Summer Superlatives - The Shooters

Today, as the calendar creeps closer to August, we're unveiling our Summer Superlatives series!   Over the next few days, we'll cover 10 superlative categories, culminating with the release of The Summer Standouts. From offense to defense, guards to big men, glue guys to all stars, we'll cover a wide range of categories, highlighting prospects that caught our attention this summer.   Of note, these lists are not Top 5 lists! In fact, we'll aim to use each list to highlight standout prospects that we believe will eventually play at a variety of levels of college basketball. From high majors to the Division III level, these superlatives will recognize a wide range of prospects that stood out with their play on the hardwood this summer.   Lastly, these lists are a reflection of prospects that I had the opportunity to watch play in person between May and July. It's impossible to cover every event, at every level, for every circuit, which means, some prospects won't appear on these lists simply because I didn't have the opportunity to see them play. It's not a slight, it's just a matter of fact.   With that being said, first up in our Summer Superlatives series are The Shooters - five prospects that stood out this summer with their ability to make shots from behind the arc!   [player_tooltip player_id='2407057' first='Declan' last='Griffiths']   Griffiths, a 6'7" wing out of Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut, was a standout on the UAA while playing up a year during the July live periods. The 2027 prospect shined in his role with the Middlesex Magic, showing the ability to make shots from all over the floor. With good length on the perimeter, he's a plus athlete that showed an understanding of how to get open without the ball in his hands, how to use screens to create an advantage, and the ability to quickly elevate into his shot off the catch. He's coming on strong in the last few months, proving himself to be a high level Division I prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='2470913' first='Tayden' last='Langdon']   Langdon, a 6'3" guard out of Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, announced himself nationally this summer while running with The Family. Statistically, he was a standout in the EYBL, showing the ability to make shots at a high clip from behind the arc. He has a quick release, elevates nicely into his shot on the move, and does a great job of running off of screens. Everything about his shot is fluid and he shows a great understanding of how to utilize angles to his advantage. He's in constant movement offensively and does a really nice job of turning down good shots in favor of great shots. He really used the scholastic weekends to his advantage, securing his first few (of what will most likely be many) scholarship offers at the Division I level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2341411' first='Christian' last='Martin']   Martin, a 6'4" guard out of Wilbraham & Monson Academy in Massachusetts, continued to prove that he's one of the best shooters in the region all summer long. One of the best long distance marksmen in the 3SSB, he served as an elite floor spacer for a talented Mass Rivals program. He's another prospect that moves well without the basketball and does a great job of quickly getting his feet set and body square to the rim on the catch. He's the rare guard that operates as a screener in ball-screen actions and does a great job of popping into open space off those screens. His mechanics are good and he shots a really soft shot, showing great touch. His best skill is an elite one and should allow him to play at the scholarship level come 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696663' first='Christian' last='Chartier']   Chartier, a 6'6" wing out of Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, was one of the region's biggest stock risers this summer. The 2027 prospect finished his travel season with the New England Storm and after being a standout during the NEPSAC Showcases, continued to torch the nets throughout July. He's long and lean, moves well off the ball, and has a lightning quick release on his shot. He's one of those prospects that, once he sees a shot go in, the rim seems to get bigger and bigger. He's begun to add to his game off the bounce, which in turn, has helped to open up more shooting opportunities as he's become a focal point for opposing defenses. Probably a D3 recruit heading into the spring, he's now on the scholarship radar and has two more years to continue his ascent at the prep level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696640' first='Samuel' last='Thompson']   Thompson, a 6'4" wing out of the MacDuffie School in Massachusetts, was a standout performer during the travel season for the Mass Huskies. An elite role guy, the lefty is a high level shooter that does a great job of moving into open passing windows and being shot ready on the catch. He can operate as a screen and pop guy, does a nice job of running the floor wide in transition, and has deep range on his jumper. He can score off the bounce, which forces defenses to respect that part of his game, and again, helps to give him room to get his shot off. He uses screens to his advantage, moves the ball quickly, and knows the difference between a bad and good shot. He's a definite college prospect that should be a priority recruit for D3 programs that put an emphasis on making threes!   Next up in the Summer Superlatives series - The Glue Guys!

Today, as the calendar creeps closer to August, we're unveiling our Summer Superlatives series!