Spencer’s Standouts-Border League-Part 2

<!-- 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='2457665' first='Viktor' last='Babic'] <strong>Perry:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The lefty sharpshooter made his name known at Border League. I watched Perry play a tough Nike EYBL Scholastic squad, and Viktor went to work. He got his shot off over anyone. Viktor has a tough midrange fadeaway, which he can use to get his shot off over bigger defenders. He uses his shot fake well, which can throw off defenders and make it easier for him to get by them. Viktor will continue to grow and improve as a player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2143671' first='Ashton' last='Musser'] <strong>Deer Valley:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was my first time seeing Ashton play with Deer Valley, and he looked great. Ashton helped orchestrate the offense and made lots of great reads out of the high post. He uses his frame to punish smaller defenders when he gets a switch. Defensively, he rebounds well and pushes the ball in transition. Ashton will have a great senior year with Deer Valley!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2249943' first='Lleyton' last='Leonard'] <strong>Basha:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The hard-nosed shooting guard kept on showcasing himself. Lleyton has a lethal first step, which lets him play with an advantage most of the time. His jump shot has also improved significantly, and he is hitting the three-pointer at a high rate. Defensively, he can guard the other team's best player and hold them to a stop. He will continue to be an extremely high-impact player in the AIA through these next 2 years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2552765' first='David' last='Rossling'] <strong>Basha:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high-IQ point guard continues to impress in his role for Basha. He looks to push the ball up the floor quickly while also trying to distribute when in the half-court. Beyond his playmaking, David can score with ease, too. Whether it is off an offensive rebound, a loose ball, or a mismatch, he looks to rise above his defenders for a pull-up jumper. David keeps Basha playing at a high level and will continue to do so as the season progresses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2295693' first='Maddox' last='Lazor'] <strong>Basha:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madox is a skilled big man who keeps getting better. Around the rim, he is starting to elevate more and finish through contact better. He has a knack for the ball on both sides of the glass and will go sky-high above opponents to get it. Maddox plays physical on defense and can guard bigger opponents while still limiting their production. He recently picked up a Divison 1 offer from NAU, and he'll be looking for more throughout his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2552772' first='Tre' last='Terry'] <strong>Basha:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another shooting guard who continues to put his name on the map. In transition, Tre looks to attack downhill but will also stop on a dime and shoot a pull-up 3. He looks to elevate over defenders for easy baskets. He can finish downhill through contact as well. He works hard defensively, which leads to him getting easy steals. Once he is eligible to play, he will be a key piece for Basha as they look to make a deep run yet again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->