NHR State Tournament: Saturday 13U Standouts

[player_tooltip player_id='2382427' first='Ezekiel' last='Duo'] has proven to be a game-changer on both sides of the ball, effective from multiple positions. Offensively, he can touch the paint and get a shot off at will, yet remains unselfish, facilitating for teammates and setting off-ball screens to create opportunities for others. His play consistently makes those around him better. Defensively, Duo is known for his very active hands, both on the ball and in the passing and driving lanes. He takes charges at the block and often gets on-ball steals by sneaking up behind ball handlers in transition. He efficiently runs plays whether he's initiating the offense or playing his role within the team structure. One of his standout qualities is his ability to play at his own pace, not allowing the defense to speed him up. Duo's offense is never forced, he takes what the defense gives him and often converts layups on both the left and right sides of the court with relentless drives to the rim.     [player_tooltip player_id='2414340' first='Eli' last='Kortan'] plays with a high motor and terrific productivity. As a competitive rebounder, he continuously fights on the boards, often winning crucial battles for possession. Kortan impacts the game significantly with his knack for rebounding and his ability to push the pace in the open floor, turning defensive stops into offensive opportunities.     [player_tooltip player_id='2414273' first='Landry' last='Harvey'] consistently looks to make the right play whenever the ball is in his hands. He utilizes his quick and shifty handles to effectively break the full-court press and split traps, maintaining a tight and low dribble. Harvey shows a strong ability to use hesitation moves to freeze defenders and create angles, making him a formidable ball handler and playmaker.     [player_tooltip player_id='2415014' first='Liam' last='Cheeks'] displayed impressive defensive prowess characterized by relentless on-ball pressure and an uncanny ability to generate steals in the passing lanes. His knack for covering ground, combined with unmatched effort and energy, showcased his remarkable tenacity and commitment to the defensive side of the ball. Cheeks consistently timed his reach-ins and anticipated passes effectively, often reading plays and actions before they happened. As a strong help-side defender, he demonstrated a solid understanding of team defense, knowing when to rotate or double-team, further contributing to his team's defensive success.     [player_tooltip player_id='2415028' first='Quinton' last='Hennessy'] proved to be a skilled dribbler, quick to put the ball on the floor and easily put his moves together to create angles for paint touches. He excelled at both scoring and finding teammates as the defense shifted. His well-controlled between-the-legs dribbles kept defenses guessing before he swiftly changed directions. Hennessy shows potential as a 1-on-1 scorer who can create his own shot without the need for a screen, making him a versatile and dynamic offensive threat.