The Brick League: Week 1 Standouts

In the most exiting game I caught of the opening week, Matthews helped his team squeak out a one point victory. Matthews mixed it up despite being a smaller guard, getting some contested offensive rebounds and putback layups. Matthews had soft touch at the rim and had a nice reverse layup in transition. Add in a couple coast-to-coast takes off defensive rebounds and Matthews was putting in work as a slasher on Saturday afternoon.

Franks was the other standout from the thrilling victory as he did a nice job making interior catch and finishes at the rim. Franks has quick feet for his height and had a nice pump fake into a pivot and score. Defensively, Franks walled up on layup attempts, forcing misses and helping his team get stops. With his long arms and strong frame, Franks is a powerful force in the paint in The Brick League.

The last game of the day that I caught saw King's team dominate with just five players. King knocked down 3-point shots from multiple spots on the court, played under control on drives and made the extra pass when help came to cut him off, usually leading to an open shot for his teammates. King is a part of a deep 2029 class for Marysville, who should help improve the Monarchs program over the next couple years.

Another member of the five man army who got a win to end the first week of action, Barreres had a monster second half to extend his teams lead and emerge victorious. Barreras was quick with the ball in his hands, made nice looks to cutters in transition and had a couple time and space 3-pointers. Barreras also had a nice and-1 finish off a cut late in the game as all the momentum was on his teams side. Playing for a talented Hilliard Bradley program that's deep on guard talent, Barreras is an under the radar name to know in central Ohio.

Pearson simply outworked most of the competition on Saturday afternoon as he was playing harder than the opposition despite having to play the entire game. Pearson was an exceptional rim protector as he blocked a handful of shots, including a pair on the same possession multiple times. Pearson was a smart helpside defender who seemed to always be near the rim when the opposing team tried driving to score. Offensively, Pearson had a nice and-1 layup off a putback and scored off cuts to the basket. Strong overall performance for the Dublin Coffman big man.