2024 IYBL-Back to School League- Wings and Big Men

Kayden gave me Dennis Rodman vibes when I watched him play on Saturday. This young man attacks the glass and rebounds with ferociousness that can't be denied. I got the impression that defense and rebounding were more important than scoring for him. I love it!! This shows the importance of doing all the little things needed to help your team win games. In my opinion, Kayden's game exemplifies this standard. He showed an ability to score the basketball in the paint with offensive rebounds and put-backs. On numerous occasions he was able to score the ball through contact. A decent free throw shooter who converted them on three point play opportunities. Showed the ability to knock down mid-range shots within fifteen feet of the basket. Defensively, Kayden has the possibility of being elite. He's an excellent on ball defender who forced a number of turnovers with either steals or blocked shots. This guy has a knack for making plays on defense. I saw him generate at least four steals and two blocks from the opposition. Not to mention the double-digit rebounds he pulled down. Kayden's an excellent player who'll be even better when he improves his offensive skills. Keep working Kayden!!     I have watched this kid play before and he's never played the way he played on Saturday. So his effort was definitely worth a write up on my part!! It was a very pleasant surprise to see him have an coming out party this time around. Graham's a really good all around player who does whatever it takes to be effective on the basketball court. He excelled at getting to the basket and scoring on layups or put-backs off misses. A really good rebounding forward who grabbed a number of boards that lead to transition points for his teammates. He also showed off his ability of being a good passer with a couple of flashy assists. There was an occasion where he was left alone behind the arc, of course he knocked it down!! On defense, he caused a number of turnovers by poking away the ball and anticipating passing lanes. Graham is the typical "glue guy" that every team needs to be successful. Having a player that's willing to do whatever it takes, could go a long way towards the success of any team he plays for.     Gavin has the ability to shoot everywhere on the floor. I watched him shoot threes, knock down mid-range shots and play in the post. He used a number of pump and ball fakes to be very effective inside the paint. Has no problem making free throws when the opportunity presented itself. In fast breaking situations he was able to run the floor and finish at the rim. He"s a good perimeter shooter who's very accurate from outside of twelve feet. Gavin also showed the ability to shoot from behind the arc. Especially if the defense gave him open looks at the basket. He demonstrated that he's more than a capable shot blocker. There were a number of times I witnessed Gavin turn away opposing players when they attacked the paint. He also has the necessary size and agility to defend players on the wing. I watched this young man play with a very calm demeanor on the floor. This could be an advantage for him in pressurized situations.     Over the weekend, Andersen showed a variety of ways of scoring in the paint with strong hands and excellent footwork. Most of the points he scored were on hustle plays such as offensive rebounds which lead to put-backs. (often through contact) Good free throw shooter who converted multiple three point play opportunities. Occasionally, he showed off his good shooting touch from the perimeter by consistently nailing mid-range shots. In isolated situations he was able to attack the opposition and get to the basket. Excellent at grabbing rebounds and using his size to clear out space in the painted area. He's a really good passer who has the ability of finding open teammates for easy shots at the basket or outside the perimeter. Great interior post defender who used his size and strength to make scoring difficult for his opponents. In my opinion, Andersen's biggest strengths were being a great team player and having the sheer hustle to be a part of every play on the floor.     Tobenna was a dominant presence in the paint on Saturday. He was basically able to use his size to score at will in the post using finesse and power moves. He's an athletic player who can run the floor and finish at the basket during fast-breaks. A great rebounding big man who snatched every board he got his hands on. I believe he grabbed ten in the game I watched. Most were on the defensive end of the court while the rest were offensively. Defense is where Tobenna really excelled!! He's a good interior post defender who had no issues boxing out and grabbing defensive rebounds. This guy really made it tough for opposing post players by not going for pump or ball fakes, while keeping himself firmly planted on the ground. Tobenna was very knowledgeable in regards to defending the paint. He showed the ability to defend opposing players without generating many fouls. There were a few occasions where Tobenna blocked shots out on the perimeter when opposing guards believed they had clear looks at the basket. This really shows the true athleticism of this young man. The scary fact is.. He still has a lot of growing to do in regards to size and skill.