Crusader Tip-off Showcase: Top Wings

Nick spent his Saturday afternoon as a bully in the paint and a constant contributor for Takoma in a tough fight against Riverdale Baptist. Nick was able to consistently get up good looks at the rim even on his missed attempts. Like the touch he showed from about 15 feet out on the short jumper. Had some good looks from the 3pt line and came down with a make from beyond. Nick forced a lot of defensive fouls on route to the rim and was effective from the post, making a couple fadeaways and backing down the defender and finishing through. Solid performance from Takoma's new versatile swing-man.     Ja'Zyere came out and set the tone yet again for the SMCA Mustangs in a statement win at the Crusader Tipoff. Thompson is an elite athlete that can make some effortless plays on both sides of the floor. His biggest standout to me, aside from the highlight dunks and strong contact finishes at the rim, was seeing him own the assignment of guarding the opposing team's biggest scoring threat. While Ja'Zyere ran the offense and scored and assisted for baskets all game, he shut down his matchup and held him to a quiet game. Picked up steals and blocks from the help positions and hustled back after each point to face-guard his man on the other end. Special player with another special performance.     Jalen has improved little by little each time I see him play. Liked the shot selection and sheer determination from the big guard. I noticed that Jalen is getting more comfortable with the ball in his hands since first watching him over the summer. Took his defender off the dribble to get all the way to the rim a few times this game, and also showed some skill in the mid-range pulling up. Great touch on his jumoer this game, knocking down multiple threes and even had a smooth and-1 play worth four points. Liking the progressing I'm seeing from Jalen     Braylen was a surprise bright spot for the Crusaders in their big win Saturday. Checked in off the bench and immediately provided the inside presence that Riverdale needed. Grabbed some big rebounds off the glass on both sides, never allowing the defense to push him off his spot. Finished well underneath the basket and played with an edge and aggressiveness that saw him earning more and more time on the floor. Ended up finishing the game in the closing 5 for Riverdale and used his size to his advantage well. Player to keep an eye on through the year as Riverdale Baptist will need his grittiness throughout.     Kaleb was instrumental for KIPP as they used his performance to help carry them in a early win Saturday afternoon. Clark brought the passion and paint dominance that is expected from him at this point for his team. All over the glass against a smaller Kings Christian squad, and knew how to use his size to his advantage. Was able to use his height to see over incoming traps and make great outlets to start the break. He provided strong defensive stability in the paint and made his baskets in the paint look easy at times. Made a couple of smooth pullup J's over the short contest that caught my eye. Looking like a smoother and more controlled player after his first season with KIPP Legacy.