The Stage: Mike's Saturday Top Performers

On Saturday I caught some intense action at The Stage and in this article I'll break down my top overall performers from Saturday's action.    I caught [program_tooltip program_id='2076317' first='Midwest' last='Basketball Club 3SSB'] 15 U on Saturday morning and they wasted no time establishing themselves as a top team at the event, winning two games by 20 points and another by over 50. Brown is an elite perimeter shooter who found his most success with his feet set thanks to good ball movement from his teammates, being shot-ready at the catch and a quick release. One of the top freshman scorers in Kentucky this winter, Brown is showing that he can do that with other talented teammates. Brown will be highly ranked in the Kentucky 2029 rankings when they are next updated.     One of the more improved players from Ohio's 2028 class, Doliboa is taller and more confident than the player I saw back in December. That height growth has allowed Doliboa to shoot over smaller defenders easier and use his length defensively. As a shooter, there's few better in Ohio as Doliboa is money almost anytime he is open with his feet set. A perfect fit with this [program_tooltip program_id='2076317' first='Midwest' last='Basketball Club 3SSB'] team, Doliboa provides size on the wing, can defend multiple positions and most importantly provides elite floor spacing.     Playing up at the 16 U level, Trenz was looking confident at both ends of the court on Saturday. His highlight play of the night came when he made a pickpocket steal and had a slam dunk on the other end. Trenz also ran the floor and had a alley-oop layup finish in the game I caught. You don't see young forwards with Trenz combination of rebounding, end to end speed, touch on jumpers and rim protection very often. This weekend, Trenz was showing why he's ranked as a top 5 prospect in Ohio's 2029 class.     A new addition to the [program_tooltip program_id='2076317' first='Midwest' last='Basketball Club 3SSB'] 16 U team, Saxton provides a different dynamic to their other guards. Saxton is very quick and can get to the paint off the dribble with the ability to drive and kick well. Saxton also is a good perimeter shooter with his feet set and provides great on-ball defensive activity. Between Saxton, [player_tooltip player_id='2461095' first='Kyp' last='Norris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2422124' first='Brady' last='Bowman'], this trio checks different boxes on the court while all being tough and impressive perimeter shooters. Not surprised a player with the basketball IQ and motor like Saxton does didn't take long to adjust to a new team.     I watched a big win by KY Rise 16 U on Saturday afternoon where Henderson was one of the best players on the court. A skilled undersized guard, Henderson got to the paint off the dribble at will and had numerous and-1 finishes in the paint. Having the ability to create your own shot out of isolations is crucial for small guards and Henderson was able to finish these and-1 layups off late touch fouls by defenders who were beaten by a dribble move he made. Henderson also was able to kick to shooters when he got to the paint, as he drew a lot of attention once he started cooking as a scorer.

On Saturday I caught some intense action at The Stage and in this article I'll break down my top overall performers from Saturday's action.