Nike EYCL Session I Ohio Standouts
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The Nike EYCL had their first session in Memphis this weekend and I caught the Ohio Buckets 17 U group on Saturday morning. It was an excellent start to the season for the Buckets, going 3-1 in all 3 age…
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Continue ReadingThe Nike EYCL had their first session in Memphis this weekend and I caught the Ohio Buckets 17 U group on Saturday morning. It was an excellent start to the season for the Buckets, going 3-1 in all 3 age groups. Bates Fundamentals 15 U went 4-0 opening weekend, they also have a pair of Ohio prospects on that team. Since I only caught the Ohio Buckets 17 U EYCL group, these will be the only players mentioned in this article.
The standout performer of the weekend from the Ohio Buckets 17 U group, Leach is an athletic guard who uses his quick first step to get by defenders from the point of attack. Decisive off the dribble, Leach is always looking to get downhill off the dribble. An impact defender as well, Leach forces turnovers with his active hands and anticipation. Also knocking down a couple 3-pointers off the catch, Leach shot it with confidence when left alone. While Leach had strong moments over the weekend, he struggled to take care of the basketball at times when facing pressure. Whether it was losing control off the dribble or being unable to pass out of traps, turnovers plagued the team in the game I caught, turning a double-digit lead into a dogfight down the stretch.
Sometimes it’s best to have a couple skills that you bring to the table and do that as well as you possibly can, that’s the case with Morris. An ELITE shooter off the catch, Morris hit like five or six 3’s in the game I scouted. Getting them off kick outs and DHO’s, Morris was shot ready off the catch and was efficient with the looks he took. Defensively, Morris can make an impact with his ability to fight over screens and use active hands on passing lanes. Coming from the Newark program, it’s no surprise that Morris makes a big impact defensively with the toughness that program requires from you. Hoping to see a jump with the ball handling ability of Morris, this would help him break full court pressure and create space for himself in half-court settings. As of now, Morris is an elite specialist at the scholarship level.
I wasn’t able to catch Niekamp with Marion Local this high school season, so it’s been good to catch a game of his each of the past two weekends. I thought Niekamp did a good job rebounding and keeping the ball high on both ends of the court, preventing smaller guards from stripping him. Also able to knock down pick and pop 3-pointers, Niekamp can space the floor when asked to. With his size, rebounding, physicality and overall offensive skill, I expect Niekamp to be high on the recruiting boards for Division II and NAIA programs this summer.
Recently picking up his first offer from Ashland, Henlon continued his strong spring in Memphis. A quick guard who can get where he wants off the bounce, Henlon has done a better job playing off two feet. This has allowed Henlon to stay balanced on the court and lower his turnovers when driving to the basket. Combine this with the burst that Henlon has and a quick first step and he’s hard to stop. As a jump shooter, Henlon knocked down a couple mid-range pull-ups in the game I was at, getting to his spots with jab steps and crossovers. If Henlon continues to play how he did this weekend, Ashland won’t be the last program to offer Henlon.