Mile High Hoops Freshmen Academy: Efficient Downhill Scorers

A few backcourt prospects found success while attacking the rim, creating advantages either through their notable strength or creativity against pressure.    Langford's strength on the glass or while attacking the rim made him a dependable shotmaker. His ability to handle the rock combined with the positional strength makes him a very unique prospect within this class. Moving around opponents for great looks in the paint, the guard went wherever he wanted within the half court. Him and [player_tooltip player_id='2418490' first='Marceles' last='Duncan'] were about as productive on the glass as one could ask, constantly in play for second chance opportunities or coast to coast finishes following a defensive board. He showed upside as a shot creator with the jumper, whether that be from the mid-rage pull-up or from a standstill three.     Boykin brings a versatile offensive skill set while stepping into his initial high school season. Bringing in a smooth release either off the catch or pull-up, his range stretches out beyond the arc. Boykin was at his best while attacking the rim, much stronger than the vast majority of matchups. Bringing soft touch with either hand alongside smooth footwork to create advantages deep in the paint, few athletes at the event create as many quality looks as Boykin.     Phipps has a quick first step, adept at creating driving lanes from the initial rip through or combo moves. Adept at finishing off-balance attempts from one foot, his ability to score through tight angles makes him a potential varsity shot creator. While on the attack, he repeatedly found open teammates roaming along the baseline, quick to make the extra pass.     Tshibanda brings good size within the backcourt, a physical downhill scoring threat within this event. Excellent splitting the defense for dynamic finishes at the rim, he took bigger opponents one on one with ease. The guard got to the rim at will versus opposing guards, too strong and quick for opposing defenses to block him once he got a head of steam. Also capable of stretching the floor off the catch, he already brings a high floor this early on.     Samson is quick reading the floor, quick to attack the lane for left handed finishes. Not fazed by contests or the potential of contact, the guard repeatedly created great looks for himself and teammates through his aggression with the ball. Particularly quick with his first step, Samson got downhill at will, contributing quite a few high hand finishes. If opposing defenders attempted to trap him out on the perimeter, he was quick to pass to the slipping teammate.     Carrillo searched for openings in the lane, one of the more willing guards when it came to drawing contact. Although undersized, he works to get into his opponent, working to get them out of position from shot fakes or while slowing down the pace on a dime. Once attacking downhill, the guard has numerous counters, although created plenty of looks from spin moves. Creative with his opportunities, Carrillo gets to his right hand plenty of times, comfortable handling opponents on his hip.

A few backcourt prospects found success while attacking the rim, creating advantages either through their notable strength or creativity against pressure.