Saturday Standouts: NEO Youth Elite Christmas Classic
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The NEO Youth Elite Christmas Classic featured five games and the day full of action saw some players standout above the rest. In this article we’ll break down six standouts from the action. Jaylohn Allen MI #18 CG #3 HEIGHT…
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Continue ReadingThe NEO Youth Elite Christmas Classic featured five games and the day full of action saw some players standout above the rest. In this article we’ll break down six standouts from the action.
Wayne Memorial were dominant to open the game with the guard play of Allen and Carlos Medlock Jr leading the way. I picked Allen as my standout performer as he did a nice job attacking the rim with a variety of moves. He could finish with the floater, euro-step or get all the way to the rim if nobody stopped the ball. Combine that with the hot shooting of Medlock Jr from 3-point range and Wayne Memorial cruised to an impressive win to start the day.
One of just two competitive games all day, Revere got a tight win over Mayfield. Banks runs the show for Revere as he plays with nice pace and sets the table for his teammates. Playing off two feet, Banks keeps his options open to shoot or kick it out to a shooter. A weird frame, Banks has a running back body with his shoulders and leg size, but this allows him to be physical in the paint. A capable outside shooter as well, Banks showed the ability to knock down the spot-up 3-pointer. After winning a conference title last year, Revere looks poised to contend for the crown once again this winter.
I thought both of the Meyer twins stood out for Lutheran West in a dominant performance. Josh had a pump fake drive lefty finish at the rim and then made an impressive skip pass to the corner. Lutheran West does a great job sharing the basketball and the skill level of their forwards is a big reason why. Combine these skills with his athleticism that flashed when he took two dribbles from the 3-point line before slamming it home. Also knocking down a time and space 3, Meyer had a complete performance.
A new name for myself, I really liked the upside that Compton flashed on Saturday. A long wing who moves well in transition, Compton is very skinny at the moment but has the body to add strength down the road. A good shooter from the outside, Compton converted on a high percentage of his spot-up looks. I also thought his defensive effort was impressive, showing good effort and using his length and quick feet to disrupt Glenville’s offense. On a team with tons of talent and college level prospects, Compton might have the most long-term upside on the Longhorns roster.
Highlights
A dominant performance by the hosts, Johnson didn’t have to do too much to have an impressive performance. A big time shot maker from the outside, Johnson had some tough step-back 3-pointers and also let the game come to him. When Garfield Heights built their lead, Johnson set the table for his teammates and allowed his team to enjoy the blowout with everybody getting in on the scoring fun. That enjoyment will only last so long as the Bulldogs host Richmond Heights this weekend in what is one of the most hyped games of the season so far.
Andre McCullough
Andre McCullough
15 first half points including a buzzer-beater at the halftime horn, McCullough was impressive as Cleveland Central Catholic held on to a lead and survived against Shaker Heights to end the night. The lefty was knocking down shots off the catch and had a couple drive and finishes in transition as well. The Ironmen played a couple younger pieces including McCullough who should be back next year as they continue to build up their program to try and reach the heights they achieved less than a decade ago.