Music City Madness: 17U Saturday’s Standouts
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The first day of the Music City Madness started off as strong as it could. With more than 15 teams in the 17U division there is a ton of talent and competition. Here is part 2 of the list of…
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Continue ReadingThe first day of the Music City Madness started off as strong as it could. With more than 15 teams in the 17U division there is a ton of talent and competition. Here is part 2 of the list of top performers from the first day of the tournament.
Khaven Cochran had a really strong day 1 shooting. After a slow 1st half in their 1st game he came out strong the 2nd half and sparked a comeback with a big 3, followed by 2 back to back steals and fast break dunks. He has a really soft finish around the rim that lets him control a lot of his finishes. His game is really showcased when he’s playing fast in transition. The faster the better for Cochran. When facing a double team it seems like he doesn’t even feel there pressure. He will dribble back and make a good pass out of split the double and take it to the basket. Khaven Cochran is one of my top players to watch going into Sunday.
Matayo Rivers is another guard who really thrives in fast play. He brings to his game a great skill at using change of pace to create an advantage and beat his defender. His quick explosiveness is what allows him to play with this style. Rivers has no hesitation when pushing the ball in transition. Has a really strong right had and tends to go to it a lot, but it obviously works. At times he can get going a little too fast and lose the ball in the paint, but overall uses his quickness for the better. On jump shots he explodes off the ground which makes it hard for defenders to time up a contest, but also it allows him to shoot over defenders with more length.
Highlights
Chris Aveary
Chris Aveary
Chris Aveary is a feisty defender who is great at getting his hand into the pockets of opponents. He picks up at half court and makes it a challenge for anyone to get around him. I loved how he stood his ground day 1 and was taking it to the other teams. He was by far the quickest player in the 17U division today. Aveary also has a great pick and roll game that opens up his midrange shot and his ability to get the ball to the bigs on drives. He has a great stop and go game that keeps the defense on their heels. If he’s in an iso game, then good luck to the defense keeping Aveary in front.
Christian Milton is another really good 3&D guard from day 1. He is a big guard who is able to use his strength to play his game. He is like a tank coming through in transition. Going through anyone or anything in his way. He is strong enough to eat contact and still get to his spots in the paint to finish. Really took control of calming down the offense late in the game to help his team hold on to the lead. Then ended the game with 2 dunks to put their last game of the day away and secure the win.
Anthony Minite Jr. played the most fun style of basketball out of anyone from day 1. It was a fun style as in he was playing care free and playing HIS game. He is an energetic point guard who would rather see his teammates score than himself. The types or passes he was making was fun to watch. Whether it was from pick and roll or in fast break, he found creative ways to get his teammates the ball. Minite’s confidence in his skill set is obvious. He plays a style of basketball that teammates and coaches love to have. Not all of his game comes to passing, as he has a smooth jumpshot too. Out of all the players I saw today I am most excited to see what Anthony Minite Jr brings tomorrow.