Spring League: Skyline vs. Pleasant Grove

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I made it over to Highland High School to watch Pleasant Grove and Skyline compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Immediate Observation</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brennan Blacket was the best player in the gym. You could see it in warmups, and it did not take long before he rose up and dunked the ball right down the middle of the lane. He did not care who was rotating over, or in his way, he had made up his mind that he was going to attack above the rim. Blackett was running the point a lot, and he was able to create a lot of opportunities as the defense swarmed to him and he made some good reads. He finished the game off with multiple dunks, a few outside jumpers, and a lot of shots created for his teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Skyline Upside</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skyline possesses promising players and shooters who can effectively space the floor. Jace Bishop and [player_tooltip player_id='2248979' first='Tim' last='Hammer'] were particularly impressive, while Miles Mercer also showcased some strong moments. The Skyline program is expected to see a influx of new talent next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Turning Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3585249' first='Cooper' last='Young'], the lead guard for Pleasant Grove, has the potential to be a game-changer. If he can consistently drive to the basket and create opportunities, he could be exactly what Pleasant Grove needs. Defensively, he's an active player, and he made an impressive chase-down block, where he secured a rebound and pinned an opponent to the glass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Deacon Christensen proved to be a valuable asset, excelling in his ability to stretch the floor. He demonstrated impressive accuracy from beyond the arc, showcasing exceptional form and a knack for the catch-and-shoot, making him a consistent threat from long range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2899860' first='Oliver' last='Mosman'], the big power forward, had several moments where he seemed to be drawing double-teams, but they didn't materialize, and he capitalized on the opportunities. He is constantly improving, and if his touch around the rim continues to soften, he will be a tough matchup. One particularly impressive aspect of his game is his ability to rebound and run the floor. He was the beneficiary of a great pass, rewarded for his hustle, and finished with a two-handed dunk in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2951725' first='Dax' last='Valgardson'] has a lot of upside and could be a late-developing player, but he possesses the necessary tools. He can handle the ball and is also a capable shooter. If he remains patient throughout his development, he will be well-rewarded.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->