Section 7: Saturday’s Notable Performers
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Saturday’s Section 7 action featured a loaded day of games between some of the nation’s top teams including Perry (AZ) vs Alta (UT), Harvard Westlake (CA) vs Mater Dei (CA), and Columbus (FL) vs Corona Centennial (CA). The top brackets…
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Continue ReadingSaturday’s Section 7 action featured a loaded day of games between some of the nation’s top teams including Perry (AZ) vs Alta (UT), Harvard Westlake (CA) vs Mater Dei (CA), and Columbus (FL) vs Corona Centennial (CA). The top brackets of the event, Slam and Powerade, held their quarterfinal games Saturday morning and teams played for their chance to make the final on Saturday night.
Austin played well on both ends on Saturday in Cascade Christian’s games against Cesar Chavez and Apollo. He blocked shots, rebounded with tenacity, and was a threat from beyond the arc as a 3 point shooter. Maurer utilizes his length effectively by being able to alter shots he can’t reach, and creates extra offensive opportunities for Cascade Christian by gathering offensive rebounds. Austin finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 blocked shots in Cascade Christian’s win over Apollo.
Drew is a great facilitator for Cascade Christian and exhibited his playmaking skills on Saturday in their games against Cesar Chavez and Apollo. He can create offense for himself and for others and does so with crafty dribble moves, body control in tight spaces, and quick changes of pace. Hall finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in Cascade Christian’s win over Apollo (AZ).
Highlights
Jalen filled it up on Saturday from all over the court in Dublin’s games against Carlsbad and Los Lunas. He took on bigger defenders on the interior, shot over defenders on the perimeter, and was able to draw contact as well as able to finish through it. Stokes has great shooting touch but his strong build is what allows him to be such a versatile scorer as he often possesses more strength than the forwards he’s playing against.
Koa scored in a variety of different ways today in Perry’s games against Alta and Notre Dame Prep. He faced a more intriguing 1-on-1 matchup in the game against Alta though as he squared off with one of the top bigs out of Utah in Jaxon Johnson. Peat confidently attacked Johnson’s length and was able to finish with power or with finesse using either hand. He also utilized a very smooth and effective face-up game which featured a strong jab step move to create space, step backs to either side, and good touch on reverse layups.
Carter left his handprints all over the game in Corona Centennial’s win over Mount Si on Saturday morning. Despite fouling out with a few minutes left Bryant blocked shots, grabbed numerous rebounds at both ends, and effectively stretched the floor as a 3 point shooter. His impact on the game as a rim protector was felt most strongly in this one as once he left the game Mount Si was able to attack the basket willingly.
Eric needed to be and was ultra steady on Saturday morning as Corona Centennial played and won a competitive game with Mount Si. Freeny hit the glass hard in this one and really exhibited the utility of having a guard like him who can rebound and push the ball up the court. His leadership proved to be crucial as Carter Bryant Carter Bryant 6’8″ | SF Corona Centennial (CA) | 2024 State #12 Nation CA-S fouled out in the 4th quarter and Freeny was looked to as the 1st option to finish out the game.
Jake scored the ball early and often in Carlsbad’s wins over ThunderRidge and Dublin on Saturday. He scores the ball confidently at all 3 levels and shows good touch from all 3 levels of the court as well. Hall is also a good playmaker as he draws so much attention from opposing defenses that he naturally creates space and good opportunities for teammates in the half court and when the game’s tempo increases.
Jael Martin Jael Martin 6’9″ | PF Carlsbad | 2024 State CA-S showed off his plus athleticism today in Carlsbad’s wins over ThunderRidge and Dublin. Martin hits the glass hard at both ends, contests and alters any shots remotely near him, and is able to be versatile defensively thanks to his quick feet. Jael spaces the floor as a shooter but is more effective attacking the basket than he is on the perimeter — becoming a more efficient three point shooter would really open up Martin’s game and prospects.
Highlights
Tyler made play after play today for Archbishop Mitty in their wins over SLAM Tampa and Dixie. He continually found his way into the teeth of defenses with a tight handle and crafty dribble moves, as well as a mutually beneficial relationship with forward Gavin Ripp Gavin Ripp 6’8″ | PF Archbishop Mitty | 2024 State CA-N on pick n’ rolls. Jones is a good passer and has good scoring touch from all over the court.
Highlights
Nathan stayed hot on Saturday in Archbishop Mitty’s two victories over SLAM Tampa (FL) and Dixie (UT). He scored the ball confidently at multiple levels for Mitty and provided a great playmaking option as well as he repeatedly slashed into the middle of the defense to create easy opportunities for himself and others.