Slept On Prospects: Centers

It is imperative to understand that the talent pool in Nevada is deeper than some think. This article will help shed light to that fact with these names who may not be the "top" ranked prospects within their classes, but still to make an impact when they step on the floor.    Every time I watch Sammy, he shows improvement in some way. Usually, it isn't the ways that show up on stat sheets but for example, in his final AAU session of the Summer in particular, he showed improvement in his screen setting and his ability to dive to the basket with good timing. His screens were as solid as walls and his guards got plenty of looks coming off of them. Defensively, he was aggressive in keeping bigs off the block and out of the paint and also showcased improvement in his ability to guard the roller and put a halt in pick & roll possessions. I expect him to further prove his dominance in the paint this upcoming Winter.     Quentin will be going into his senior season with Desert Pines with a production leap in mind. He excels within his role for this team by setting solid screens and being a paint presence that alters shots defensively and crashes the glass to provide extra opportunities for his primary scorers. He's doing all of these things while getting his own buckets within the flow of the game. Quentin can shine as one of the a top rebounders within 5A.     [player_tooltip player_id='2407333' first='Cooper' last='Stahl'] already has a college-ready frame, and he uses it well on the glass, rebounding at a high level on both ends. He sets good screens that create advantages for his teammates, and he's got more offensive touch than a typical big — comfortable knocking down the midrange and finishing with a good hook shot around the basket. Defensively, Stahl holds down the paint and makes his presence felt as a rim protector. He's set up to make a real impact this high school season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2147459' first='Neal' last='Pomerantz'] is a skilled big who does a little bit of everything. His feel as a passer stands out for his size, consistently making the right read and putting his teammates in position to score. He can stretch the floor with his 3-ball, giving defenses another reason to respect him away from the basket, and he finishes around the rim with good touch, showing soft hands and body control through contact. Defensively, Pomerantz is versatile enough to guard both wings and bigs without issue, sliding his feet on the perimeter while still holding his own on the block. He capped off a great summer as a NXTPRO champion and enters the winter primed to take a leap as one of Faith Lutheran's stars this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2449998' first='Payton' last='Allen'] is one of the best screen setters in the state, consistently creating clean looks for his teammates with well-timed picks. He rebounds well and brings a heavy paint presence on both ends, altering shots as a legitimate shot blocker while holding his ground against bigger bodies. His finishing around the basket has improved noticeably, especially through contact, showing real growth in his ability to convert in traffic.     [player_tooltip player_id='2819431' first='Solomon' last='Anderson'] has a good touch around the rim and plays with a hustle motor, going after every rebound and loose ball in his area. He's got a good midrange to lean on, but what stands out most is his ability to go on a run all by himself, taking over stretches of a game on his own. That combination of touch and relentless effort makes him a tough matchup on any given night.     [player_tooltip player_id='2286665' first='Jamahl' last='Jackson'] is as strong as an ox, and it shows up all over the floor. He's an exceptional rebounder who out-muscles bigger opponents for position, and he sets screens that consistently spring his teammates open. Around the basket, Jackson finishes well and isn't fazed by contact, using his strength to get through defenders and still convert. That same physicality translates to the defensive end, where he holds down the paint and makes life difficult on anyone driving into his space. He's coming off an amazing AAU season, and that momentum should carry him right into a strong high school campaign.

It is imperative to understand that the talent pool in Nevada is deeper than some think. This article will help shed light to that fact with these names who may not be the "top" ranked prospects within their classes, but still to make an impact when they step on the floor.