New Names to Know From May's Grassroots Action...Part II

Below is Part II in my review of “new” prospects who impressed during grassroots action in May and thus put their names on the Pennsylvania / national recruiting map.      If you follow Central League action in southeastern Pennsylvania, then you are aware of Golek's skill set. But after his outstanding performances at UAA S2, Golek has now put his name on the national recruiting map. Golek's primary scoring weapon was his jump shot which was automatic along the baseline, in the mid-range and from behind the arc. This long and agile shooting is well versed at running to spots on the fast break and swiftly getting his feet set for a transition three. Golek also excelled in pick-n-pop action. When defenders closed out too quickly on Golek, he put the ball on the deck for a straight-line drive to the tin.     After an extraordinary junior season, Keating (1,000+ point scorer) was a 1st Team 1A All-State selection. Then over the last few weeks, this versatile guard prospect destroyed opponents on the ZGXL circuit with his lights out perimeter shooting and transition scoring. Keating owns a quick release, logo distance range and a fearless mentality. Thus, defenders were forced to guard him the moment he stepped over half-court. His ability to execute ball / head fake, followed by a side dribble into open space along the arc was impressive. Keating is sneaky athletic and owns elusive handle as well as decent speed. That trifecta enabled him to contribute on the fast break as a ball handler or lane filler. In both roles, Keating got to the rack and finished through contact. College coaches will love Keating's high IQ and poise under pressure.     At the MHC Philly Spring Clash, Starling “played up” with [program_tooltip program_id='2428018' first='Sideline' last='Cancer']'s 15U squad and more then held his own. Starling is an athletic, speedy, and versatile prospect with a quick burst. He proved he is comfortable using his shifty dribbling skills to get to the tin for a lay-in or to create space for a clean 3-point shot. Those same assets enabled Starling to push the fast break for lay-ins and dimes. Starling's court vision and unselfish nature produced several impressive long passes up the floor that led to easy hoops for his teammates. He was a plus rebounder too. Starling is a rising freshman to watch this summer.     Stover is a multi-skilled backcourt prospect who has excelled as a shooting guard but also showed the ability to operate as a primary ball handler. When he was running off-the-ball, Stover stretched the floor with accurate three-point shooting. He is especially effective as a spot up shooter. Stover also proved he can attack the cup from the wing using one or two dribbles. His continuous off-ball movement frequently produces back-door lay-ins. At times this month Stover has worked as a point guard. In that role, he has patiently directed half-court sets and showed a knack for delivering timely passes to open teammates.

Below is Part II in my review of “new” prospects who impressed during grassroots action in May and thus put their names on the Pennsylvania / national recruiting map.