NEXT Summer Slam: Max’s Day One Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seven of the top performers I saw on Saturday in Appleton at the Prep Hoops Next Summer Slam!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2369913"],"_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-684e2574e106a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2369913' first='Ervin' last='Cuff'] is an electric 2029 guard out of Racine who was making plays on both ends of the floor for [program_tooltip program_id='2127820' first='Racine' last='Truth']. He was a true floor general who was constantly creating good looks for his teammates. Ervin sees the floor well, and was always looking to pass the ball ahead to teammates sprinting the floor. He could pressure the ball hard with his lateral quickness, and came up with steals in bunches by jumping cross-court passes. Crafty finisher inside who was fearless going up to score against bigger players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2852112"],"_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-684eb341e6738"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allen impressed early in the day, helping lead [program_tooltip program_id='2078394' first='Team' last='1848'] to a win over Chicago Showtime. The 5'10 guard showed good change of speed on the ball, able to freeze his defender and then explode past him to get to the rim. Anytime there was a gap to the basket, Abrian seemed to spot it and get through it. Allen showed impressive finishing touch, able to score from a variety of angles while also being able to finish over the top of bigger defenders. Good vision to dump it off at the last second to his bigs when a help defender stepped up on him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2829042"],"_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-684eb341e67b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='2076023' first='Wisconsin' last='Academy'] reached the 14u semi-finals, and the play of [player_tooltip player_id='2829042' first='Andrew' last='Dillin'] was a big reason why. Already possession good positional size as a young guard, Andrew has a shifty handle, deep shooting range, and the ability to stop on a dime for a pull-up jumper. In the second half against Power 5 North, Andrew took over, creating a good look just about any time he wanted to. All Andrew needed was an inch of space, and he could elevate to get off a jumper. Already looking the part of a three level scorer, Andrew will look to help his team compete for a 14u championship on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2821845"],"_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-684eb341e67fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When Malik wants to get to the rim, there isn't much you can do to stop him. At 6'7, he possesses long arms and big hands that help him play even bigger than his height at times. He's more than just a big body though, as he handles the ball very well for such a young forward, able to weave through defenders to work his way to the basket. Once at the rim, he has the strength to shoulder off defenders and power up to score at a high percentage. Showed an impressive mid-range game as well, able to catch at the elbow, face-up, and simply shoot over the top of smaller forwards. Intriguing long term potential with his early combination of size, skill, and explosiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2829055"],"_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-684eb341e6843"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2829055' first='Robert' last='Craig'] was keeping his [program_tooltip program_id='2076023' first='Wisconsin' last='Academy'] team in it until the very end against Mpls Hustlers in the 14u quarterfinals. The 5'7 guard was fearless attacking the rim against size, and had some impressive finishes that energized his team. Good body control to just hang in the air and adjust to finish over/around defenders. Was looking to push the tempo in transition after a steal or rebound.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2403310"],"_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-684eb341e68a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Isaiah started things off strong during the opening game of the day for Power 5 North. Playing at the top of a 2-3 zone, Isaiah utilized his impressive length to come up with steal after steal, and from there was able to get to the rim on his own, or pick out a well-timed pass to a teammate. In the half-court he was capable of connecting from three, or weaving his way to the basket off the dribble. Intriguing combination of size and skill for a young guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2402515"],"_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-684eb341e68f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Denver possesses an impressive mid-range game for [program_tooltip program_id='2076027' first='Wisconsin' last='Blizzard']. The Kimberly guard plays with great pace, and takes the space that the defense gives him. He could stop on a dime for a pull-up jumper, or play off two feet and creating scoring/passing opportunities with his footwork. Knows how to get guys in the air with shot-fakes, and from there is able to take advantage. He's the type of player you can just give the ball to and let him create offense on his own when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->