Bruce’s Best: Midseason Awards Breakthrough Players

<p>The season is in full swing and has already had a ton of fabulous performances. While technically it’s still early, several players have stepped up to steal the spotlight. Many of those same players have come from nowhere to make a name for themselves. In this article, we take a look at some of our top breakthrough performers from the Midseason point. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1123633" first="David" last="Estes"] <em>6’7 PF Basic 2022 (#68PHN 2022)</em> <em>(featured image)</em> - Expectations were high for the forward from Basic, and he has exceeded them. Estes has put together some monster numbers while keeping the Wolves in the hunt. He is averaging over 18ppg on the season, and Basic is over 500. His play has helped him earn an offer from local JC CSN. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1202819" first="Jaylin" last="Philips"] 5’10 CG Desert Oasis 2022 (#104PHN 2022) - DO has been one of the surprise teams of the season and Phillips has been a big reason why. Originally I thought of him as more of a shooting guard, however, he has shown the ability to play both positions for DO. Philips orchestrates the offense at a high level and manages to get key buckets when called upon for his squad. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1351866" first="Dominic" last="Williams"] <em>6’5 SF Reed 2024</em> - It may be a bit unfair to call Williams a breakout performer simply due to the fact that there was no season last year. However, the 6’5 wing’s play can’t be ignored, Williams has shown the ability to score with his back to the basket and as a slasher through the lane. As we get deeper into league play, he will be the number one person identified on every opponent’s scouting report. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1265401" first="Bryant" last="Largarady"] 6’8 SF Canyon Springs 2022 (#49PHN 2022) - You have to be happy about the development of Largarady. The versatile forward has had a terrific start to his senior season, leading the Pioneers to a Championship game appearance in their bracket of the Tark Classic. His size is intriguing, however, when you combine it with his skill it is easy to see why scouts have started sniffing around. Largarady is a point forward with exceptional vision and passing ability, and has displayed both at a high level early in the season. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1032085" first="Malachi" last="Richardson"] 6’4 PF Somerset Losee 2024 (#31PHN 2024) - For my money, Richardson has probably been the most underrated defender in the state. The long arm post is leading his team in blocks and has shown a tremendous ability to snag rebounds in traffic. Offensively he is effective turning over his right shoulder to finish with his strong hand. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1361176" first="Declan" last="Smith"] 5’10 PG Foothill 2022 - I don’t remember where I was, but as I was walking out of the gym someone remarked, don’t forget about #22. I instantly knew who they were talking about. [player_tooltip player_id="1361176" first="Declan" last="Smith"] has established himself as one of the best three-point shooters in the state. The Foothill PG is the perfect fit for their offense. He has a quick release and shoots it accurately from range, allowing the floor to stay perfectly spaced for the Falcons. </p> <p><em>Follow</em></p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1"><em>On Twitter</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bruceprephoops/"><em>On IG</em></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PrepHoopsNV"><em>Like Us On FB</em></a></p>