Which 14U Players Stood Out at the PHL Finals?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While much of the attention at the PHL Finals in Bermuda Run, North Carolina centered around the older age groups, Saturday also provided an opportunity to get an early look at some of the state's next wave of talent. [program_tooltip program_id='2078753' first='Upward' last='Stars Columbia'] and [program_tooltip program_id='2415221' first='Upward' last='Stars Upstate'] featured several intriguing 14U prospects who showcased their potential with strong performances throughout the day. These are the players who stood out most and look like names to keep an eye on as they continue their development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3706525"],"_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-6a6b4705b6593"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">First up on the list of 14U standouts from the PHL Finals is [player_tooltip player_id='3706525' first='Mason' last='Napper']. Napper is one of the top rising freshman guards to know in South Carolina's 2030 class, and he could be one of the next guys in line at Ridge View High School. He has a skilled offensive package for his age, capable of putting the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. Mason's handle is good enough to be able to create and attack off the bounce, plus he proved to be a capable shooter in a game I watched with 3 3PM. Mason finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds in a day one win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3706571"],"_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-6a6b4705b65f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Washington was the man in the middle for [program_tooltip program_id='2078753' first='Upward' last='Stars Columbia'] this weekend. Carson showed tremendous shot-blocking instincts for a young player, creating a real presence to protect the paint and force more difficult shots for opponents. He is also well-drilled in keeping the ball high and strong once he corrals a rebound. When you factor in these two attributes along with gifted size for his age, Washington looks to be on an intriguing trajectory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3706573"],"_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-6a6b4705b6629"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A third Ridge View and [program_tooltip program_id='2078753' first='Upward' last='Stars Columbia'] 2030 to know from the Phenom Hoops League Finals is [player_tooltip player_id='3706573' first='Maycen' last='English']. English played with as good a motor as any player I saw on Saturday, regardless of age. He never saw a missed shot he didn't want, on either end of the floor. Maycen finished with 15 rebounds by my count, with 10 of them coming in the first half. His ability to consistently control the defensive glass allowed his teammates to play more freely and take chances, while his offensive rebounding production helped his team get multiple looks frequently. He also chipped in with 8 points, with a couple coming on strong finishes through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3706577"],"_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-6a6b4705b665d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Switching over to [program_tooltip program_id='2415221' first='Upward' last='Stars Upstate'], [player_tooltip player_id='3706577' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] is an early Upstate 2030 to watch. Like English with rebounding, Jackson had as good a shooting showing as any player I evaluated in Bermuda Run. DJ went 6-6 on jump shots in a matchup with Team Pittman. 5 of those makes were from behind the arc, and the sixth was a mid-range pull-up after being run off the line. This combination of shooting and length alone is enough to make a list like this, so keep an eye on Jackson as he adds strength and fluidity with age and experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3706582"],"_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-6a6b4705b668f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dawkins is the most dynamic playmaker on this list. The Gaffney Indian has an excellent combination of speed and strength, which allowed him to frequently get into the paint and make plays out of it. Whether that was finding shooters, dumping off to guys around the basket, or finishing himself, Noah put together a really impressive showing. His ability to consistently get the ball to the right places at the right times was something that a lot of young Point Guards aren't able to do, and typically spells good things for early success in high school basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3706584"],"_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-6a6b4705b66c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rounding out my list of 14U Standouts from the PHL Finals is [player_tooltip player_id='3706584' first='Trey' last='Lassiter']. Lassiter is one drawing rave reviews out of the Upstate already, so I definitely needed to get eyes on him during the grassroots period. Trey's length affects so many things at this level, allowing him to easily finish around the rim offensively and scare opponents away from the rim defensively. Lassiter has a really good spin move that he likes to go to in the post and off the dribble, so it will be interesting to see how he continues to grow and develop over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->