The Last Dance: Jack’s Day Three Top Performers
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Here are the seven prospects who stood out to me on the final day of Prep Hoops The Last Dance! Matthew Darbouze Matthew Darbouze 6'4" | SF Linn-Mar | 2024 State IA HEIGHT 6'4" POS CG CLASS 2024 Matthew Darbouze…
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Continue ReadingHere are the seven prospects who stood out to me on the final day of Prep Hoops The Last Dance!
Matthew Darbouze Matthew Darbouze 6'4" | SF Linn-Mar | 2024 State IA
Matthew Darbouze Matthew Darbouze 6'4" | SF Linn-Mar | 2024 State IA
Matthew is super tough to stop from getting downhill and to the basket. He has a strong 6’4” frame and used that to fight through contact and finish through traffic inside. The defense had no answer for him, as getting fouled just about every time he made his move to the rim. The 2024 guard has a tight handle and has a knack for getting around on-ball defenders. Darbouze led Iowa Prep to an impressive 3-1 record on the weekend in Chicago.
Kymani Merraro
Kymani Merraro
Despite the loss, Kymani blew me away with his performance on Sunday. The 5’9” guard is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and had no trouble running in transition for full speed finishes at the rim. He also showcased his perimeter scoring abilities, knocking down some tough shots off the dribble from deep. Merraro had some picture-perfect passes to teammates as well, initiating transition opportunities and kicking out to his shooters. DC United will head back to Canada with a successful 3-1 record in Chicago.
Jordan was one of the best shot blockers I saw all weekend and was holding down the painted area for Michigan Goonies. He is exceptional at perfectly timing up his block attempts, going straight up and not fouling his opponents. The 6’5” forward is a fantastic rebounder as well, snatching boards through lots of traffic. He also threw down some emphatic dunks inside. Wright is an explosive prospect and had a great showing at The Last Dance.
Highlights
Justin’s combination of facilitating and scoring was fun to watch this weekend. He has a knockdown jump shot and was connecting with looks in the mid-range, as well as from behind the three-point line. He was creating some of these looks for himself or was ready to knock down looks off the catch. He served as the main ball handler for his team and showed off his vision with some impressive passes. Lifshay is a dependable player who can do a little bit of everything when he is on the floor.
Highlights
De’Von Irvin
De’Von Irvin
De’Von brings it on both sides of the ball when is out there and it was fun to watch him fly around the floor. He is usually tasked with matching up with the opponent’s best player defensively, but I was also impressed with what he was able to do with the ball in his hands. He looked good making finishes in transition and going to work in the half court. He has the ability to score from inside and outside and turned in a solid weekend for Real Phenom in Chicago.
I loved the way Ezra was battling down low in their matchup with an undefeated Iowa Prep team on Sunday. He was never the biggest player on the floor but was making a difference inside with his strength and scrappiness. He was coming away with hustle rebounds on both ends of the floor and was bullying defenders for finishes inside. Brown was flying around the court and his motor was a key part of Team 1848 being able to get a win in their final game of the weekend.