2024-25 Season Recap: Bench Weapons

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that we have all had time to take a breath after a long and exciting High School Basketball Season, it's time to take a look at some notable prospects before our focus fully shifts to the Grassroots Season. Next, let's dive into some of the top Bench Weapons. These players are key to their team's success because of their ability to play their roles on the offensive and/or defensive end of the floor despite not being a starter in every game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1738000' first='Kam' last='Smith'] (Dorman) - First up on my list of this season's Bench Weapons is Dorman's [player_tooltip player_id='1738000' first='Kam' last='Smith']. Smith transferred to the Cavaliers from Greenville this offseason and instantly made an impact with his defensive prowess. When checking into the game in the first quarter, Kam would often be put on the opponent's top perimeter option. Despite his size, Kam is a physical defender who moves his feet well and has active hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2404727' first='Gavin' last='Griffin'] (Greenville) - Gavin is one of two State Champions who played a key role for his team throughout the 2024-25 season. He is a high-flying athlete who makes plays above the rim on both ends of the floor. Although the rest of his game is still developing, Griffin has shown flashes with his ability to get to the paint off the dribble, work from the low post, and stretch the floor with spot-up shooting. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2367667' first='Joshua' last='JT Vankallen'] (Ridge View) - Vankallen is the other State Champion on this list. The Blazers were arguably the most talented team in the state this season, so it's not a surprise to have elite players come off the bench, such as JT. He is another elite athlete who plays the game with a high motor. Vankallen is active in passing lanes, moves his feet on guards, walls up on bigs, crashes the glass on both ends of the floor, and is a strong finisher at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2314643' first='Chorsheak' last='White'] (Fox Creek) - Chorsheak is a valuable piece for Fox Creek's young nucleus. White averaged 6.1 Points Per Game, 2.4 Assists Per Game, and 1.4 Steals Per Game for the Predators this season, including an impressive 11-point showing off the bench in front of me at the Cayce Roundball Classic in December. He adds a nice punch of three-level scoring when inserted into the game, particularly from the outside with 31 made threes on the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2789984' first='Rickey' last='Lassiter'] (Riverside) - Rounding out the 2024-25 Season's Bench Weapons [player_tooltip player_id='2789984' first='Rickey' last='Lassiter'] of Riverside. Lassiter really turned it on down the stretch for the Warriors, including an 18-point outing with four made threes in Round Two of the playoffs. He was also named Area Sixth Man of the Year this season. Rickey displayed a nice handle, creative finishes, efficient perimeter shooting, key passing, and quickness with the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->