Young Talent on Day 1 of the Derby City Duel

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3580834"],"_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-69d0b9e5aa2c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evan was both the calm and the storm for Cincinnati Rockerz 15U. His leadership stood out first – unafraid of being the loudest vocal leader on the court. Once he dropped nearly 30 PTS, however, it was hard to notice much else. He deployed pesky defensive tactics on several occasions that resulted in turnovers and thus, offensive opportunities. Additionally, Evan was the most capable of creating space for himself of all the prospects in the contest. Whether it was getting a necessary defensive stop, facilitating the offense, or showcasing a deadly hesi off the dribble, Evan seemed to be in a tier of his own in his day 1 matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3453825"],"_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-69d0b9e5aa33a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Playing up in the 14U division against another young squad, Connor displayed the most mature game of them all in the matchup. He had a monster first half, led by an intense level of ball pressure that caused problems, to say the least. After accumulating several steals, he alternated between setting up his teammates and finishing the play himself in the fast break. Probably the most silent killer aspect of Connor's game was his passing abilities. He dished out multiple dimes that made everyone in the gym tense up a bit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3537446"],"_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-69d0b9e5aa389"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"Shooter" was the first descriptor to come to mind after watching Eric, also known as "EJ," for a few minutes. While that remained true, a full game's play told a more complete story. EJ has an advanced IQ and skillset for his age that should set him up for a long career of basketball. He has a level of wiggle that the kids might consider "shifty" these days on top of a mature handle on the game that just feels trustworthy. I'd expect the ball to be in EJ's hands for most late game situations that Nova Elite steps into this season.</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-69d0b9e5aa3d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evan is an absolute bruiser on the court, both physically and mentally. Think "traditional big man" when considering Evan's intangibles and long-term potential. With the over-emphasis on guard-like qualities that exists in today's game, however, it just makes Evan's game that much more intriguing. His drop step is legit, and he used it on several occasions to get a bucket when presented with the opportunity. He was also the most forceful rim protector in the matchup, all while being one of the more vocal prospects. Seems like a coach's dream.</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-69d0b9e5aa41f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mark is another prospect on this list who showcased traditional big man qualities. Using his frame to secure the ball on both sides of the court, there were very few instances during which Mark didn't have his way. He moved his feet well when faced with quicker competition and made the most of the offensive opportunities sent his way by finishing strong around the rim. Probably the most intriguing aspect of Mark's game was his ability to initiate the offense with accurate outlet passes. To be clearer, these weren't typical passes. Mark dished full-court dimes through traffic on multiple occasions that led to positive offensive outcomes for Demi Rayn's 14U squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2950367"],"_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-69d0b9e5aa469"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reece showcased one of the most advanced skillsets of all of Kentucky's loaded 2030 class. In Demi Rayn 14U's sole day 1 matchup, Reece intertwined back-to-back 3PT field goals with back-to-back steals to start the game. That energy dominated throughout the duration of the contest. He's the type of player that you're ashamed to not have laid eyes on before you did. Outside of the advanced scoring abilities, Reece might have eyes in the back of his head. More formidable opponents will paint a clearer picture, but it was hard to ignore the various no-look dimes that he pulled off. An extremely intriguing prospect to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3575301"],"_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-69d0ce394cb0b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Up to at least 6'0" now and possibly longer, Matt has one of the highest ceilings of anyone his age in the Bluegrass state. He has the type of all-around game that makes him a threat from wherever he stands on the court on both sides of the ball. "Poise, strength, and control," were the top attributes he showcased on day 1 and seemingly on average. Once you add his advanced pace to that list, it becomes extremely hard for competition to contain Matt. He used his size at the guard spot throughout the contest to overpower opponent as a two-way threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->