MPA Early-Season Standout Scorers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we'll begin to take a look at some early-season scoring standouts from throughout the public school rankings in New England.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Out first look comes in the state of Maine, where we'll check in on the Maine Principals Association and five high level scorers through the first quarter of their season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='2938600' first='Khaelon' last='Watkins']</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watkins, a freshman wing out of <em>Cheverus High School</em>, is off to a blazing start in his high school career with 21.8 points per game. A big-time athlete with an advanced frame, Watkins has proven to be ready for the varsity stage from the get go, registering double digits in every game he's played, including back to back games of 26 points. His ability to get to the rim as a downhill driver stands out, as does the strength he plays with as a finisher around the rim. He's a high level rebounder, which allows him to grab it and go defensively, starting his team into transition where he's at his best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Dylan Gendron</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gendron, a senior guard out of <em>Sanford High School</em>, has helped his team get off to a hot start by averaging 19.5 points per game. The three-level scorer has done a nice job of balancing scoring with facilitating, aiding in <em>Sanford's</em> start and status as one of the top teams in southern Maine. He has a 30-point game to his name already and has done a nice job of making an impact on both ends of the floor, with his defense regularly leading to transition offense. He makes shots in catch and shoot situations, has the ability to get to the rim off the bounce, and can elevate to finish over defenders in the mid-range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='2696676' first='Nolan' last='Ames']</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ames, a senior guard out of <em>Camden Hills Regional High School</em>, has been torching the nets on his way to 26.0 points per game. The 6'3" guard is as versatile of a scorer as there is in Maine, taking over games with his combination of ball-handling, athleticism, skill, power, and touch as a shooter. He does a great job of getting downhill off the bounce, is a highly skilled tough shot maker in the mid-range, and can score it from behind the arc in a variety of ways. He should continue to spend the season among the state's top three in scoring while being a threat to put up 30 on any given night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='2955171' first='Akol' last='Maiwen']</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maiwen, a senior guard out of <em>Edward Little High School</em>, has taken a huge jump this winter and is average 24.5 points per game so far this season. The two-way guard came out firing this season, putting together a string of 27-23-30 point games in a row. His ability to get by the initial defender with a quick first step stands out and allows him to get to the rim where he uses his length and his athleticism to his advantage as a finisher. He's another prospect that does a great job of turning defense into offense and capitalizes by being an electric playmaker in transition. He's one of the breakout stars of the early season so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='2950400' first='Tyrie' last='James']</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James, a senior guard out of <em>Windham High School</em>, kicked off the season with a 33-point performance and is currently averaging 18.4 points per game. The lead guard has done nothing but win since entiring the high school ranks and, along the way, has become a more consistent scorer, showing the ability to balance his playmaking duties with an understanding of when his team needs him to get a basket. He has great touch in the paint, can make shots in bunches in catch and shoot situations behind the arc, and does a nice job of letting the game come to him withouth forcing the issue as a scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up, we'll cover New Hampshire and the NHIAA later today!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->