Two-Way Basketball Stars: Impact Players for Coaches

The next installment showcases players from all classes and positions, united by their ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball. For coaches seeking high-motor players who give their all and never take a possession off, these are the athletes to watch. These players are driven and will do whatever it takes to secure a win for their team.    Jaelyn Blackwell is equally comfortable and effective on or off the ball, whether scoring or facilitating.  Arguably the toughest player on the court, he pushed the action on both ends, using his athleticism to intimidate opposing guards and his speed to create turnovers. An impressive ball-handler, Blackwell controlled the offensive tempo and scored when needed.  A smart and crafty guard, he consistently confused opponents throughout the weekend.  Blackwell utilized his big men effectively and consistently demonstrated next-level potential. Blackwell is a player that will surely interest coaches because of his high motor.     [player_tooltip player_id='1679407' first='Jaiden' last='Franklin'] is a smooth operator with all the skills necessary to succeed at the next level.  An elite ball-handler, he gets to his spots effortlessly and excels at finishing at the rim with either hand.  One of the most athletic guards in the state, his explosiveness is evident on both ends of the court. While capable of hitting the mid-range jumper, Franklin prefers to attack the basket and earn three-point plays the old-fashioned way.  As his confidence in his jump shot grows, expect his stock to rise this summer and attract even more attention from college coaches.     [player_tooltip player_id='2894761' first='Hermon' last='Dyson'] embodies the increasingly popular term "point forward."  He possesses the size and skill of a forward but manages the game like a point guard.  Dyson can bring the ball up the court, exploit mismatches against smaller guards, and score at will.  His versatility allows him to guard positions 1 through 5, creating matchup problems on both ends of the floor.  He facilitates, defends, attacks the basket, and rebounds effectively.  In isolation situations, Dyson is a scoring machine.  As his jump shot continues to develop, his stock will undoubtedly rise, as he already possesses many of the attributes needed to succeed at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='2459986' first='Christopher' last='Gay'] is a college-ready wing with all the tools to succeed at the next level, including the size and athleticism to excel in a Division I program.  He possesses a solid skill foundation and demonstrated his dominance in a tough matchup by controlling the paint, rebounding effectively, and finishing with authority at the rim. While his game primarily revolves around attacking the basket, Gay also possesses a reliable three-point shot.  Expect a big summer for him, as college coaches will undoubtedly be intrigued by a player who checks all the major boxes, both physically and in terms of intangibles.     [player_tooltip player_id='2132749' first='Jaiden' last='Hall'] is truly making a name for himself in the state as one of the best two-way players around, and it is hard to distinguish which aspect of his game is stronger. He is a lockdown defender who can control a game defensively by frustrating opposing guards. Offensively, he is an elite three-point shooter and a skilled finisher at the rim. While he can shoot the mid-range just as well, it seems like he prefers to score three points instead, whether from distance or at the rim. Hall's game continues to develop, and his confidence is growing. He is one of the most dangerous players on both sides of the ball in the state. Hall is a high-motor competitor, and I expect plenty of Coaches to view him as an elite prospect for the next level.    This concludes the West Monroe evaluation series. Good luck to all the prospects and Coaches. Continue to work and improve.

The next installment showcases players from all classes and positions, united by their ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball. For coaches seeking high-motor players who give their all and never take a possession off, these are the athletes to watch. These players are driven and will do whatever it takes to secure a win for their team.