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<p><em>The Grind Session Power Play-In Championship ended with a statement performance from LaCore Academy, as they cruised to a blowout victory. The dominant finish capped an impressive showing, establishing LaCore as one of the state's most spectacular new prep programs emerging, with one of the deepest rosters in the country. Here we take a look at some of LaCore Academy's top prospects who made their presence felt. </em></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Aaron McMorran II took over the game with his all-around skill set that made him a threat as scorer off the dribble, a three-point specialist off the catch, and a playmaker in transition who could set others up. He's an underrated passer who sees the floor well in traffic and against helpside defense. Lethal knockdown shooter who doesn't hesitate shooting the moment the ball touched his hands. He hit multiple three-pointers from every area along the perimeter. McMorran's shot making from beyond the arc off the catch was phenomenal, often getting his shot off and in without always setting his feet or aligning his body fully, showing a quick trigger that was as pure as it comes. His movement off the ball and knack for sprinting hard off pindowns drew attention that opened up opportunities for his teammates to create. As isolation opportunities presented themselves, McMorran utilized tight combos to attack his man head on and penetrate the lane where his creativity shined against shot blockers who stepped up. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">High IQ, quick decision making, and consistent ability to adapt to the game. He also controlled the tempo, knowing when to speed the game up with his hit ahead passing that open up chances for back cut layups, oops, and trailing three-pointers. LaCore competed with tons of grit and scrappiness, consistently being the first to the floor sacrificing his body for loose balls. He carried his effort defensively into offensive possessions where he sprinted to spots with purpose, drilling three-pointers in transition and against scrambling defenders. His range proved to be unlimited as he stretched the defense, stepping into shots with rhythm from college distance fluidly with balance.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Rodney Washington lit the scoreboard up all game long. Rhythm shooter comfortable catching in stride, relocating into open windows, and stepping into jumpers without disrupting the flow of the possession. Washington was always shot ready, keeping his feet and hands prepared to catch and fire when opportunities present themselves. He excelled at getting to his spots around the elbows, gliding into stop and pop jumpers or drawing contact on his way up for foul calls. He played with a feel for the game to recognize when it was time to hunt his shot and when to keep the ball moving. Washington's top tier offensive masterclass earned him a well-deserved MVP honor after taking home the championship.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">6'6” Explosive guard with effortless bounce and finishing ability. He repeatedly slashed to the basket loading where his burst and pop, quick-twitch elevation, and the ability to rise above traffic with very little runway were extraordinary.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Kadon Gaines showed off his athleticism is the open floor, finishing above the rim with powerful two handed flushes that showcased his elite hops off two feet. He was also utilized as a lob threat at times, particularly on SLOB and BLOB plays. Instinctively cut to the basket when he spotted openings, setting up easy drop off passes as his teammates drew attention.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">6'8” center shut the post down as an active paint protector swatting floaters and pinning layups off the glass from the weak side with remarkable timing. He consistently got his hand on the ball at a high point, sending the ball out where his teammates up could spark a fast break. Whitehead read driving angles ahead of time and stepped for to wall off the basket with elite reach and verticality.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Steven McLeod came out to start the second half of the championship and immediately added value offensively with his shot-making from the mid-range with a confident release and a soft touch. McLeod also brought physicality to the rebounding efforts by keeping his man off the glass. </p>
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The Grind Session Power Play-In Championship ended with a statement performance from LaCore Academy, as they cruised to a blowout victory. The dominant finish capped an impressive showing, establishing LaCore as one of the state's most spectacular new prep programs emerging, with one of the deepest rosters in the country. Here we take a look at some of LaCore Academy's top prospects who made their presence felt.
Aaron McMorran II took over the game with his all-around skill set that made him a threat as scorer off the dribble, a three-point specialist off the catch, and a playmaker in transition who could set others up. He's an underrated passer who sees the floor well in traffic and against helpside defense. Lethal knockdown shooter who doesn't hesitate shooting the moment the ball touched his hands. He hit multiple three-pointers from every area along the perimeter. McMorran's shot making from beyond the arc off the catch was phenomenal, often getting his shot off and in without always setting his feet or aligning his body fully, showing a quick trigger that was as pure as it comes. His movement off the ball and knack for sprinting hard off pindowns drew attention that opened up opportunities for his teammates to create. As isolation opportunities presented themselves, McMorran utilized tight combos to attack his man head on and penetrate the lane where his creativity shined against shot blockers who stepped up.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
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High IQ, quick decision making, and consistent ability to adapt to the game. He also controlled the tempo, knowing when to speed the game up with his hit ahead passing that open up chances for back cut layups, oops, and trailing three-pointers. LaCore competed with tons of grit and scrappiness, consistently being the first to the floor sacrificing his body for loose balls. He carried his effort defensively into offensive possessions where he sprinted to spots with purpose, drilling three-pointers in transition and against scrambling defenders. His range proved to be unlimited as he stretched the defense, stepping into shots with rhythm from college distance fluidly with balance.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Rodney Washington lit the scoreboard up all game long. Rhythm shooter comfortable catching in stride, relocating into open windows, and stepping into jumpers without disrupting the flow of the possession. Washington was always shot ready, keeping his feet and hands…
6'6” Explosive guard with effortless bounce and finishing ability. He repeatedly slashed to the basket loading where his burst and pop, quick-twitch elevation, and the ability to rise above traffic with very little runway were extraordinary.
Kadon Gaines showed off his athleticism is the open floor, finishing above the rim with powerful two handed flushes that showcased his elite hops off two feet. He was also utilized as a lob threat at times, particularly on SLOB and BLOB plays. Instinctively cut to the basket when he spotted openings, setting up easy drop off passes as his teammates drew attention.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
6'8” center shut the post down as an active paint protector swatting floaters and pinning layups off the glass from the weak side with remarkable timing. He consistently got his hand on the ball at a high point, sending the ball out where his teammates up could spark a fast break. Whitehead read driving angles ahead of time and stepped for to wall off the basket with elite reach and verticality.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Steven McLeod came out to start the second half of the championship and immediately added value offensively with his shot-making from the mid-range with a confident release and a soft touch. McLeod also brought physicality to the rebounding efforts by…
