Grind Session Philly: Unsigned Seniors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Grind Session making it's first ever stop in Philly for three days worth of games, including 5 on Saturday, it was imperative to get eyes on some of the still-available seniors from around the US and Canada. Here a game-by-game summary of 2024s that college coaches should tap-in with:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friends Central 99, Chi Prep 94</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In what turned into an overtime thriller, three seniors from FCS had huge performances in one way or another. After the Phoenix scored just 9 points in the first quarter, [player_tooltip player_id='1173986' first='Fazl' last='Oshodi'] gave them a burst in the second with 11 of their 24 points in that span. He knocked down three triples and got a layup off of one of his steals. Oshodi sprinkled in a few more buckets in the second half but really turned it up on defense and as a rebounder (19 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, 5 stl). [player_tooltip player_id='1192647' first='Reid' last='Belcher'] was instrumental for them as a defender and distributor in the second half and in overtime. The heady plays he made were crucial for slowing down the Chi Prep guards who kept hitting jumper after jumper in the second quarter. He also made sure to keep feeding Moose, the game's MVP (9 pts, 7 reb, 8 ast, 4 stl). [player_tooltip player_id='1176360' first='Muhsin' last='Muhammad'], aka “Moose,” slowly but surely built up his momentum in the game before turning loose in the fourth. He scored 21 points in the final quarter and overtime by using his quickness to be his man on drives to the basket. Muhammad made key defensive plays as well (31 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Orangeville Prep 84, Trip MN 64</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Viille didn't have great spacing - an expected consequence of starting three forwards - but they made it work. Jaeden Brooks (6'9 F) showed off great feel, skill, and leadership. Even when he picked up questionable calls, he kept his team locked in. Brooks physically took over the game coming out of halftime by dominating the glass and getting whatever he wanted in the paint (20 pts, 16 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk). Kaden Stuckey (6'7 F) matched Brooks's physicality inside, particularly on defense. His activity and event creation played a significant role in holding Trip MN scoreless in the third quarter. Additionally, Stuckey muscled his way around the hoop for points of his own (17 pts, 14 reb, 3 stl, 3 blk). The game MVP went to Oliver Engen (6'4 G). He may not have initiated advantages on his own, but he turned the ones that others created into paint touches. The guard-connector peppered in touch-shots throughout the game and mixed in a few dimes to his cadre of front-court players (24 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Winston Salem Christian 77, Balboa School 62</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The victory over Balboa was a great team win that featured five players scoring in double figures. Of their six key contributors, Tyler Bailey didn't hit that mark, but he had a huge impact in other ways. The 6'3 guard flew around on defense. He showed off his athleticism early in the game with a blocked shot. Bailey followed over the course of the game with a few more takeaways (9 pts, 3 reb, 4 stl, 1 blk). [player_tooltip player_id='1063224' first='CJ' last='Vaughn'] used his smooth off-the-dribble game to force rotations and get to the charity stripe. He made all six free throw attempts and netted a couple assists. Vaughn spanked a couple spot-up threes too (16 pts, 4 reb, 1 stl). The Lions were balanced offensively, but [player_tooltip player_id='1975829' first='Felipe' last='Patino'] had the hot hand. He scored 15 points from behind one line or another. 9 came from deep where he went 3-for-6 as a movement and pull-up shooter, while 6 more came at the free throw line on 8 attempts (19 pts, 4 reb, 1 stl).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be on the lookout for part 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->