Philly Live Recap: 2024s Who Helped Themselves, Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1483181' first='Josh' last='Reed'] | 6-3 G Archbishop Wood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Known for his effectiveness on the defensive end, the Vikings combo guard leveraged his physical abilities in the half court on offense. Reed's contact balance allowed him to plow through defenders and still play under control on his way to the rim. And when he got there, he was able to finish with touch or throw it down with force. As an explosive slasher, Reed demonstrated a consistent offensive skillset to pair with his point-of-attack and nail-help defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1589161' first='Jahseir' last='Sayles'] | 6-5 W Plymouth Whitemarsh&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sayles's transition from the fourth option to the second is going well. With his long arms and unorthodox-yet-high release, he knocked down shots over defenders, in addition to using extension finishes around the basket. And his increased offensive usage didn't come at the expense of his defense. Sayles effectively navigated screens (as the high man and the low man) while guarding the best player on the opposing team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1848628' first='Kyle' last='Shawaluk'] | 6'4 W Perkiomen Valley&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Using the live period as his coming out party, Shawaluk simply made plays. He scored off-ball as a cutter and spot-up shooter. And operated as an offensive hub with his passing ability. He was a good team defender too. Because he's such a high-feel player, Shawaluk is a prospect who can fit into a variety of contexts and amplify the skills of those around him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ma'kye Taylor | 6-6 F Imhotep&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though nobody will ask him to play heavy minutes at the 5 in college, Taylor succeeding as a small-ball center bolstered his potential to be a viable 4-man. He anchored Tep's defense while guarding bigger post players with his communication, technique, and all-around toughness. Taylor didn't need to block shots because he was constantly in position to deter drives, wall off cutters, and deny entry passes. He also cleaned the glass for second-chance points and moved the ball well on offense. Whether or not his three-ball becomes a real threat, Taylor is legit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='1123886' first='Amir' last='Williams'] | 6-6 W Neumann-Goretti&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Based on his play-finishing, Williams already fit into the "3 &amp; D" mold. But now he embodies the archetype even more with his improved handle. After knocking down threes, his growth in this area allowed him to attack hard closeouts, extending the advantages created when the ball was swung his way. It also helped him access his athleticism in half court sets, beyond just being a cutter and lob-threat. Taking this step on his development makes what he can do as a defender even more valuable.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->