Recruit Watchlist: Killeen Prospects to Know Going into the Fall

The summer may be over, but the evaluation process is just beginning. Killeen has plenty of talent worth keeping on the recruiting radar, from established varsity contributors to emerging young prospects poised to make a jump. With the fall providing a fresh opportunity for players to expand their roles, improve their stock and establish themselves as names to know in the recruiting cycle, here are some Killeen-area prospects to keep a close eye on heading into the season.    [player_tooltip player_id='3576110' first='Rico' last='Harris Jr']. can stand under the basket, explode upward off two feet, and pull the rim down with force. Even when others attempted to jump with him and contest him at the rim, he continued to rise as his opponent was already on the way down, making highlight reels out of his defenders. Before dunking, Harris always did a great job of positioning himself to receive the ball, ducking in, making timely cuts, rolling to the basket, flashing toward the ball, and establishing low-block post-ups and seals. His combination of timing, positioning, and elite vertical pop made him a constant lob, drop-off, and offensive rebound threat around the rim.     [player_tooltip player_id='2531151' first='Messiah' last='Lynch'] handles full court pressure well, man or zone, he understands how to use his speed and quickness to his advantage to beat initial defenders off the bounce or bust the press. His quick reaction moves gives him the ability to keep his man moving and guessing allows the offense to develop as he surveys the floor for chances to get paint touches or hit teammates in stride. Although Lynch is oftentimes the faster player on the court, he never seems in a hurry or allows himself to be rushed, actively controlling the offense at his own pace.     6-foot-7, [player_tooltip player_id='3727423' first='King' last='Sanchez'], displays the length, defensive instincts, versatility, with a raw skill set, and ability to make winning plays makes him an ideal wing forward with good potential. As a long, disruptive perimeter defender he utilized his anticipation, and instincts to wreak havoc in passing lanes, constantly reading the offense, jumping routes, getting fingertips on passes, and turning deflections into steals and transition opportunities.     Todd Iapoint doesn't stop sprinting, a 50/50-ball hustler who timed rebounds well when they came up short or landed outside of his area, showing the motor to beat everyone to the ball. He always ran the floor with long strides that allowed him to chase down or recover his opponent all the way to the basket. His relentless effort consistently showed up in transition, on the glass, and in loose-ball situations, making him a constant source of extra possessions and second efforts.     Once Watson-Davis gets a step on his man, he attacks the paint with purpose, using his shoulders and body control to absorb contact while continuing to drive or jump directly toward the rim. He's at his best when he gets moving downhill, forcing defenders to collapse and make difficult decisions. He can power through traffic, finish through contact, draw fouls, or create opportunities for teammates when help defense arrives.

The summer may be over, but the evaluation process is just beginning. Killeen has plenty of talent worth keeping on the recruiting radar, from established varsity contributors to emerging young prospects poised to make a jump. With the fall providing a fresh opportunity for players to expand their roles, improve their stock and establish themselves as names to know in the recruiting cycle, here are some Killeen-area prospects to keep a close eye on heading into the season.