Scholastic Series Quinnite Invitational: Top Game-Changers

The Scholastic Series Quinnite Invitational brought together some of the region's most competitive prep and high school programs, creating a high-level preseason environment. From emerging underclassmen making their presence felt to upperclassmen sharpening their roles for the upcoming season, the event offered a clear look at who's trending upward.    [player_tooltip player_id='1778922' first='Corbin' last='Crocker'] defended versatile bigs with no issue as they played from the inside out, stretching to the wings or relocating through the post. He anchored the paint with length and timing, consistently putting himself in the perfect spot to erase mistakes and shut down drives. His helpside defense was always on time, rotating early to meet drivers at the lane line and wall up without fouling. Offensively, Crocker posted up on either block and established deep position, demanding the ball before going to work with his back to the basket. Using his physicality and footwork, Crocker finished under the rim or drew shooting fouls with power post moves.     Tijan Barrie flashed to the right block, sealing his post-up before immediately dribble–drop stepping to turn over his left shoulder for the touch finish. His mobility down low allowed him to turn and go consistently, slashing into the middle of the lane with fluid footwork and balance. On the left block, Barrie turned baseline using his shoulders, backside, and hips to shield the ball and carve out space under the rim. For a big man, he defended in space extremely well, effectively guarding the ball on the perimeter across positions. Tijan Barrie showed the lateral movements, instincts, and hand placement to deter drives, force extra passes, and alter shot selections, anchoring the defense with discipline.     [player_tooltip player_id='1509230' first='Gavin' last='Placide'] is a highly skilled forward who plays with a level of polish and feel for the game that sets him apart at his position. His combination of power, coordination, and instincts made him one of the most complete prospects in the gym. Placide's knack for shifting between perimeter and interior roles made him a matchup nightmare, comfortable operating as a slasher, face-up scorer, or interior finisher depending on how the defense reacted.     [player_tooltip player_id='2554904' first='Xavier' last='Young'] was a master of the screen-and-slip action, operating with the kind of timing, patience, and basketball IQ that turns a simple action into high-percentage shots, getting easy dunks and layups. Instead of holding contact on the screen, he read the defender's coverage and reacted instantly, slipping with his hands high and catching everything in stride. Whenever he cut down the lane, he exploded with force, throwing down dunks with power and momentum.     [player_tooltip player_id='2852098' first='Josiah' last='Jones'] consistently drew two defenders and kicked over or around them with accuracy, showing pass-first instincts and the tools to hit teammates in advantageous positions. Whether manipulating help, probing off ball screens, or collapsing a defense off the bounce, [player_tooltip player_id='2852098' first='Josiah' last='Jones'] played with a natural feel that elevated everyone around him.

The Scholastic Series Quinnite Invitational brought together some of the region's most competitive prep and high school programs, creating a high-level preseason environment. From emerging underclassmen making their presence felt to upperclassmen sharpening their roles for the upcoming season, the event offered a clear look at who's trending upward.