January Recap: Most Outstanding Prospects (Pt. 2)

[player_tooltip player_id="1027631" first="Kaden" last="Smart"] | Point Guard | Hutto HS | C/o ’22 It’s about time [player_tooltip player_id="1027631" first="Kaden" last="Smart"] gets his respect as one of the very best sharpshooting three-point specialists in the state. He’s an elite jump shooter that can score in bunches from long range on a consistent basis. Smart plays with a true love for the three-ball and he makes sure the defense knows it by the end of each game. The senior lead guard showed off such a quick trigger release that most defenders never had a chance to contest his shot, especially when he stepped into the jumper with rhythm. In January, Smart proved just how deadly of a bucket getter he has become on and off the ball, from top to bottom his shooting mechanics are next-level ready. He’s also as efficient as they come, the 6-foot guard torched teams with over 110 made three-point shots on 40% shooting from deep throughout this season. <hr /> Jason Cobbs | Shooting Guard | Arlington Sam Houston | C/o ’23 Jason Cobbs produced one of his most impressive performances of the season while facing off against the South Grand Prairie Warriors. The Arlington Sam Houston two-guard showcased outstanding offensive skills and talents and came up big with 20 points while leading the Texans to victory. Cobbs displayed spectacular ways of putting points on the board off the dribble, getting it done from all three levels as well as in transition. Well-polished footwork, handles, and counter moves, Cobbs looked prepared for whatever the defender threw at him. Phenomenal shot and space creator with killer separation skills, the 6-foot-3 junior ate the defense up in one-on-one situations with stepbacks, euro-steps, stop on a dime, and change of direction dribbles that consistently threw guys off balance or out of position, particularly when coming downhill with a full head of steam. <hr /> Coleman Craddock | Shooting Guard | Garland Naaman Forest HS | C/o ’22 Senior guard, Coleman Craddock is currently the fourth leading scorer on the Naaman Forest squad, pulling in 10 points per game. Last month, Craddock put up two crucial performances of 14 and 19 points that both led the Rangers to back-to-back wins after a loss to the Wylie Pirates. Coleman drastically impacted games, not only did he get his buckets in a multitude of ways, but he was relentless on the glass and played with a competitiveness on the defensive end that led to a high amount of steals. A swiss army knife prospect, Craddock displayed phenomenal versatility and productivity at the guard position, cleaning up misses on the offensive side of the ball, creating second-chance opportunities, knocking down spot-up jumpers, terrorizing teams in transitions, making timely cuts, and penetrating the lane with force. <hr /> [player_tooltip player_id="1140487" first="Blake" last="Grella"] | Shooting Guard | V.R. Eaton HS | C/o ’23 Throughout January, [player_tooltip player_id="1140487" first="Blake" last="Grella"] played with a great feel for the game and showed a knack for contributing in more ways than one. Defensively, Grella competes and is willing to sacrifice his body for the ball and the betterment of his team. The Eaton Eagles’ two-guard did an awesome job of consistently keeping his man in front of him, beating them to the spot, and even taking chargers. He’s also been a threat in the passing lanes, often jumping lazy throws on the perimeter and taking it the other way. Grella doesn’t gamble much either, but when he does it usually pays off. This three-point specialist has improved his relocating skills as well as his consistency as a shot-maker. You will never find Grella just standing still waiting for the ball to come his way, he’s always on the move either cutting through the lane looking for a quick layup or cutting through to an opening on the other side of the floor where he can catch-and-shoot in one single motion. Blake is often known for his sharpshooting abilities but his passing shouldn’t go unnoticed. Not only is Grella very smart about the passes he makes but he’s also extremely unselfish, especially when he draws the attention of the defense he's always looking to make the extra pass, someone that will give up a good shot for a great shot. <hr /> [player_tooltip player_id="1125933" first="Liam" last="McNeeley"] | Small Forward | John Paul II | C/o ’ 24 Sophomore superstar, [player_tooltip player_id="1125933" first="Liam" last="McNeeley"] has been taking his game to new heights all season long, showing top-notch abilities in all aspects of the game to the point that he’s now breaking school records, starting with the most assists in a single game. McNeeley threw out 14 remarkable dime-dropping passes as he led the Cardinals to a victory. 6-foot-7, [player_tooltip player_id="1125933" first="Liam" last="McNeeley"] has continuously showcased the wherewithal to run and control an offense for some time now. His handles, court vision, passing accuracy, IQ, natural instincts, and ability to see a play happen before it actually transpires are already on at a collegiate level and it also sets him apart from any of the other small forwards in his graduating class. This kid never ceases to amaze me, McNeeley is truly something special, he plays every game as if it’s his last, and he constantly displays that “it” factor.