Checkrock Summer Shootout Week 1: 2028s Breaking Through

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the rising juniors and seniors dominated the games this week, it was the sophomores who really intrigued me. Here are a few I caught on Tuesday and Wednesday:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2613087' first='Conner' last='Brennan'] | 6'6 F 2028 Wilmington Friends </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a full season of starting experience on varsity, Brennan is still one of the best kept secrets in-state. He still has to grow into his body and was overmatched in terms of weight class. But Brennan remained aggressive on the boards, attacking the ball in the air and grabbing it over others. He had a few blocks as well. Overall, Brennan found ways to make a positive impact when he didn't have it going on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2565634' first='Melvin' last='Clarke'] | 6'1 G 2028 Universal Audenried </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clarke was more of a quiet contributor for the Rockets on their run to the Public League semifinals. But that's all going to change based on his performance against Howard. Despite the loss, Clarke lit the Wildcats up from deep. If someone else drove and his man helped off, Clarke was automatically letting it fly off the catch. He drilled a trio of threes plus some mid-range jumpers to keep his squad afloat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2609081' first='Samorian' last='Robinson'] | 6'0 G 2028 Seaford </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson made varsity as a freshman for a squad that reached the Henlopen championship game, but played sparingly. This off-season, he's applying what he learned from the experience and projects to start for the Bluejays. Versus Odyssey Charter, Robinson demonstrated fluid mechanics as he hit shots from deep. He also ran the lane in transition for a few more buckets. His off-ball spacing should be an asset for the team going forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2546410' first='Nafir' last='Salters'] | 6'1 G 2028 St. Elizabeth's </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After another run to the Bob, Salters is expected to go from the end of the bench to one of St. E's top three pieces. The gritty utility guard made plays all over the floor in the nail biter against Lansdale Catholic. He created extra possessions with his rebounds and steals, which also brought the Vikings back in the game late. And because Salted embraces the physical aspects of the game, he drew a number of free throw attempts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2450682' first='Chase' last='Stevens'] | 6'4 W/F 2028 Lansdale Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Stevens as part of their young core, the Crusaders took their lumps under first-year head coach Torre Harrison. Now Stevens looks prepared to begin handing them out. He operated as a point forward versus St. Elizabeth's, hitting cutters and spot-up shooters in-rhythm. Stevens held his own in space defensively too. He altered shots inside as well as contained perimeter players when they had him matched up one-on-one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2519940' first='Joseph' last='Taylor'] | 6'5 W 2028 Dover </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Though most of his playing time came on JV, Taylor was the lone freshman on Dover's run to the state chip this past season. He didn't produce many counting stats in the loss to Bonner-Prendie Wednesday night either and yet his flashes were truly glaring. On one defensive possession, he sprinted across the floor in transition and absolutely blanketed an offensive player at the rim, while drawing a defensive foul. His graceful movements skills showed up on offense too when he attacked a closeout then played off two feet and when he cut back down for a dunk. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->