Nike EYBL Session 4: EYCL 15's Biggest Texas Standouts

Currently, the top-ranked freshman in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='2198589' first='Dawson' last='Battie'], proves to be a remarkable three-level bucket-getter, delivering an excellent shot selection by never forcing his offense but allowing the game to come to him, letting it flow organically within the game. Battie has a true shooter's touch, showcasing a knack for knocking down shots off the dribble in the mid-range and off the catch from three-point range. In pick-and-roll situations, Battie is dangerous, but he is extremely effective and at his best in pick-and-pop scenarios, where he is an impactful three-point shooting threat. Defensively, Dawson is willing to contest everything, consistently disrupting and altering shots and passes around the post. Even when he didn't get a hand on the ball, his presence alone changed the possession, making him a high level defender. Battie's blend of scoring ability, shooting prowess, and defensive capabilities make him an exceptional young talent with a bright future.     6'6” wing, [player_tooltip player_id='2252457' first='Marri' last='Wickware'], dominates his opponents as an explosive and dynamic offensive player. His athleticism and ability to attack off the dribble plays a significant part to his game, showcasing bouncy and effortless upward leaping. Wickware relentlessly drives to the basket, slicing through defenses with exceptional downhill attacks. His use of spin moves and coordination helps him create space and find scoring angles. Wickware possesses a strong and sturdy build, which, combined with his impressive strength and body control, allows him to absorb contact and still convert tough shots at the rim.     [player_tooltip player_id='2112009' first='Beckham' last='Black'] is a high-upside prospect with a natural ability to set up opportunities for both himself and his teammates. He plays with good instincts and strong handles in tight areas, using excellent footwork to split traffic and finish at the hoop. Black excels at penetrating the lane and getting into the teeth of the defense, where he often found backdoor cutting teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='2112009' first='Beckham' last='Black'] is showing tremendous court vision, passing, and playmaking ability, making him one of the top talents in his class.     Christopher Hunt has emerged as one of the biggest stock risers of the spring, with Session 4 highlighting more reasons why. Hunt can effectively run the show as the primary ball-handler, but truly stands out with his ability to navigate the perimeter and score off the ball. Hunt consistently proves to be a pure shot-making threat who can heat up at any moment, scoring in bunches from all three levels. He's versatile and dynamic in various scenarios, from half-court sets to transition possessions, showcasing his capability to adapt to all speeds of the game. In the open floor, Hunt was a crucial bucket-getter thanks to his 1-on-1 skills. He showed top-notch footwork and ball handling, utilizing multiple variations of smooth and fluid swing steps or eurosteps to beat defenders and finish at the rack. His jumpshot featured a clean, concise, fast, and smooth release, consistently hitting nothing but the bottom of the net with impeccable accuracy and great shot alignment.     [player_tooltip player_id='2251036' first='Josiah' last='Jones'] is an automatic spot-up shooter who excels in transition, quickly setting his feet and preparing for kick-outs on the wing. He consistently displays great spacing and a knack for finding openings on the perimeter, making him a reliable option without the ball. In addition to his shooting prowess, Jones shows incredibly skilled ambidextrous dribbling, passing, and finishing abilities. He also displayed excellent touch with his off-hand, even in traffic or against lengthy defenders. Jones consistently shows a high basketball IQ and quick thinking on the court. He always proves to be one of, if not the smartest player on the floor, adjusting his playing style based on the needs of the team. Whether it's scoring, facilitating, orchestrating the offense, or focusing on defense, Jones is capable of making the right decisions to benefit his squad.     [player_tooltip player_id='2411411' first='Kellan' last='Cantrell'] was a standout jump shooter with notable 3-and-D tendencies that helped change the game. Offensively, Cantrell excels as a reliable kick-out option on second-chance shot opportunities, letting it fly with good elevation on his jumpshot, a high follow-through, and a sniper-like release. Defensively, Cantrell plays tenacious on the ball, displaying active hands that frequently result in ball pokes or deflections.