Monarch Academy Makes a Powerful First Impression

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was able to catch a glimpse of the upstart Monarch Academy as they took the floor Friday at the MOKAN JUCO Jamboree in Kansas City, Kansas, facing off against some of the top junior college programs in the region. As expected, their roster was loaded with talent, featuring some of the top players not only in the state but nationally as well. I'll dive into a few names that really stood out, break down their performances, and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2323571"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad38c74aa0df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis was impressive on Friday, leading the attack for Monarch as the team's primary ball handler and creator. He played much bigger than his 6'0" frame, especially when attacking the basket, where he was able to initiate contact and finish around bigger bodies. His perimeter shooting was also strong, as he connected on multiple long-range triples, showing off his range and ability to find openings both on the move and within different sets and actions. I was also impressed with his level of engagement on the defensive end, where he pressured opposing ball handlers, held his own physically against drives, and showed a willingness to rotate and absorb offensive fouls. There's a reason he's headed to Ohio State, and he should be a key piece in leading one of the top programs in the country this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2026055"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad38c74aa17e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Davis is the unquestioned leader and might be the biggest name, Huston was the smoothest operator in the gym on Friday. Scoring came naturally to Avery, as he was always a threat with the ball, especially off the bounce in the mid-range. He can pull up quickly and abruptly, creating separation while staying balanced in the air with a smooth shooting stroke. His shooting ability doesn't end there, as he's also a big-time threat from behind the arc, knocking down catch-and-shoot opportunities when presented. He also provides another ball handler on the floor, capable of running the show and creating opportunities both out of ball screens and in isolation. He looks stronger and more physical right now than ever before, and I think that should be a huge factor for him this winter. There's no doubt in my mind that he's a top-100 player nationally, and he should continue to rise over the next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2506228"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad38c74aa1f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The glue guy in Monarch's attack on both ends of the floor, you can immediately see Owen's impact when he's on the court. While he's another physical player who can stretch the floor with his outside shooting, I think it's his defensive presence that has everyone's attention right now. He defended multiple positions on Friday and was really tough on the ball, keeping ball handlers in front of him and smothering anyone who tried to get into the painted area. He's also an aggressive and impactful rebounder on both ends, consistently fighting for extra possessions. I think Laver will be critical to what Monarch Academy can accomplish this winter. Much like Huston, he looks bigger and stronger moving forward, which should only add to his impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2371700"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad38c74aa265"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I came away just as impressed with McDuffie as I was with any other player I watched on Friday. His size is legitimate at 6'6", but he also balances it with skill and athleticism. The versatility he brings on both ends of the floor is what really separates him. He can handle the ball and attack off the bounce while also being more than willing to mix it up inside as a slasher and finisher. Deuce continued the theme for Monarch, showing that he's more than capable defensively with a combination of versatility and toughness, especially when attacking and disrupting ball screens through different coverages. Friday's showing was another reminder that he's a player who could easily work his way into the nation's top 50, and he should continue to generate more offers as he takes the floor in some impressive national showcase games this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2125674"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad38c74aa2cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kitt's motor never seemed to shut off on Friday in Kansas City, as he relentlessly pursued the basketball on the glass. He was able to knife through multiple bodies and simply outwork opponents to the ball. With his size and mobility, he consistently found mismatches offensively, whether it was cutting and finding space around the basket, popping out of ball screens and other actions to space the floor, or getting downhill as an aggressive driver. He also played a key role in guiding the defense, jumping passing lanes and switching everything on the perimeter. At times, Monarch was able to completely shut down opposing offenses, with teams struggling to generate much of anything for long stretches. The Illinois commit was as advertised, and he should continue to develop physically throughout the fall and winter, which could make him even more dangerous as he prepares for the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->