Impressive Performers From Last Week

Each player here made a strong impact in their games last week and consistently showed why they deserve some spotlight. This article will break down the top prospects/performers that I saw over the course of the week of February 2nd-8th!    Tristen put together one of his most complete performances of the season and finished with 20+ while putting constant pressure on the defense. He was effective in every phase of the game. He scored easy baskets in transition and converted tough finishes in the halfcourt when the game slowed down. The jumper was falling as he confidently stepped beyond the arc and knocked down multiple threes without hesitation. His feel for when to attack versus when to let the game come to him stood out all night. This was a statement outing that reminded everyone in the gym why he is already locked in as a Division I commit.     Gage made his presence felt with hustle-driven production and timely plays throughout the game against Glenelg. He consistently found openings by cutting hard through the lane. He finished multiple layups and converted through contact for and-one opportunities. His motor never slowed and he constantly put pressure on the rim. On the glass he was active and physical while rebounding in traffic. Gage turned defense into offense by sprinting the floor and was rewarded all night for his effort. Strong showing from the big who looks to have rounded out his game well to fit the role needed for his team.     Mason controlled the tempo early and got to his spots with patience and confidence off the dribble. He repeatedly broke down the defense with change-of-speed moves. A clean spin into the lane and multiple blow-bys stood out once the floor opened up. He showed strong feel as a playmaker by finding bigs inside and kicking out to shooters when help collapsed. Mason was also comfortable calling his own number in isolation. His ability to score in multiple ways was a huge problem for the defense, which eventually forced them out of man-to-man coverage and into a 2-3 zone.     Cam played with physicality and purpose while consistently getting to the areas he wanted on the floor. He scored through traffic on consecutive possessions early and set the tone with strong finishes inside. The confidence Cameron plays with inside translates directly over to the perimeter as he buried a few long-range jumpers. He stayed aggressive all game long and did a great job drawing fouls, per usual from his aggression and consistent production. Cam's downhill pressure helped open the floor and kept the defense on its heels.     Israel impacted the game on both ends with a steady and high-IQ performance. He finished a clean pick-and-roll sequence at the rim and followed it with another strong catch and finish inside. His passing stood out all game, as Israel consistently kept his head up and found cutters and shooters in rhythm. Defensively he was disciplined and active, and adding in a big chase-down block and solid rebounding helped anchor his presence on the floor. Lot of potential here as a 2-way difference-maker for a good young nucleus of players at Marriotts Ridge.     Chauncey was a momentum-shifter in this MSJ win that scored efficiently and in bunches without forcing the action. He set the tone with a breakaway dunk and followed it by stretching the defense with deep threes from the wing. A tough stepback three off a sharp change of speed showed his growing comfort creating space. Chauncey quietly produced a high-scoring night without needing the ball for an extended period of time per possession, and without running actions for himself. He was very effective in transition and consistently beat defenders to the rim for big finishes, including a couple of slam dunks (listed at 5'11”). Chauncey made timely baskets all game while remaining within the flow of the offense. Enjoyed himself a huge game last week against a tough Glenelg Country opponent.     Ellis continued his strong week with multiple games as a top scorer on the team. Last week and more-so over the length of the season, Ellis has shown real growth as a consistent offensive threat. He created shots for himself off the dribble and scored in a variety of ways, having an answer for each defensive adjustment. The jumper looked noticeably improved and his consistency continues to trend upward. Even after misses his confidence never wavered. Ellis played with constant energy and stayed aggressive from start to finish. Has a ton of potential to realize as he closes out his sophomore season in good fashion.

Each player here made a strong impact in their games last week and consistently showed why they deserve some spotlight. This article will break down the top prospects/performers that I saw over the course of the week of February 2nd-8th!