HS Season Preview: Players With Breakout Potential

[player_tooltip player_id='2385515' first='Terrence' last='Leonard'] is an Explosive leaper known for his 44” inch vertical that constantly allows him to rise well above his defender and finish plays that surprise opponents and spectators alike. Leonard displays a special ability to get off the ground with ease often utilizing his quick twitch muscles to take flight quickly and effortlessly, which is remarkable given his smaller stature. Leonard's athleticism proves to be a standout aspect of his game, characterized by his quickness, elusiveness, and lightning speed. This point guard moves with a burst that helps him blow past defenders with his first step while his nimbleness allows him to change directions swiftly, making him a nightmare for defenders to stay in front of especially in one-on-one situations. When it comes to acrobatic finishing against contact, Leonard is outstanding. He has a knack for contorting his body in mid-air to avoid shot blockers and still score at the rack. His body control, combined with his creativity, results in challenging layup conversions from various angles, often with a high degree of difficulty. Whether it's a high-flying reverse layup or a scoop shot through traffic, his ability to finish in spectacular fashion makes him a constant highlight reel.     6'8” [player_tooltip player_id='2320485' first='Ethan' last='Macken'] has excelled at flashing to the high post and reverse pivoting to create his drive to the basket putting the defender on their heels, making it difficult to contest the penetration effectively. His ability to attack from the high post adds a dynamic element to his team's offense, making him a challenging matchup at times for opposing defenders. He also shows dynamic rebounding potential with his aggressiveness, timing, effortless bounce, and presence on the boards. His leaping combined with his length helps him to elevate quickly and repeatedly, giving him the edge in securing rebounds even in congestion or traffic. He's the type of player who can become capable of making a significant impact on the game through his work on the glass.     Incoming freshman, Dylan Steffe plays with exceptional footwork, especially on the dribble, displaying a smooth and shifty handle. He has a natural ability to shift his weight and change directions, making him elusive on the court. With great hip mobility, Steffe can turn the corner on defenders at any moment. His ball-handling skills as a facilitator and dribbler are highly promising, allowing him to efficiently get to his spots and deliver accurate passes that lead to points or open shots.     [player_tooltip player_id='2532530' first='Rushton' last='Budge'] is a prospect with an all-around game and exceptional motor. He is always ready to score out of the corner, especially in transition or early in the offense. Rushton displays impressive instincts around the basket, using creativity and touch to finish plays effectively. On the defensive end, he excels with phenomenal chest-to-chest defense, consistently shutting off straight drives and maintaining positioning without giving up angles, making him a standout defender.     [player_tooltip player_id='2532531' first='Jonathan' last='Cayatono'] is a 6-foot-5 power forward with a powerful drop step and the ability to consistently play off two feet. Despite being undersized for his position, he compensates with strong physicality, allowing him to compete effectively in the post.