EBA Warmup: Impressive W/F Prospects

13p 6r 1a 2b vs St. John's   -One of the more dynamic athletes in the area, Norcome had a great 2-way performance in a big win over SJC-- matching up well with a deep stable of athletes on the wings for the Cadets. The offensive skillset is coming around as his form looked great on FTs, he showed great vision with an overhead pass to the backdoor cutter, finished above the rim several times as the detonating end of an alley oop lob, and had a nice face up touch shot from the short corner-- traditional a tough distance and angle at the rim. The two-way ability shown through as he was crisp and physical on his rotations throughout the day-- rotating from the paint to contest shots on the perimeter while also switching 1-5 for his team. Will be intriguing to see where he lands at the collegiate level with several low-mids in pursuit, will be visiting Siena this week before the first scholastic live period.     13p 3r 2s 1b vs Georgetown Prep   -Got to see the versatility in Bogard's skillset as the #3 overall sophomore had a great performance against the Hoyas despite dealing with a tough whistle for most of the afternoon. Bogard contributed his usual putbacks and big-time alley oop finishes around the basket but showed that he can be a threat from the perimeter as well-- lacing two open 3s on the afternoon. The most impressive stretch of play included a block that turned into a 3 at the other end from the wing followed by him intercepting a lazy pass above the break before taking it the distance and slamming it down with two hands to force his opponent to call timeout in disgust. His ability to move his feet on the perimeter continues to improve as does his shot-blocking around the rim, but he will have to avoid getting whistled for contact fouls in order for Spalding to prove that they belong in the conversation for Top 15 teams in the area.     11p 3r 2s vs St. John's   -Love the shift in Owinje's attitude over the past few weeks, taking what the defense gives him within the flow of the game to serve as an effective wing scorer that can also play-make and defend in increasing amounts. Owinje's calling card is the shooting but he is beginning to develop that feel for when and where to crash in for an offensive rebound instead of watching a teammate put up a shot from beyond the arc, often extending possessions for his team in crucial junctures. If he can continue to quicken his footspeed and avoid blow-by's or being called for blocking fouls on his matchups' drives to the rim, I think he can play his way into scholarship consideration.     8p 5r 1a 1s 1 charge drawn vs Spalding   -Monaro has played his way into increased time with the Hoyas this season, even starting for the team in both games after playing sparingly in his junior season. The versatile W/F tweener simply outworks his opponent on the glass, beating his man to either close out defensive possessions or create another possession for his team on the offensive end. His timing on rolls and cuts to the rim has improved and he's beginning to understand how to position himself for the easiest possible finishing angles. His penchant for winning 50/50 balls by being first to the floor and sacrificing his body to step in to take charges should catch the eye of local small college coaches looking to find a team-first guy.     19p 13r 3a 2s 1b vs South River; 12p 6r 1a 1s vs Upper Dublin   -Ferguson turned in the most productive performance of the day in a big win over South River. The gridiron star used his athletic tools and IQ to impact the game as an aggressive rebounder at both ends of the floor that also showed off an improved touch around the basket. His handle has improved to give him more confidence putting the ball on the floor vs guard and forwards alike to work his way to the basket. His finishing bag around the rim and footwork have also improved quite a bit, as has his C+S ability from the midrange. With an offensive skillset that is rounding to form, good physical tools, and a leadership role within McDonogh's program-- I expect that he is a name likely to break out over the next few months as he proves his value on the basketball court.     14p 13r 1s 3b vs Atholton   -Loved the activity and aggressive play throughout WC's win over Atholton as Nogouzo flew around the court blocking shots and grabbing rebounds for his team. An undersized W/F tweener that uses his shoulders to carve out space around the basket, Ngouzo impressed with his ability to rebound out of his area before finishing around the basket or kicking it out to a teammate. Loved what I saw from him defensively as a pretty ferocious on or off-ball defender capable of guarding up or down a position.     10p 5r 2s 2b vs McDonogh   -Liked the inside-out versatility from Jackson in this one as an athletic wing that is comfortable scoring from 18' and in. Jackson used an effective shot fake to blow past his matchup in the corner for an inside hand lay off glass, attacked a closeout by going baseline and finishing through the contact for the AND1 lay (hit the ensuing FT), and knocked down a pull-up elbow jumper with ease. Loved his off-ball movement to find pockets in the defense to serve as a connector or scorer whether it was from the high post or on the low block. Jackson also serves as a physical defender capable of guarding bigs on a roster that lacks a lot of size.