270 Hoops Proving Ground Week 8 Hustlers
The great and esteemed Dewayne Carter Jr. (also known as Lil’ Wayne) once said “I won’t budge,” in the amazing song off ‘Tha Carter 2’ album called Hustler Musik, and some of the players from the final 270 Hoops Proving…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe great and esteemed Dewayne Carter Jr. (also known as Lil’ Wayne) once said “I won’t budge,” in the amazing song off ‘Tha Carter 2’ album called Hustler Musik, and some of the players from the final 270 Hoops Proving Ground showed just that, pure hustle. On the final Sunday of the 270 Hoops Proving Ground, young men gathered together and while some players stood out with their play and some stood out with their shooting, these players stood out because they made all the little plays that mattered to their team. Diving on the floor, grabbing tough rebounds in traffic and getting back on defense are all calling cards of signature hustle plays. All of these young men affected the game in ways beyond scoring.
Dennis Asoro- Eastmoor: Much like a car in the Columbus winters, once Asoro’s motor heated up, it did not stop. Asoro was not only a match-up mystery for defenders but the way he flew around the court was the difference maker in his game on Sunday. The Warrior product also looked as if he has gained a significant amount of weight but he is still fleet footed, as evidenced by a block where he ran from the opposite side of the floor to swat away a jump shot. He fought for rebounds high in the air and loose balls on the ground that allowed his team to stretch leads and become the first to six wins and win the event. If Asoro can keep his motor high, he will be a real difference maker for the Warrior basketball team this upcoming season.
Aamir Carter- Walnut Ridge: The Beechcroft export will arrive at Walnut Ridge with a wealth of experience to add with what the Scots have recently done. The 6-foot-4 Carter never gave up on plays and was active on the perimeter the entire afternoon. His key hustle play came on a steal he had no reason grabbing, streaking from the paint to grab the ball in mid-pass and take off up the court. His size will give Walnut Ridge more depth on the perimeter this season and he should be able to fit right in with their physical brand of basketball which includes diving on the floor for loose balls.
Zion Blevins- Walnut Ridge: Another Scot, Blevins was sneaky good in every little way possible. He carved out space in the paint to get himself offensive rebounds and tough putback finishes while using his long arms (but not great leaping ability) to grab defensive rebounds in traffic amongst players taller than him. Blevins was aggressive in going after the 50/50 balls, recovering the majority of them and giving his team needed energy when they fell behind. Blevins solidifies the interior defense for 4841 and gives them a reliable spark plug. Blevins is the glue guy that every team needs and wants; the kid that can step up and give the team whatever it needs on that day.
Marlon Elliott Jr.- Groveport Madison: Elliott seemed to aggressively think through the game, processing what needed to be done for his team in each game but his hustle on offense and defense is what separated himself. His hands were active on defense, swiping at every pass that flew past his melon and poking at the ball on what seemed like every dribble of the offensive player. On offense, Elliott Jr. tracked down offensive rebounds and communicated with his teammates in a way that is not normal for players that are playing together for the first time. Groveport Madison will be happy as Elliott leads and guides their team for the next two seasons, leaning on him to set the example and lead the way for the younger kids.
Evan Dozer- Bloom Carroll: The staff at Bloom Carroll must love this young man because he plays with a joy that young people should all play with, and he hustles as if he is happy when he does it. Similar to Kyler Murray grinning while throwing a beautiful spiral to DeAndre Hopkins, Dozer has a smile on his face as he dives for loose balls or saves the ball from going out of bounds. His legs never stop moving, being active on both defense and offense, flying around and having a nose for the ball while cutting like a maniac when the ball is not in his hands. If his motor can continue to run on high, he will become an intriguing under-the-radar prospect for lower level colleges.