in his face.
Caleb Matthews
Caleb Matthews
Matthews was a serious threat for opposing defenses when attacking the paint from the perimeter. We saw Matthews use a nice rip through on the perimeter multiple times to get a step on defenders and open up a driving angle. He showed the ability to absorb contact while maintaining a live dribble in traffic to get into the lane for runners and floaters. Matthews was adept at using those driving angles to create mid range jumpers off the dribble as well as we saw him knock down an impressive side step jumper over a tough contest.
Cameron Hammond
Cameron Hammond
Hammond really thrived on the defensive side of the ball throughout the event. He stayed active, engaged, and aware of opposing offensive actions, cuts, and drives. His hands were active at all times as he was able to get into passing lanes for steals and deflections leading to fastbreak opportunities. Hammond also put a ton of pressure on the opposing rebounders by hounding them as soon as they got a hand on the ball and giving them no breathing room once they come down with a board, leading to more loose balls and steals. Offensively, he did a good job of diving into open space, maintaining soft spots in the defense and generating good looks at the rim in the pick and roll and the roller.
Colton Ward
Colton Ward
When it came to the boards, Ward had his name written all over them. From boxing out the nearest body and positioning himself for long boards to giving an extended effort and getting off of the ground multiple times fighting for a rebound. Ward operated with a high motor when battling in the paint. After exerting extreme energy fighting for a rebound, he was ready to go right back up with a putback. Opposing bigs could not compete with the effort and determination from Ward, which led to a handful of offensive and defensive rebounds, putbacks at the rim, and fouls drawn in the paint.
Brodey Harper
Brodey Harper
Harper showed the ability to be a very valuable glue-guy for any offenses at this level. Standing at 6-foot-4, Harper was able to attack defenders off of the dribble and use a combination of long strides and large hop-steps to knife through the paint and finish at the rim. He used his length and size to grabs a handful of offensive rebounds to generate second chance opportunities, he was adept at finding open shooters from the low post as well as hitting divers and cutters with passes on time and on target.