Sophomore Film Room
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Spend the hour with PrepHoopsTN in the FILM Room. AJ Morman AJ Morman 5'10" | PG Sacred Heart Of Jesus | 2024 State TN (Sacred Heart of Jesus) FILM Surface EVAL A.J. will always be an undersized guard. Clever.…
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Continue ReadingSpend the hour with PrepHoopsTN in the FILM Room.
AJ Morman AJ Morman 5'10" | PG Sacred Heart Of Jesus | 2024 State TN (Sacred Heart of Jesus)
Surface EVAL
A.J. will always be an undersized guard. Clever. Crafty. He gets to his spots without simply bursting past defenders, which typically indicates he will always be able to, even when defenders become faster with more physical maturity. Morman does not get off the ground much when he shoots, which is concerning. Can he elevate over a taller guard, one with elite athleticism? Morman looks to be able to use his body, specially shoulders, to keep a defender away from the precious pill.
Entering May, AJ was our #57 prospect in the ’24 class, and that still feels about right. D3/NAIA seems his level.
Caden Windle Caden Windle 6'6" | SF William Blount | 2024 State TN (William Blount)
Surface EVAL
Windle camped with PrepHoopsTN way back in June 2021, prior to his sophomore season. The sophomore season was a wonderful success for Windle, as he earned both Sandestin Beach Blowout All-Tournament Team and All-District 4A.
What does this highlight package reveal? Caden is a little more agile and somewhat speedy, but he still does not look quite like a wing. He has time to mature into his body and the height is among his most appealing basketball qualities. We measured him at 6’4.5″ a year ago and he looks similarly-sized now. Windle will probably not be a forward at his height, so it all comes down to the ability evade wing defenders and defend wing attackers. This video showed a little glimpse of that, but there is still much work to be done for sure.
Ryan Bernath Ryan Bernath 6'1" | PG Columbia Academy | 2024 TN
Surface EVAL
A young, lefty for Columbia Academy, Ryan looks feisty and committed. His speed is decent, not elite currently. He will need to be faster than most guards in order to be more effective, because the college-bound guards are typically taller and bigger than he is. So, speed and decision-making will be equalizers. Bernath can shoot. And his hops are pretty good, allowing him to finish in the lane a bit. He must put on good weight during this off-season. Columbia Academy is a fun watch, ordinarily. They spread the floor well and take many outside shots. Bernath looks like a lead guard with some range and some skill. His height will be a limitation, but there are ways to compensate and make up the difference.
Caiden Botts (St. Benedict’s of Auburndale)
Surface EVAL
Caiden is a new name to me. The wing showed breakaway speed at a good wing height. Botts’ change of direction is very good, both against the slower private schools in his district and the more athletic opponents. Caiden is certainly a hidden gem statewide, but NYBA Elite found him and put him on this summer. Solid rebounder from the guard position. Great confidence in the lane.