The Stage: Gilbert’s Friday Night Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Stage, a marquee event of the Prep Hoops Circuit kicked off Friday evening in the greater Indianapolis area. I was posted up at Farmer's Bank Fieldhouse for the opening night. Following are my observations from the first night of action</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fire Basketball Club with some serious upside </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Fire Basketball Club- Red squad looked very impressive in their opening contest.I should specify “Red”, as this organization has multiple teams playing this  weekend. Well I was seeing “red” as this Fire unit was dominant on Friday. It began with physical point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2957219' first='Xavier' last='Clark'] (Park Tudor) Clark has excellent positional size. Uses it to be presence in the paint and absorb contact on penetration. Led in scoring with 12 points, but did it without a three point field goal. That gives you an example of his old school point guard mindset. <br><br>The upside for the Fire came in the form of <strong>Qavon</strong> <strong>Anderson</strong> (Plainfield) and <strong>Reece</strong> <strong>Walker</strong> (Homeschool) Anderson was an explosive athlete in transition. Aggressively got into passing with long arms and created turnovers. Turned offensive into defensive and had a nice dunk on the break. The player with most upside might have been Walker (pictured at top) Eye opening size at 6-8. Has extreme length and appears to be still growing into his body. Far from uncoordinated however. Moved his feet fluidly on defense and didn't get beat off the dribble. Offensively showed the ability to stick threes and handle the ball in traffic. As a homeschool prospect, I would imagine he might be flying a little under the radar. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 2029 class in Michigan continues to show depth </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Early in the process, the 2029 class in Michigan is shaping up to be special class. With nationally ranked players at the top. However there is also some serious depth developing as well. That was on display with multiple teams Friday night. Few programs have graduated more talent in the last few years than Wayne Memorial. They look like they will continue to reload with forward [player_tooltip player_id='3533646' first='Christian' last='Baylor'] A bouncy 6-3 prospect who did it all in Clutch 2029's close victory over Team Soil. Good ball handler for his size and had no problem getting to the basket. Had a nice dunk in transition that came off a steal. Wanted the ball in his hands late and did not shy away from the moment. Finished with 17 points and plenty of winning intangible plays that did not show up in the box score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Michigan Ignition squad showed that this depth is not limited to just the metropolitan areas. Off the beaten path Stockbridge featured three prospects in this unit. I was most impressed by 6-3 forward [player_tooltip player_id='2850654' first='Jonathan' last='Crow'] The offensive ability is readily apparent. As his unique outside shot is effective and gives him some stretch four potential, However I most struck by his defense. Played at the top of a 1-3-1 zone. Used his length to force multiple turnovers in a dominant victory. Lansing area combo guard <strong>Brayden</strong> <strong>Cook</strong> (St Johns) was also impressive. The 6-3 prospect has more guard skills than Crow. He got to the basket with ease. Often using an effective power jump stop or crow hop. Elevated and finished well at the rim. Also showed a smooth and fluid and release from the perimeter. My first time catching this player, and I was impressed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The class of 2030 shows out as well </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the waning moments of Friday night I caught two players showing some major potential who have yet to step foot in high school. Local Team MAC Elite got ready for Group A action by defeating a team from Kentucky. I was struck by physically advanced 2030 prospect <strong>Kevonte</strong> <strong>Martin</strong> (Christel House) Nothing about his game said eight grader. Got to the basket and finished with force. Was also a willing passer who showed good court sense and vision for a middle schooler. His squad will take on two shoe circuit teams on Saturday. So Martin will have a chance to open more eyes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back in the Mitten, [player_tooltip player_id='2971363' first='Weston' last='Jones'] played well for [program_tooltip program_id='2539820' first='The' last='Academy']. Standing at 6-5 he showed good athleticism and the ability to play out on the perimeter. Ran the court well and also showed the strength to play near the basket. Will have to speed up and raise his release point on his outside shot. [program_tooltip program_id='2539820' first='The' last='Academy'] is a excellent developmental program and has had prior success with players who fit this prototype.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->