Seliga’s June Standouts – Pt. 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>June has come and gone and with it goes arguably the most important and valuable time on the recruiting calendar for college coaches and high school prospects alike. Arizona has become a recruiting hot bed during June with events such as Section 7, but other events such as the yearly Best In Basketball Summer Invitational in Gilbert or out of state events such as Nevada Live attract the top teams and players alike.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the next couple of weeks, I will be releasing the top prospects I observed during the June live period.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2532089' first='Darren' last='Ford'] - AZ Compass </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The most impressive player I saw during the June live period was Ford who made the transfer from Louisiana to Chandler. The combo guard showcased an all-around skillset that rivals that of some All-American talents at the college level already. He plays with tenacity on both ends of the court but what stands out is his pro-level feel for the game. He makes the right pass often and picks the right times to pull up and shoot or attack the rim and finish with force or finesse. Ford may be a newcomer to the state, but he stamped himself as one of the best players immediately. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2194805' first='Marquice' last='Pless'] - Higley</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The more that I've gotten to see Pless as a prospect, the more enamored I've become at his upside long term. He's truly improved continuously and has looked like the best prospect in his class in Arizona in the process. His finishing at the rim which was already a strength has gotten better and he's shown the skill to run the offense with the ball in his hands at all times. He's a spark plug that can takeover the game at any moment but he controls the court and his team with a quiet confidence. As he continues to work, his impact on the game will grow deeper on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2466738' first='Dewey' last='Henry'] - Ironwood</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No player may be more valuable to their team in the 5A conference this year quite like [player_tooltip player_id='2466738' first='Dewey' last='Henry']. Calling Henry a microwave scorer would be an understatement. The Ironwood guard dominates the offense for the Eagles by scoring in every way imaginable, he can stop on a dime and pull up to shoot or blow by a defender and score at the rim. He also creates for his teammates but has to score to keep his team in the game against tough competition. With Henry scoring, Ironwood can compete with nearly anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2194806' first='Zen' last='London'] - Mountain Pointe</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's cliche to say a player is a pitbull on the court, but no player may be as deserving of it quite like London. Defensively, he may be the best on-ball defending guard in Arizona as he is on his man all 94 feet. He jumps into passing lanes for quick steals and will strip offensive players with a loose handle. He's takes that defensive skill and pairs it with an improving offensive game that sees him knock down mid-range baskets and finish at the rim. He also is a talented outlet passer creating for his offense off of turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2432574' first='Terrance' last='Byrd'] - O'Connor</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The breakout prospect of the spring was Byrd who picked up multiple offers including a big time offer from Wisconsin. He blossomed from a strong spring into an even stronger June where he did everything for his O'Connor team. He crashed the glass better than any other wing in his class and showed off his rim rocking ability with multiple dunks and tough layups. His shot is continuing to improve and he showed the ability to knock down three-point baskets throughout the live period.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->