2028s Getting Busy at the Independence Day Classic

The Battle in Seattle caught a lot of headlines last weekend, but after checking out the games at the Auburn Fieldhouse Friday and Saturday, I popped over to Bellevue College to watch some high level competition at the Independence Day Classic. The teams featured included [program_tooltip program_id='2076514' first='Local' last='Hoops'], [program_tooltip program_id='2078823' first='Washington' last='Supreme'], [program_tooltip program_id='2378456' first='Perseverance' last='Pirates'], Friends of Hoop, Northwest Greyhounds, as well as a few other boys and girls programs. Here's a rundown of some of the standouts, improvers, and new names I saw at the event in the 2028 class.    Been super impressed with his play this summer. He played strong through every phase of the game over the weekend. Helping his team out with rebounding, being a physical driver and defender, showing good communication, and knowing when to be assertive and when to exploit a matchup. He had one moment that kind of encapsulates his approach to the game early on against Northwest Greyhounds. His team came out a little sluggish for the 10 AM game, but Keowla made an aggressive attack off the catch to get to the rim and score. Seems like a little thing, but it demonstrates his understanding and feel for what his team needs in certain situations.     Bynum is a big, strong post that should start to gain some attention heading into his junior year. He showed some solid footwork and touch around the basket to go to work from the blocks. Has a good feel for patiently working his man to get where he wants, uses his shoulders to create some separation for jump hooks, and was able to capitalize on fouls by the rim to cash in at the foul line. Did well to block some shots going straight up and getting big, and found some success establishing deep position off quick posts early in possessions.     Dollar plays up on [program_tooltip program_id='2078823' first='Washington' last='Supreme']'s 17U team but he did not act like he was the young guy playing up. He was one of the tougher, more aggressive players on the floor for them, starting with his defensive effort. He was ready to pickup full court and was really trying to be a pest on the ball, and harass and frustrate ball-handlers with his physicality.     Matthews has continued his growth this summer, showing his improved play is here to stay. He knocked down five 3-pointers early on against the NW Greyhounds, and continued to show his confidence in playing off that outside shot to attack downhill and make strong moves in the paint. Also started to realize how that downhill approach can open up things for his teammates and was making good finds off his paint takes later in the day.     Chea was one of the quicker, more pacy players at the event. Every time he touched the ball he was looking to get going, put his defender on their heels, and make a play. Everything started downhill for him and he was able to get some significant separation with his initial moves and ability to stop and start. Was very smooth into his jumper off the bounce as well.     Leonard showed up in a big way in their win over [program_tooltip program_id='2378456' first='Perseverance' last='Pirates']. He had a solid showing throughout the game, showcasing some extra wiggle and an ability to hit defenders with counters to get through traffic and finish. Really turned it up down the stretch though, with a ton of fast break buckets and some big threes. He was a catalyst on both ends of the floor and brought the energy to help them close the game out.     Hill is a newer addition to this Perseverance 16U squad, but he didn't waste any time asserting himself and showing his all-around skill set. Had a good stroke from 3-point range, showed some burst on his initial step, and had a handful of really strong takes to the rim. He's got some length at 6-foot-6, and showed off some creative playmaking and ball handing too. Pretty interesting prospect to keep tabs on.     Lowery has some legit shake and sizzle with his ability to work off the bounce, and did a great job busting some zones they faced throughout the day. His knack for splitting defenders and getting the ball into the middle, opened up space for cutters and shooters to go to work. Also did a nice job pressuring the ball to force some turnovers and turn those into quick, easy points for his squad.

The Battle in Seattle caught a lot of headlines last weekend, but after checking out the games at the Auburn Fieldhouse Friday and Saturday, I popped over to Bellevue College to watch some high level competition at the Independence Day Classic. The teams featured included Local Hoops , Washington Supreme , Perseverance Pirates , Friends of Hoop, Northwest Greyhounds, as well as a few other boys and girls programs. Here's a rundown of some of the standouts, improvers, and new names I saw at the event in the 2028 class.