Summertime Shootout: Neumann-Goretti (PA) vs. Salesianum (DE)

The Summertime Shootout series presented by Checkrock kicked off on Monday night at Chase Fieldhouse with a slate of three game sets featuring several top programs across PA and Delaware. We took in all three sets of action and will conclude coverage with a recap of PCL contender Neumann-Goretti's runaway win over Delaware power Salesianum.    Playing back in his home state and with his brother in the opposing backcourt, Ashley-Wright was clearly out to make a statement on Monday night. He did just that, pouring in over 20 points while showcasing his energetic brand of two-way playmaking. "Munchie", as he's known, came out aggressive with a series of streaking finishes in the open floor before slowing things down later in the game to highlight his ability as a shot-maker from deep both off the dribble and the catch. Ashley-Wright also impressed using his speed and instincts to get his hands in the way defensively and spark transition opportunities going the other way. Dynamic outings like Monday night's make it easy to see why he has a host of D1 programs involved in his recruitment.     Brown started out a bit slow with Sallies getting out to a sizable early deficit, but he finished the game strong with a standout second half that served as a showcase of his value at the next level. After starting out spending more time on the perimeter, Brown came out after halftime with a renewed focus to wreak havoc around the rim against an undersized group. Highlighted by a series of explosive dunks, he was effective as a cutter or dumpoff threat in the halfcourt and as a rim-runner in transition. Brown flashed a workable standstill 3-point stroke, but the edge and aggressiveness he played with in the second half are what will open the eyes of coaches at the next level.     Coming off a standout spring as the unquestioned straw stirring the drink for his AAU team, Yates will be asked to condense his game back into a different role as part of Neumann's vintage perimeter-based attack that features as many as five guards on the floor at once. He should be just fine if Monday was any indication, as Yates picked his spots with precision while contributing efficiently with his effective downhill attack. Spending time both on and off ball, he was consistent in his decisionmaking while also providing a spark on the defensive end as a pest looking to speed up opposing ballhandlers. Yates continues to track as a scholarship-level guard with the potential to catch D1 eyes in the months to come.     Colson isn't called upon to be a dynamic scorer in Neumann's balanced guard-heavy system, but consistently shows himself to be an efficient contributor in a valued role. Monday was no exception as he was poised and deliberate in picking his spots to attack on his way to a clean double-figure effort. On a team full of dribble-drive threats, Colson thrived as a jump shooter both off the catch and while showing off a polished and compact pullup arsenal. He was steady defending the ball and helping force turnovers to spark transition, offering a clear look at the simplified plug-and-play backcourt role he projects towards at the scholarship level.     It took Wright a bit to feel his way into the game, but he battled admirably before getting going in the second half to spark a Salesianum rally. A vintage dribble-drive floor general, Wright was quiet in the scoring column but was increasingly effective throughout the game in breaking his man down off the bounce before getting into the lane to find open teammates for layups or 3s. He showed advanced vision and poise as a passer despite not having his shot falling from the perimeter. Wright's leadership and competitive spirit also went a long way as his team never quit despite missing pieces and a sizable early deficit. The true lead guard looks like a gem for the small-college level with a definite opportunity to play his way into a scholarship over the course of the next year.

The Summertime Shootout series presented by Checkrock kicked off on Monday night at Chase Fieldhouse with a slate of three game sets featuring several top programs across PA and Delaware. We took in all three sets of action and will conclude coverage with a recap of PCL contender Neumann-Goretti's runaway win over Delaware power Salesianum.