McGuinness Classic: Underclassmen Check In

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spotlighting freshmen and sophomores that excelled at last week's McGuinness Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2381835"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6786d751987d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Currently a shooting specialist, Newton has earned regular playing time for Edmond Santa Fe. Has the type of shot from three that when his feet are squared up, it looks like every shot is going in. Comfortable putting it on the deck for one to two dribbles to hit in the mid-range or relocate to hit from beyond the arc. Seems to understand his role as an off the ball scorer and thrives in it. Good promise to develop into an all around scorer, hit a nice backcut when the defensive overplayed him to deny him from the perimeter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382124"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6786d75198831"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McGuinness' core of sophomores and freshman is intriguing and on Saturday it was the lanky wing who stood out. Hit big time shots from three throughout the second half vs Edmond Memorial. Which those threes seemed to shift momentum to the Irish every time as they rallied. His development will be interesting thanks to his long wingspan, had a nice block against Santa Fe that hinted at his potential to become a reliable "3 and D" wing for the Irish. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2134456"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6786d75198877"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A double digit scorer for Harding Charter throughout the tournament, Ferguson has a solid all around game. Has range from three that extends a few steps from beyond the three point line. Plays under control when driving, with solid handles and good balance to stop and pull up or pressure the rim. Promising freshman season for the 405 guard, who has a solid skill foundation and is gaining valuable varsity experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140726"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6786d751988b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While still showing signs of youth, Parks appears to be turning into a more well rounded scoring threat. The sophomore is at his best as a floor spacing sharpshooter. But is now more comfortable attacking off the dribble and showing signs of developing an all around game. Has a good upperclassmen example in teammate Bradley of going from a shooting specialist to a complete scorer. Looked best movement wise in opening game against Santa Fe. Had multiple moves in transition with good finishing and body control. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2560270"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6786d751988f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Has burst of activity that highlight the level of athleticism and potential he has. Quick twitch athlete, with an explosive first step and leaping ability. Active on the glass and already a lob threat. Still overall raw game, but the potential and the desire to improve appear to be there. Influence should continue to grow this season for a younger Wolves squad that needs players like Baba to step up. With expectations for a breakout sophomore campaign as he adds experience, skill and strength to his explosive potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2399339"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6786d75198934"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brought great energy and a change of pace off the bench for the Irish. Has the ball on a string, with good quickness. Best example of his ability to change came late fourth when McGuinness was attempting to rally against 6A Edmond Memorial. Nelson blew by the defense, saw the defense collapse and made a great kick out to an open shooter. Then was the one to corral a loose ball in the backcourt for a steal, speed to the rim and get fouled for an old fashion three point play. Fun to watch freshman who is finding his legs for the potential Class 4A State Tournament squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->