LV Summer Championships: Forwards/Centers

Gregg Rosenberg August 6, 2021 @ 10:58 AM

On July 22nd-25th I attended the Las Vegas Summer Championships at the Las Vegas Basketball Center in Las Vegas/NV. There were 55 17U teams, 30 16U teams and 28 15U teams competing in pool play then eventually going into tournament play to crown a weekend champion of all 3 levels.   Here were some local players that stood out. Forward/Centers: [player_tooltip player_id="809670" first="Maxwell" last="Lewis"] (Hillcrest Prep-sat year out) (Dream Vision) -A freaky long wing who makes most of his noise on the defensive end. He uses his 7’0+ wingspan and quickness to play the passing lanes and disrupt opposing ball handlers. He rebounds high above anyone and will push the rock. Offensively he hits 3’s with range, albeit somewhat streaky, and can take just a couple of steps and get to the basket. If he can hone his craft, no one would be surprised to see him play professionally after college. He recently committed to Pepperdine. [player_tooltip player_id="701228" first="Dylan" last="Anderson"] Perry (AZ Supreme) -The big man had a couple really good games showing his potential. He is a well known shooter, which he did that. He hit trail 3’s off the catch and from mid-range, but he showed more to his game. He rebounded the ball at a high level, snatching boards at its highest point above the crowd. He ripped through with his left and right hand plus had some nice drop step moves to score in the post. The Perry center will be heading to Arizona next year. [player_tooltip player_id="936761" first="Nathaniel" last="Knight"] AZ Compass Prep (Firestorm Elite) (Pictured) -A high flyer is almost 100% back from his broken foot. He is maybe 80%. He can still fly in the open court and play way above the rim. He had a couple almost poster dunks along the weekend. He can take it off thet glass and push the rock plus makes catch-3’s. He has a stronger frame and if he can get 100% healthy by the fall, look for him to make a leap up in play. [player_tooltip player_id="973910" first="Luke" last="Kearney"] SDO (Firestorm Elite) -The sharp shooter of the team did just that. He made multiple deep triples off the catch and has a compact stroke. He has good size and length to rebound and play tough inside to defend the post and grab rebounds. He moves well up the court and flush it down on the break. [player_tooltip player_id="827037" first="Michael" last="Saba"] Chaparral (AZ Supreme) -A seemingly improving post player by the month. He has good length to rebound the ball using two-hands and is getting more comfortable handling the ball. He makes 3’s more regularly and has advanced post footwork. He loves the right hand hook shots and up and under moves. [player_tooltip player_id="1018516" first="Josiah" last="Sanders"] Bella Vista Prep (Firestorm Elite) -A bruising power forward with a nice touch. He can work inside with his back to the basket and is probably best from elbow and in. He has a sweet stroke and the lefty is confident to the 3pt line. He will be taking a post grad year to Bella Vista Prep. [player_tooltip player_id="937187" first="Carter" last="Gittens"] Sunrise Mountain (Factory 16) -The lone junior on the list has a big game. He is an athletic wing with improving shooting. He went baseline multiple times and flushed it down high above the post players. He also hit perimeter jumpers from mid to the 3pt line. He defends multiple positions and is an active body to rebound the ball.