Section 7 Day 2: Bruce’s Notebook
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Section 7, the highly anticipated premiere basketball exposure event of the summer, is set to take place from June 23rd to June 25th in the vibrant city of Glendale, Arizona. Bringing together some of the most talented and promising basketball…
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Continue ReadingSection 7, the highly anticipated premiere basketball exposure event of the summer, is set to take place from June 23rd to June 25th in the vibrant city of Glendale, Arizona. Bringing together some of the most talented and promising basketball players from across the nation. The event serves as a platform for prospects to showcase their skills in front of fans, college coaches, and scouts, and in the past has been the catalyst for interest, offers, and commitments. With over 800 players hitting the hardwood, here’s a look at my notes from day 2.
Some coach somewhere is going to end up kicking themselves for not taking Tayshaun Jackson Tayshaun Jackson 5'7" | PG Las Vegas | 2025 State NV – Gouda Jackson has been putting on a show in Phoenix. Let’s get this out of the way right now, he’s not tall, however, he plays as big as anyone he steps on the court against. He did a remarkable job of getting by defenders driving to the basket and finishing over size. Go under the screen in P&R coverage, then you better be prepared to get the ball out of the net, as he shot it as if he had genuine animosity for the nets, and was allergic to the rim. I could spend time telling you about his intangibles, however his tangibles translate to winning basketball.
Bishop Gorman showed the heart of a Champion – It’s easy to be all smiles when you’re loaded with high major players and blowing opponents out by 50. It’s another thing to get humbled on one night turn around look a championship-level opponent in the eye, and carve out a victory. Utah powerhouse Corner Canyon seized on the Gael’s perceived vulnerability, jumping out to an early double-digit lead. That was until Pitbull guard Nick Jefferson Nick Jefferson 6'2" | PG Bishop Gorman | 2025 State #324 Nation NV , struggling with a stomach bug, willed the team back in the game, making some tough And 1’s. He was paced by class of 2024 guard Quentin Rhymes Quentin Rhymes 6'6" | SF Hillcrest Prep | 2025 AZ who made some tough finishes of his own. In the end, a child would lead them, as class of 2027 shooting guard Ilan Nikolov Ilan Nikolov 6'5" | SG Bishop Gorman | 2027 State NV , caught fire, hitting everything from behind the arc including the game-winning three to give the Gaels the victory.
Democracy Prep has the toughest backcourt in the state…. don’t at me – Democracy Prep lost on a last-second tip-in at the buzzer today. However, they made a ton of fans with their play and competitive spirit against a really good Torrey Pines team from San Diego. Their trio of guards, Josiah Stroughter Josiah Stroughter 6'0" | CG Democracy Prep | 2026 State NV , Kaden Lea Kaden Lea 5'11" | SG Democracy Prep | 2026 State NV , and Tai Coleman Tai Coleman 5'10" | PG Democracy Prep | 2026 State NV are as tough as they come. The team finds themselves down by nine? No worries, Coleman goes on a personal 9-0 run to tie the game. Having trouble rebounding? No problem, long-armed point Stroughter will crash the boards to help you rebound. Having trouble defending? Lea will sacrifice his body to guard all 5 positions on the floor. Although one of the youngest teams at the event, they proved they’re willing to play anyone anywhere.