Big Saturday Scrimmages: Notebook 2027 Upside

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing up Big Saturday scrimmage coverage, with a 2027 upside focus and a 2028 guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2135005"],"_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-691ce0ff83874"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ankrah was streaky as a shooter in the scrimmages watched. Got it going a bit after getting active in the mid-range, displaying his microwave type ability to swing games when he's hot from deep. Was very focused on scoring, but did make a nice heads up feed in transition. Making good use of his vision and passing would be a good way to improve his efficiency. This is a big junior year for the talented iso scorer. He's impressed in spurts in the varsity level, but now will carry a bigger scoring role at his new school. Finding consistency and efficiency in his production will be crucial for Ankrah and the Lions </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120070"],"_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-691ce0ff838f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Took on a good bit of the ball handling duties for his Pioneer team and impressed with his snaking dribbles to the rim. Euro steps and tight handles allowed him to split defenders on those drives. Bought in on the defensive end, getting on the floor for loose balls and quickly passing to teammates. Previously had scouted the Pioneer as more of a two guard. Liked seeing the all around improvements he's making. Rutherford impressed during 15U AAU and camp play, setting the stage for a potential breakout sophomore campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2761646"],"_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-691e2049bf114"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lefty guard, with some twitch and handles that make him hard to contain off the bounce. Good at freezing defenders with his in and out move, and either getting to the cup or pulling up in the mid-range. Was very dominant going to the left in the scrimmages watched, which works in this setting as teams aren't expecting lefties. But in games where opponents have scouted, would like to see his ability to attack balanced out to both sides. DNA looks to be that of a bucket getter, which is promising. But at his height, will be eager to track his development as a passer and valuing the ball better when he draws a crowd on drives. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382094"],"_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-691e2049bf16e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a slow start to the scrimmages, Barber heated up in the Knights' final tilt. Stepped into a three off a ball screen and then got deep into the paint before stopping to drain a 8 footer. Looked smooth and natural in both those instances. Those are the examples of how the junior is an unique prospect at his size and skillset. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The issue is before those moments, he was relatively quiet despite often being one of the taller players on the court. It's always tricky for tweener prospects like Barber, but maintaining his natural height and athletic advantage around the rim will make him a prized recruit for his versatility as a 3/4 type forward. Embracing the grind around the rim will also greatly benefit a Crossings team that is looking for their seventh straight State Tournament appearance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2408760"],"_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-691e2049bf1bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2027 wing who is naturally gifted and showed flashes of those gifts on Saturday. Can be a high flying around the rim with his lift and long arms. Those moments were most apparent in transition. In the halfcourt, tended to float a bit along the perimeter too often. Which he can hit from distance but he has the ability to be much more than a floor spacer. Honestly, based on how he moves Thompson is likely still growing. Giving him a gangly aspect to his game, which makes him a bit raw right now. And could mean that his ceiling is quite high, as he could look a completely different player in six months. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->