UAA Session 1 – Out Of State Standouts
With shoe circuit basketball out in my back yard for the first time all season, it was mandatory that I got down to Rock Hill in order to see UAA Session 1 unfold. With many talented guys playing their first…
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Continue ReadingWith shoe circuit basketball out in my back yard for the first time all season, it was mandatory that I got down to Rock Hill in order to see UAA Session 1 unfold. With many talented guys playing their first games on the circuit for the grassroots season, we saw some new faces and were reacquainted with some older ones as well. Check out five guys from out of state teams playing in the event that caught my eye and stood out in their performances.
The first non-NC game I watched had Ranson’s Team Thrill 16s group in it, and he immediately came across as a dynamic shooter and off-ball guard that had some athletic wiggle to him as well. He hit multiple threes late to put the game out of reach as he showed off a smooth shooting stroke and an ability to connect at a high clip. He can beat defenders and create mismatches due to his lateral shiftiness and change of direction abilities also. Also really enjoyed him having fun out there and bring a positive vibe and energy to his group.
Highlights
Tabales was the leader of the show all weekend long for his Middlesex Magic group, continually making the right play both as a scorer and a facilitator. He led his group in scoring in all four games, putting tons of pressure on the rim and making defenders struggle as he finished through traffic or pulled up for dribble jumpers. While he’s listed as a combo, I thought he was exceptional in commanding his troops as a lead guard, getting everyone organized and letting the offense flow through him. With a talented group he’s a part of, Tabales will continue to garner more regional and attention soon.
Reynolds is a highly athletic, bouncy point guard that is going to be a big time player here soon. His size at 6’4 makes him a truly elite level guard, where he can finish above the rim and make people pay if they jump with him. With his length and athleticism, he naturally is a high level defender and forces turnovers and mistakes out of opponents. Solid shooter who is improving and getting better, his mechanics are translatable which makes a big impact as well. Excited to see him tear up Georgia HS basketball next year.
Highlights
Daithi Quinn Daithi Quinn 6’4″ Tabor Academy | 2025 State #236 Nation New E was the darling of Session I for Middlesex Magic, but I liked what his teammate Ryder Frost Ryder Frost 6’5″ | SF Phillips Exeter | 2025 State New E brought to the table as a tweener forward. He’s got an incredibly strong frame, using it to bully opponents and finish at a high clip around the rim. Has solid ball skills too, can dribble and attack a closeout smoothly to get downhill. Really stands out due to his knockdown shooting, hitting at over a 50% clip on the weekend and making him an immediate impact guy at the next level. Also sports a high IQ and motor, allowing him to be in the right spots on both ends of the floor, compete for rebounds and be a good team player.
Highlights
Strelnikov led his Breakaway group with 21 points in a tight win over AllBall yesterday, showcasing a refined set of moves in the low post and a high level motor that helps him get involved on both ends of the floor. My favorite thing he was able to provide was a consistent scoring presence, as opponents were flummoxed by his drop step and short jump hook, both potent moves of their own. He also always looked to get involved as a roller and screener on the offensive end. Solid but unremarkable defensively, doing his job and keeping opponents from doing too much.