Spencer’s Standouts-Border League-Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last weekend, I headed out to Border League West in Las Vegas, Nevada. This prestigious event was no different than in prior years; it was run with class, had top talent, and drew loads of coaches! These Arizona teams/players made their mark at the event, taking on top players in the country and embracing the challenges. It was a good test for these teams as they continue on with their season at the EYBL Scholastic and AIA level. Get a look at some of the players that I thought stood out the most:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2758274' first='Mateen' last='Cleaves Jr'] <strong>Dream City Christian</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This true PG sets others up every time he gets the ball. Mateen is an old-school guard with toughness and a willingness to pass after just one dribble. Along with his passing ability, Mateen can score with the best of them. Mateen can hit the three with ease off the catch or off the dribble. He also has a quick first step that lets him get by defenders and straight to the rim, using his frame to finish through contact. Mateen had a great showing at Border League and will continue to rise in the 2028 national rankings.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1464983' first='Mick' last='Riordan'] <strong>Dream City Christian:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sharpshooting guard recently made the move over to Dream City Christian. They look to him whenever he is open because of how well he shoots. Mick draws attention on the court, which gives his teammates even bigger driving lanes than before. Mick holds his ground on defense and forces easy steals, which lead to transition. Keep an eye on Mick as he competes in the Nike EYBL Scholastic league this upcoming year.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3671769' first='Ruan' last='Kennedy'] <strong>Dream City Christian:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ruan is starting to make a bigger name for himself as he gets more playing time on the EYBL Scholastic squad. Ruan is a bigger guard who can play both guard spots. His three-point shot continues to develop, and he is getting more confident with it. He can attack the rim with ease using his quick first step. Ruan looks to find teammates often with his elite passing skills. Expect Ruan to have a big season this upcoming year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2197693' first='Chris' last='Brown'] <strong>Dream City Christian:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big man who keeps improving every time I watch. Chris has an extremely long wingspan that he uses to block shots around the rim. On both ends of the floor, he is a force on the boards because of his motor. Chris is a lob threat anytime he is in the pick-and-roll situation. He is also developing a hook shot he can use over smaller defenders. Chris has recently taken some official visits; expect him to commit soon and then go to work in the EYBL Scholastic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2947346' first='Giovanni' last='Nielsen'] <strong>Deer Valley:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gio has continued to take many strides as the years go on. Most recently, at Border League, his three-point shot is looking better than before. He is shooting it with confidence, but still can get to the rim. With his size and speed, it causes mismatches for the other team on the defensive end. Gio has an elite motor and crashes every rebound while defending the entire game. He is someone to watch as the season goes on, as he looks to play a role for this Deer Valley team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2146267' first='Micah' last='Andrews'] <strong>Deer Valley:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Micah continues to impress on both sides of the ball. He guards with passion, which leads to a lot of steals. He also skies up for rebounds when the opportunity arises. Offensively, he gets downhill easily and has some tough finishes. He can shoot the jumper with confidence, but that aspect of his game will keep growing. He will have to lead this Deer Valley team as they look to make a run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->