Big Shots Carolina Open Review: Big Shots Elite Blue Chips 15U

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a review of the past weekends games for the WV based Elite Blue Chips 15U squads, one of two mountain state programs in Rock Hill competing for the weekend. An overall great weekend for this team, going 3-1 and falling in the championship game to a opponent fueled by an outstanding 31 point performance and a last second half court shot to win. That's not to take away from their impressive play the three games prior with gutty play and a short bench. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2865387' first='Kirk' last='Akers'] did impress in our first live look at the 6'6" sharp shooting wing. Akers provided a spark off the bench in game one that eventually pushed the Blue Chips squad over the hump and onto victory. Akers certainly has some weight room work to do, however you can't ignore is his basketball acumen, shooting range and length. My mind immediately went to Ben Nichol when I saw him, but his best basketball is ahead regardless. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2734711' first='Jay' last='Brock'] is one tough character when he's on the floor. The type of two guard I like to see, defend first, rebound, scrap and run the floor. Brock provided alot of toughness and grit needed to get them in position all weekend to succeed. He was steady and efficient with his shot making and what I like best is he doesn't take bad shots. Brock could definitely grown into a bigger stronger guard but projection would say he's a great wing candidate if he gets a couple inches taller. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2639446' first='Dakota' last='Dalton'] is a sturdy built guard who has solid handles and can get hot from deep and exploit defenses. Dalton plays hard and physical with great purpose and feel. He's a good athlete who makes good decisions in transition and doesn't get bullied by quicker guards because he understands how to use his body and strength. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2734719' first='Logan' last='Hovanec'] came off the bench for the better part of the weekend and that meant he was just as important as the starters being the only sub. Hovanec plays downhill on both ends, understands his role and guards with great effort. Hovanec's relentless effort and energy were very evident and made a difference in up and down games where both squads were getting gassed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2395988' first='Ayden' last='Spence'] continued his reign of terror throughout the Big Shots circuit with a return visit to Rock Hill. Spence takes the majority of shots for this squad, however he's just as efficient as anyone else. The single thing that impressed me most was his willingness to dive into the lane and rebound on either end. Spence is a high skill player who shoots it well from anywhere and is also slowly leaning to create and craft shots over bigger defenders around the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2734710' first='Keaton' last='Terry'] is nothing short of a man-child and showed it all weekend. Terry is a relentless rebounder and fearless defender. Of course he has his shortcomings as any 15 year old does, however his motor and energy make up for those in most instances. Terry was likely a double double registrant in all four games as he was a beast especially on the offensive boards. Once Terry learns to play from both sides, look out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->