Kings of the Paint at the Derby City Duel

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Traditional big man play might be undervalued nowadays but it hasn't lost its effectiveness. There were plenty of skilled post players this past weekend. Here's a few:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3330568"],"_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-69d31701bfbe9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mylyn loves bully ball and is very good at it. He showcased good positioning in the post in several games for the 14U champion Cincinnati Rockerz. His most valuable contribution might've been his ability to control the boards, but he also impressed with clean footwork that led to easy buckets around the rim. Beyond that, Mylyn plays with a level of tenacity that I would imagine coaches love. His vocal leadership was effective throughout the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3333895"],"_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-69d40ffaf13aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Teammates Javier and Mylyn were some of the most effective frontcourt players amongst all of the 14U prospects at the Derby City Duel. Javier has good size for his age at his position and used it to his advantage when matched up with smaller competition. His patience around the rim stood out and he wasn't afraid to utilize a pump fake to get his defender in the air. His rebounding contributions didn't go unnoticed either.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3575369"],"_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-69d31701bfc98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mark is dual-sport athlete in Louisville who has the intangibles to be one of the best at his position regardless of which sport he chooses to prioritize. More often than not, he's the most physically threatening prospect on the court but more importantly is his ability to recognize and take advantage of mismatches. If the ball got deep enough in the paint when it was in Mark's hands, positive outcomes followed suit. He flashed the makings of a future star – reliable finishing, good footwork, intensity... Above all his, his court vision and passing abilities could set him apart from others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[3581284],"_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-69d31701bfd27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evan had the best combination of size, speed, and intensity at his position in the 15U division of the Derby City Duel. He was the heart of a very good Nova Elite 15U squad that went undefeated over the weekend and allowed the fewest number of total points scored. More often than not he was the most vocal kid on the court which went a long way with establishing his dominance and encouraging his teammates. His game was efficient and relied on quick footwork and advanced post skills. He also protected the paint and pulled off some big blocks down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3574425"],"_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-69d31701bfdd1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cole and KY Future Elite 13U played up in the 14U division of the Derby City Duel and held their own against older competition. Cole was in the right place at the right time throughout the duration of the matchup I caught. He converted on several baskets that were powered by his effort to secure offensive rebounds. He also guarded taller players well and was able to stand his ground without fouling. A young talent with a lot of potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->