Hard Work Region Finals: Max’s Night One Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seven of the top performers I saw Friday night during the opening round of play at the Hard Work Region Finals!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2045263"],"_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-6831b3a2da9f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kayden has always been a more than capable scorer, as evident by his 28.3 ppg junior season, but last night stood out with his facilitating. His threat to drive and finish at the rim forced help-side defenders to step up on him in the lane, allowing him to locate open shooters out on the perimeter. He was also a threat in transition, showing good timing to dump it off to a sprinting teammate, and also assisting an alley-oop dunk. Had a handful of crafty finishes at the rim before taking an early seat in a blowout win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2117025"],"_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-6831b3a2daa89"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's easy to see how Jamison averaged over 20 ppg as a junior at Oostburg. The 6'4 wing/forward has a strong frame, allowing him to bully opposing forwards around the basket. He can catch on the block and back his man down into deep post position to finish, or can battle on the offensive glass for put-back opportunities. Showed he's more than just a low-post presence though, as he stretched the floor with multiple threes in the opening round win over Minnesota Dynasty.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2407573"],"_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-6831b3a2dab04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Josh helped spark the [program_tooltip program_id='2075693' first='MN' last='Crossfire'] offense in what was a pretty low scoring matchup against Minnesota Hurricanes. The SLP guard showed quick burst on the ball to beat defenders off the dribble and get to his spots. Could either pull-up for a mid-range jumper, or get into the lane and finish over the top with a floater. He's someone that can play fast while also staying under control. His play in the second half was key in the opening round win for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2404942"],"_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-6831b3a2dab7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2404942' first='King' last='James'] put on a show in an opening round win for E.A.T. Hoops in the 16u bracket. He checked into the game and immediately hit a pull-up three from the top of the key, followed up by a tip-in off a teammate's miss. Throughout the game he mixed in some nice passes off the drive, hit a tough turnaround jumper, and threw down a handful of dunks. Has an impressive blend of size, strength, and explosiveness that allows him to dunk nearly everything in the paint. With his team trailing at halftime, King took over in the second half to help his team to a double-figures win in the end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2821928"],"_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-6831b3a2dabf4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayare had some impressive moments on night one running with Minnesota Hurricanes. He showcased a lightning quick first step, and was able to get to the rim consistently off the dribble. Did a nice job of playing off two feet, allowing him to explode and hang in the air to finish against taller players. Had the ability to keep his chin at the rim and just find a way to score over/around contesting defenders. Scrappy defender as well who can pressure the ball with his lateral quickness and fights to get over screens.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1970502"],"_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-6831b3a2dac6a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another big time player on this Chapman Academy North team, Cade had some impressive moments during their win over Minnesota Dynasty. Cade showcased his explosiveness as he took flight for an alley-oop dunk over the top of a defender in one of the most impressive highlights you'll see this month. Showcased that burst with a few more finishes off the drive, and by swatting a shot off the backboard on defense. Poised guard who doesn't force his game, and instead takes what the defense gives him, allowing him to produce with efficiency. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2549936"],"_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-6831b3a2dace1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I liked the toughness and versatility that Owen displayed on Friday night. Defensively he was guarding nearly every spot on the floor for his [program_tooltip program_id='2075674' first='Minnesota' last='Heat'] team. Although more of a wing with his size, he spent time defending smaller guards while also competing in the paint against opposing forwards. Blocked a pair of shots in the first half. On the offensive end he spent some time running the point for his team, had a strong finish at the rim, and showed he can stretch the floor from beyond the arc. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->