Early Exits – The Road Ahead Prospect Outlook
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The playoffs are always full of excitement and surprise but there’s also the upsets and shortcomings. These players were unfortunately on the latter side of things. However, the road ahead is very much worth looking into. Ben Manuel AR #33…
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Continue ReadingThe playoffs are always full of excitement and surprise but there’s also the upsets and shortcomings. These players were unfortunately on the latter side of things. However, the road ahead is very much worth looking into.
Ben is a top tier wing prospect using his ability to get to his spots on the floor and control his body to bump defenders off, create space, and make shot after shot. He plays well in the passing lanes to disrupt offenses and if he grabs those passes and gets out into transition, he will flush it down one or two hands in a flash. Manuel is a leader and learner, he reads the court very well and tends to get better in the later stages of the game, although he can heat up at any moment. He plays well out of pick and roll sets and can be either the ball handler or the roll man. This season Ben put up 20 points a game while shooting 50% from the field and 38% from behind the arc, showing his accurate scoring prowess. On defense he was able to snatch a steal per game and pull down 4 rebounds per game. Manuel is a 6A All State and All Conference selection, as well as a 1,000-point scorer.
Montrell Martin
Montrell Martin
Martin is a unique rebounding, stretch forward. His ability to bang around down low, secure rebounds, and cause havoc defensively on opposing players is unmatched. That is accompanied by his shooting stroke that is precise and productive, he can get into rhythm and catch fire quickly if defenders aren’t attentive. His core strength and lateral quickness make him such a dynamic athlete, an ultimate utility guy. Brings a little bit of everything to the court some good passing from different looks, can pick and pop, and can defend multiple positions. The 6’5 wing had some monster games going off for 33 points in a game and 22 points 15 rebounds and 2 blocks in another game. His play earned him All State and All Conference honors. Just a junior, Montrell is a quality player with extreme potential yet to be tapped into, big time prospect right here.
Zakyus is a pure offensive threat, scoring very well at all three levels. With a speedy first step and shifty ball handling he gets to the rim with ease. Great at getting up mid-range shots in between zone defenses. Shoots with a nice high release to hit from deep. He follows his shot well and grabs his rebounds well after misses, something players today are shying away from. The combo guard can really score with the best in the state, able to get defenders off balance and make a ton of buckets with a wide range of variety. Pull ups, floaters, step backs, and acrobatic lay ups make up most of his chances. Shooting those shots averaging about 58% from the field. Picking up All State and All Conference selections after dropping 26 points a game and 9 boards in his junior season, the stellar scorer Smith is looking to return and lead his team next season as a senior.
Donovan brings you nice variety of game, the importance of that is his ability to adjust his game to fit the needs on court. Some nights he can go for 30+ as he did earlier this season. Some nights it’s just about game winning plays that don’t shine on the stat sheet like the extra pass, the screen, the vocal leadership. With a nice IQ and court vision he sets up teammates to succeed, finding ways to work the ball inside. Donovan is a reliable shooter, not one to be left unguarded. He works well off the dribble looking to create a seam and attack or dish, if the resistance beats him to his spot. He was awarded All State and All Conference for his performances this year, with some off season work I expect him to sharpen up for his senior run.rn
James Elgas
James Elgas
James is a crafty, intelligent point guard that creates for himself and teammates well. He’s unselfish and takes control of the offense with a good knowledge of the floor and seeing plays a step ahead. A great passer and solid ball handler make him a great fit to run your system. He can get his own shots up in the lane and from outside, and he’s highly accurate as a spot up shooter too. Toughness is an underrated part of his game, mentally and physically. The ability to shake off a bad play and pull it together for the next play is undervalued. Elgas can give you a double double on any given night he’s a maestro of sorts when running an offense. Efforts of 27 points and 11 assists, as well as 16 points 13 rebounds make him a more rare point guard prospect. The junior guard is set for a prime senior season after capturing All State and All Conference, look for him to pick it up next season.