CHSAA Playoffs: AA Sophomore and Junior Standouts
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The CHSAA playoffs have been filled with upsets and buzzer beaters. While many seniors, are carrying their teams in hopes of obtaining a city title. We can’t overlook the Sophomore and Juniors contributing in big time ways. Let’s take a…
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Continue ReadingThe CHSAA playoffs have been filled with upsets and buzzer beaters. While many seniors, are carrying their teams in hopes of obtaining a city title. We can’t overlook the Sophomore and Juniors contributing in big time ways. Let’s take a look at some of the Sophomore and Junior standouts contributing to success in this years CHSAA playoffs.
Kaleb Popotte
Kaleb Popotte
Kaleb Popotte continues to blossom as a floor general and team leader. Whenever, Scanlan needed to get a bucket, Popotte was the player to find the mismatch or the hot hand. On defense, Popotte leads by example and created turnovers against St. Peter’s, that led to easy opportunities for his teammates. As the point guard, Popotte has an excellent feel for when it’s time for him to get a bucket. With the ball on a string, Popotte has the ability to get all the way to the basket or pull up for a jump shot. Making him a tough matchup, for any defender.
Johnny Keenan is quick and uses his shiftiness to get to his spots on the floor. As the lead guard, Keenan is always looking for his teammates. But as a shooting threat, Keenan has the ability to force a defense into making tough decisions. And against, Cardinal Hayes, Keenan took advantage by first attacking the basket. Later in the game, the fear of him driving created open looks from the 3-point line. And Keenan, was able to make Hayes pay, if they left him unattended.
Lucas Morillo has grown into a more dynamic player with the basketball. Against, Cardinal Hayes Morillo used his handles and length to get the rim and draw fouls. As a shooter, Morillo is a threat, because of his consistency and ability to shoot over many defenders. During the playoff game versus Hayes, Morillo overcame early struggles and looked nearly unstoppable towards the end of the contest. If Morillo, stays along this trajectory, next season could look very different for the 6’6” wing player.
Tai Turnage has been lights out from deep, this entire season and it’s continued in the playoffs. As a point guard, Turnage is always in control. At times, he makes decisions so quick as if he could read the minds of the defense. From, making the next pass, to a steal on an inbounds play, Turnage has a good feel for anticipating an opponents next move. When left open, Turnage is nearly automatic from downtown. But when defenders close out, Turnage is great at getting to the rim to finish or finding an open man.
Dior Anderson can score on all 3 levels, while creating his own shot. At the guard position, Dior has everything you would want. The ability to handle the ball, see the floor and make smart passes. Then, Anderson is able to shoot off the dribble, or off of screens. Lastly, but not least Anderson is an aggressive on-ball defender. This was enough to bother the fundament but still crafty ball handlers of St. Peter’s. On offense, Anderson showed he can put the ball in the bucket quickly and often. Scoring 11 points within the opening 3 minutes. Only a sophomore, Anderson has a lot of high school basketball left and the potential to be a great player when it’s all said and done.
Treyvon Lewis
Treyvon Lewis
Treyvon Lewis is quick, athletic, and stronger than majority of the players his size. For Cardinal Hayes, Lewis is playing a combination of power forward and center. And every time we’ve seen Lewis play, he has been up to the task. Whether rebounding or blocking shots, though undersized Lewis plays the role of a big man well. When it’s time to showcase his handles and shooting ability, Lewis doesn’t miss a step. Against, Iona Prep, Lewis took a rebound coast to coast for a layup, and made a great finish over taller, longer defenders. Because of his mental toughness and athletic ability, Lewis is an intriguing prospect to watch for years to come.