SIAA Playoffs: West Oaks versus American Collegiate Academy

<p>This quarterfinal playoff game marked the end of a season for a young American Collegiate Academy team. For West Oaks, it was the first step to a championship run. There are prospects of interest on both sides. Here are the game’s standouts and SIAA rising stars.</p> <p><strong>West Oaks</strong><br /> Raymond [player_tooltip player_id="1065423" first="RJ" last="Moore"] is a long 6’6 wing that excels in transition. He has the athleticism to finish above the rim and make defensive stops in the open court. His athleticism translates to the halfcourt that allowing him to get to the rim out of the triple threat and off movement. Moore knocked down a corner three and made plays as a passer.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/image2-3-rotated.jpeg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1395975 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/image2-3-150x150.jpeg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="955569" first="Mo" last="Sabiu"] had a dominant double double. Sabiu 17 points from putbacks, strong rolls to the basket, and relentless finishes at the rim. He runs the floor, is an aggressive rebounder on both ends, and can block shots.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="850673" first="Maurice" last="Odum"] has what it takes to be an offensive engine. His quickness, handle, and passing vision are all parts of a deep playmaking bag. Odum’s true weapon is a jumper with range beyond the college line and a lightning fast release. This 15 point 7 assist performance is part of a playoff run with a 45 point game on 9 of 16 three attempts in the semis and 34 points 7 assists and 6 rebounds in a championship loss. One of several threes pushed the SIAA state final game into overtime.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/image0-4-rotated.jpeg"><img class="alignright wp-image-1395980 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/image0-4-150x150.jpeg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="1060171" first="Chris" last="Mubiru"] played a game that showed off his tools. The junior is a strong 6’4 guard that attacks the boards and rim. He started the night with a corner three and found his way to the paint for the rest. Mubiru was solid on the defensive end scoring two blocks.</p> <p>Grace Aluma is built like a linebacker but plays pure point guard. Aluma settles an offense and throws smart passes without turning the ball over.</p> <p><strong>American Collegiate Academy</strong><br /> Ahmad Jalloh plays an efficient game. He’s improved his ability to get separation opening up lanes for his floater. Jalloh contends on the offensive boards and contains his man on defense.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1261870" first="Brandon" last="Noythanongsay"] has improved his handle over the season. The 6’6 wing effectively made baseline skip passes and scored out of size ups. He didn’t have an efficient night from the line but eight trips to the stripe shows he’s becoming more aggressive.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/image1-4-rotated.jpeg"><img class="alignleft wp-image-1395981 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/02/image1-4-150x150.jpeg" alt="Moussa Samake | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>Moussa Samake is a high ceiling 2024 prospect. At 6’8 he handles well in space, rebounds well despite being slight, and finishes well around the rim.</p> <p>Lamareon McFarland has the physical tools and motor to be a disruptive forward. He rebounds well at only 6’6 thanks to a strong frame and powerful first and second jump. He gives effort on both sides of the ball leading to second chance plays and completing the dirty work. McFarland is primarily an off the ball scorer that gets to the rim with cuts and putbacks. The 2023 prospect has flashes of being a reliable downhill scorer from the mid post with the quickness and strength to get past bigger four men.</p> <p>Sheer Akot is a shifty 6’7 forward with sudden movements. He looks to create scoring opportunities for himself first but has the court vision to hit the help defender’s man. Akot finished with 11 points showcasing the ability to get to the rim and hit threes beyond the college line.</p> <p>Mathew Morales brings deep shooting and playmaking to the court. Morales made a three from NBA range off the catch to put the defense on notice. From there, his passing finds cutting teammates and finding the big out of pick and rolls.</p>