January Court Chronicles: End-of-Month Standouts (Pt.5)

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1226682"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cdiv class=u0022ajuu0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022aCiu0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1226682' first='Grayson' last='Rigdon'] was widely recognized as the top scorer in the country, averaging over 40 points per game. It didn't take long for Rigdon to showcase his basketball IQ and understanding of how to control the tempo and flow of the offense. With a cerebral scoring mindset, he knew exactly what he wanted to do as soon as the ball got in his hands. His footwork and elusiveness played a key role in scoring off the dribble, allowing him to maneuver through traffic and stop on a dime when needed. Rigdon showed off elite body control when leaving his feet, adjusting layups to reverses or contorting his body mid-air to avoid shot blockers.u003c/divu003ernu003cdivu003eu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022aCiu0022u003eEarly in the game, Rigdon dove for loose balls less than two minutes in, setting the tone for the match. After nailing a near halfcourt buzzer-beater in the first quarter, it became evident he was in for a big night, with an incredibly hot hand and a touch from inside and out. Rigdon made some of the toughest shots, converting acrobatic layups while falling to the ground, demoralizing the defense and making himself seem impossible to guard.u003c/divu003ernu003cdivu003eu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022aCiu0022u003eHe got downhill instantly, into the paint, and often to the rack when setting up the pick-and-roll action to attack going right. Anytime he was left open from behind the arc, he made the defense pay. His scoring versatility made him a constant offensive threat. Nothing seemed forced with him as Rigdon took what the defense gave him and exploited it repeatedly. When it was all said and done, [player_tooltip player_id='1226682' first='Grayson' last='Rigdon'] walked out of the gym with yet another efficient 41-point performance along with the win.u003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc6797d927e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1517740"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1517740' first='Nasir' last='Price'] was a dangerous jump shooter off the dribble, handoff, and pick. His quick and convincing pump fake created separation from defenders by getting them off the ground or leaning, opening up driving lanes for Price to attack the basket, set up his stepback, or another move. On most occasions, Price could get his own shot in 2 or 3 dribbles. Price's ability to mix up offensive moves kept defenders guessing; if they overcommitted to defending the stepback, he could use his explosive first step to blow by. Beyond being a scorer, Price showcased his motor, use of hands and length, and a desire to be a shutdown defender. He stuffed jump shots, played passing lanes, and forced his man out of plays, making him a well-rounded contributor on both ends of the court.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc6797d932d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2339075"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Vonte Sanders, standing at 6-foot-8, possessed a frightening length with an incredibly long reach and a wide wingspan. This attribute made him effective in rim protection, rebounding, and finishing at the basket. Sanders demonstrated a knack for securing his own misses and converting them into second-chance opportunities. His skill set allowed him to operate effectively with the ball on the perimeter or near the post, creating his own shots. Vonte's high release played a crucial role in successful step-back three-pointers and mid-range jump shots, maintaining a clear view of the basket even when contested.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc6797d93b6"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1677692"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2028635' first='Elijah' last='Black']'s dynamic facilitating and playmaking skills created excitement whenever he had the ball in his hands. His impressive ball-handling paired with his high IQ elevated the play of others around him. Black also showed an ability to remain composed in the face of pressure and traps. [player_tooltip player_id='2028635' first='Elijah' last='Black'] has been showcasing tremendous potential as his stock continues to rise, pushing himself toward becoming one of top point guards in the state.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc6797d943a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2339081"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2339081' first='Surod' last='Anderson'] was a competitive rebounder, showcasing a quick first, second, and third jump. His rapid bounce off the ground, coupled with precise timing and an eye for the ball, led to multiple early blocks, solidifying his defensive presence in the low post.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc6797d94a6"} /-->