The Last Dance: Max’s Saturday Standouts
In this article:
Seven prospects who impressed in Chicago on Saturday in the games I watched at The Last Dance! Ben Shaffer MN #95 PG #27 HEIGHT 6'0" POS PG CLASS 2024 View Player Boost Profile Download Image Ben Shaffer Class 2024…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSeven prospects who impressed in Chicago on Saturday in the games I watched at The Last Dance!
Ben was cool, calm, and collected down the stretch in a tight matchup with AUSA. In a close game he was making some clutch threes, and creating off the dribble leading to quality looks for his teammates. Always so calm on the ball and does a great job of utilizing shot/pass fakes as well as change of speed to get by his man and put his team in advantageous situations attacking the basket. Knocked down the game winning shot with just seconds remaining after AUSA tied it up late.
Highlights
Liam Switzer
Liam Switzer
Keeping AUSA in the game was Liam Switzer, a 6’10 big with solid athleticism at his size. Real Phenom just didn’t have an answer for him, as his combination of height, quick bounce, and non-stop motor led to bucket after bucket inside. He was a monster on the offensive glass, and after pulling in a board showed the quick leaping ability to go right back up with it in traffic. Really like how hard he runs the floor at 6’10, and even against a smaller team was beating guys up the floor for transition dunks.
Eli can flat out shoot the ball. I saw him against an athletic LA Broncos team just working off the ball and putting himself into space to catch and fire off threes. Had a run in the first half where he knocked down three triples in a row at one point. At 5’11, he gets great elevation and releases his shot at the peak of his jump which allows him to get threes off over longer defenders. So good at quickly getting squared up off the move which allows him to come off screens and get his shot off before a defender can catch up.
Highlights
The long and skilled wing from Kaukauna was lightning it up from beyond the arc in a win over Meanstreets 15u. Just looks so calm on the floor at all times, never sped up or trying to force his game. Keegan was catching beyond the arc and effortlessly putting up shots, connecting at a high rate over the course of the game. I believe he had 4 or 5 makes in the first half alone, helping his team build up a comfortable lead before holding it the remainder of the game.
Ahmir is as long as they come at 6’1. He has an impressive wing-span at his size, and it came into play defensively as he blocked multiple shots, and did a nice job of walling up to alter a few other shots, forcing misses in the process. Also slid in to draw a charge in the second half. That effort defensively helped open up his game on the offensive end, where he showcased a smooth jumper from beyond the arc as well as mid-range. Wasn’t over dribbling the ball, and instead took his chances when they were there, and kept the ball swinging when there was nothing available. Helped lead Pride Roc Elite past LA Broncos.
Highlights
Faced off against an AUSA team that featured 6’8 and 7′ frontcourt players, Cole more than held his own against that size. He has a strong and physical frame, and it allowed him to really limit the amount of low-post touches his opposition was able to get. Even when they caught on the block, he wasn’t giving up an inch of space. On the offensive end he made some impressive passes from the top of the key, finding another forward around the basket with a crisp and well timed bounce pass. Type of player who makes such a big impact on the game without needing to score the ball.
Highlights
Cartier was listed at 6’2, but looks like he may have grown even more, as he’s a long and explosive wing prospect playing up a year for the LA Broncos. Checked into the game and threw down an explosive dunk over a contesting defender, and shortly after that he came flying in to tip in a teammate’s miss in traffic. Very active on the glass on both ends of the floor. Throughout the game he was powering his way through contact and finishing at a high percentage around the basket. Impressive physical tools as well as body control for a 2026 prospect.