HoopState 252 Tip-Off: Upperclassmen Backcourt Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every year The HoopState Network makes their way to Greenfield School as many of the top teams throughout Central/Eastern NC and Southeast Virginia make their way to the ENC powerhouse to get the season started off in style. Let's take a deeper look at some of the top upperclassmen backcourt performers from Saturday's action!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brody Watkins","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Crossroads Christian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691cd35ff0222"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watkins is a guard that is always in control. Known as an outside shooter, he uses the respect defenses give him to his advantage to attack the rim and make plays for himself or others. He's a real vocal leader that has appeared to embrace bridging the gap between the coaching staff and his teammates. He should continue to help Crossroads Christian to a successful season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1280933"],"_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-691cd35ff02a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Elon signee delivered a really special outside shooting performance in his own barn on Saturday night that had the whole gym locked in from the opening tip. 38 points on 23 shots is a recipe for success every time. Kobe found his spots from beyond the arc and in the mid-range, connecting early and often. As he faced more attention defensively, he gave the ball up to a teammate for an easy basket. His improved physique and outside touch are paying incredible early dividends for Greenfield who looks like a real threat in the NCISAA 2A title picture.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2626034"],"_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-691cd35ff02fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watlington is a very interesting player with his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. He's got great positional size, a slippery handle, and a dynamic transition game that make him a true presence on the floor. He's great on the ball in ball screen situations, and is a threat off the ball as a shooter. Defensively, he uses his long arms and quick feet to create havoc and cause turnovers with high frequency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1797961"],"_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-691cd35ff034c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">West will see his ranking soar in the next update. One of NC's most under the radar prospects which is kind of wild considering the bloodlines. He has steadily grown both physically and with his game, adding confidence and layers to how he can impact winning. A confident shooter with a strong frame and he's a legit 6'5" now. Expect West to see his recruitment pop in the coming months, a big season at Trinity will only help that and it should happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2349878"],"_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-691cd35ff039d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Lipscomb Signee is such a difficult check in high school because of his shifty handle, deep range, and dynamic quick first step. Wells is a bonafide leader with this group, and should have some monster nights in the backcourt alongside [player_tooltip player_id='1797961' first='DJ' last='West']. In a game that they controlled from the start, Wells was in attack mode, getting to the paint and commanding a ton of attention from the opposing defense. Wells and Trinity will be relevant all season long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->