WIAA/WBCA June Jam: Max’s Standouts Pt. 1
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As I go through game film of the WIAA/WBCA June Jam event, I’ll be taking a look at some of the prospects who stood out over the weekend! These are seven of the names that caught my eye through the…
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Continue ReadingAs I go through game film of the WIAA/WBCA June Jam event, I’ll be taking a look at some of the prospects who stood out over the weekend! These are seven of the names that caught my eye through the first few games.
Grant is one of the top post prospects in the 2024 class for a reason. He mixes in high level production with an even higher ceiling due to his physical attributes and intriguing skillset at 6’8-6’9. Moves well at his size with the ability to handle the ball in the open floor. Against Racine St. Cats he showed a smooth mid-range jumper, able to elevate after facing up, or hit a one/two dribble pull-up. Would have liked to see him post up a bit more with his size advantage, but was efficient with the low-post touches he did get. Defensively is mobile enough to move his feet on the perimeter when needed, and is a major shot blocking threat with his ability to move into position from the help-side and quickly get off the floor.
Lamont is simply a menace on the defensive end. He’s relentless pressuring the ball, and has great instincts to recognize an opponent’s mistake and quickly strip the ball away. He was able to force turnovers and takeoff in the opposite direction to turn them into easy points at the rim either on his own or by assisting a teammate. Lamont is so fast with the ball in his hands, and can get downhill in a hurry in the half-court. Able to make plays as an acrobatic finisher inside, while also being able to force the defense to collapse and kick it out to his open shooters.
EJ Vinson
EJ Vinson
St. Cats doesn’t return much production from last season’s team, but EJ looks ready to step up into a much bigger role. He has a quick first step, but can also change up his speeds on the ball to keep defenders guessing. Can score it both as an outside shooting threat while also being fearless attacking the basket. Plays with that signature St. Cats toughness on the defensive end as well, as he thrives off of turning defense into offense.
Now at Sun Prairie West, Clevon is a highlight play waiting to happen. With his long and lanky frame at 6’4, Easton is such an explosive athlete at the rim. When he got out in transition there was no stopping him as he can fly to the rim for dunks, and gets there with his speed in the open floor and handle that allows him to weave in and out of traffic. In the half-court he made some great cuts from the dunker spot to really get into the gaps of the opposing zone defense. Had no problem powering up to score through contact with either hand.
Southern Door was outmatched by Sun Prairie West, but Drew still showed what he can do on an individual level. The 2025 guard was on fire from three, pulling up from well beyond the high school line and still connecting at a high level. Showed some crafty footwork as well, attacking off the dribble, stopping on two feet, and utilizing a variety of pivots to create open looks from 5-10 feet. Even with all of the pressure SPW was throwing at him, Drew remained calm and was often a one-man press break with his ability to split double-teams and keep his eyes scanning the floor up ahead.
Highlights
Really like the effort that Grayson was playing with on the defensive end. Works hard to slide his feet and fight over screens on the perimeter, and is always looking to outwork his opponent. Did a nice job as the primary ball handler for his team, handling it under pressure and scanning the floor for opportunities to pass the ball ahead. Inside-out scoring threat as he can attack off the dribble or knock down the open jumper from the perimeter. Poised player who made very few mistakes in the two games I watched.