LC Bird Summer League Standouts (6/19)
The annual LC Bird Summer League is in full swing right now and will go through next week, and while work doesn’t allow me to always get out there I made a stop on Wednesday and it was a great…
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Continue ReadingThe annual LC Bird Summer League is in full swing right now and will go through next week, and while work doesn’t allow me to always get out there I made a stop on Wednesday and it was a great opportunity for me to see a lot of new teams. There were four games on the day, with LC Bird having two teams and playing in three of them. Here’s a look at some of the standouts from the evening of hoops.
Tyler Henderson | 5’8” PG | LC Bird 2020
The only guy on LC Bird who has real varsity experience, Henderson is going to have a lot on his shoulders this season moving forward, but the way that he helped lead and direct his group of young players was impressive. Instead of looking to score a lot as many would do, he used his quickness and savvy to get in the paint and find his other teammates for easy shots. Even more impressive is the way he set the tone defensively, picking up ball handlers the length of the floor and forcing a number of turnovers that he turned into easy points. If you are willing to look past his size, he’s one of the best pure point guards in the entire state and has as much responsibility as anyone moving forward this year.
Tyler Chatman | 6’1” WG | Kings Fork 2020
The senior leader on a Kings Fork team that should be very talented this year, Chatman knows what he does best and that’s stretch the floor and make shots from deep. As a shooter he does everything right, as he’s shot ready at all times with great prep, gets his feet right every time and has a compact and perfect looking form that’s the same every time. On top of that, Chatman did a good job as a secondary ball handler, attacked closeouts well and did a good job leading both vocally and by example.
Rome Hudson | 6’6” PF | Carver Academy 2020
A guy I had never seen before, if you’re a coach at a small college Hudson is definitely worth a look. While he’s still raw and a project, he has a good nose for the basketball, his motor never stops and he pursues the ball of the glass like very few do. While he didn’t score it a lot, he was involved in almost every missed shot and was all over the glass on both ends of the floor for Carver.
Quentin Livingston | 6’5” WG/WF | Kings Fork 2021
I’ve seen Livingston in bits and pieces both in high school and in AAU over the past few seasons and when I tell you this kid is set to break out I don’t say that lightly. Last year he was at crosstown Lakeland High School where he had a solid sophomore season, and after a summer with District WAWG of the UA Circuit he’s showing vast improvements in his game and his confidence. First off, he looks like he’s grown a few inches which is always a good thing, and while KF didn’t have everyone they allowed Livingston to play a good amount with the ball in his hands and he showed that he can create for both himself and others off the bounce. He showed range from deep, athleticism on a few big finishes, rebounded and defended well. He seems like a different kind of kid who’s both laid back and competitive at the same time, and if he continues to improve and produce he’ll be a guy that division one coaches need to keep an eye on.
Promyse Ferguson | 6’3” WG | LC Bird 2021
Ferguson has been a part of some very successful LC Bird programs over the past two seasons, and it looks like being patient will pay off for him as despite playing limited minutes he’s probably the second most experienced player returning next to Henderson and he’s going to get plenty of touches this year because of that. Playing with a guard like Henderson will do wonders for Ferguson who is a knock down shooter with great confidence from deep, and he showed that in their win over Prince George as he hit 6 three-pointers on the way to 18 points. He moves well without the basketball, has a quick release and with the green light behind the arc he’s got a chance to score a lot of points this up coming season for the Skyhawks.
Chris Allen | 6’3” F | Prince George 2021
A burly forward who may be a little on the short side, Allen decided to get physical against a young Bird team who only really has one big man and he was pretty effective despite the loss. He used his size to clear space in the paint, he attacked the glass well on the offensive end for put backs and he showed soft touch with both hands and a midrange jumper. He’ll need to get in shape moving forward but both him and his brother (mentioned below) provide Head Coach Travis Carr with a solid young core to build around.
Curtis Allen | 6’2” F | Prince George 2022
The brother I spoke of above is a little younger and lighter than Chris, and while they’re brothers their games aren’t exactly alike. Curtis got off to a fast start for the Royals, as the stocky 6’2” forward stepped out past the three-point line and showed some good touch by hitting 3 of his first 4 shots from deep. He has this incredibly high arcing shot that allows him to get it off even with little space or guys closing out, and after making a few he showed he could attack closeouts and make plays for others as well. He finished with 16 points, making four three-pointers in the game, and while he needs to sure up his body and work on finishing through traffic he has a bright future ahead of himself.
Amari Gray | 6’0” G | LC Bird 2022
Gray was one of two freshman who was on varsity last season for the Skyhawks run to the state tournament, but he saw limited minutes behind a senior ladened group that only went about 6-7 deep. Now that they’re all gone, Gray is likely going to start for the Skyhawks and his energy and skill set showed that he’s ready now. He’s a bigger guard who can get downhill and use his frame to finish in the lane, but it’s his ability to rebound at about 6’0” that will really help this Skyhawks team that doesn’t have much size. He showed he can hit the three ball off the catch, get in the lane and make the right play and use his size to get to the line often. He finished with an impressive double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds in their win over PG.
Bryce Blaine | 6’2” WG | LC Bird 2022
Blaine played double duty for the Skyhawks who have two teams in their summer league, essentially one for the older guys and one for the younger guys. When I asked one of the coaches they simply said “We have so many 2022 guys that need game experience and reps and he’s one of them!” If they can get him comfortable and ready by the time the season comes, Blaine will have a chance to play big minutes and contribute for them. At 6’2” he has a nice frame that should fill out and keep growing, he can catch-and-shoot from deep and he can drive in straight lines and finish in traffic. He’s a guy they’re excited about and I can see why!
Keyontae Lewis | 6’7” PF | LC Bird 2022
Lewis looks a little bit like a lineman at about 6’7” 250 lbs., but when I found out that he’s still only 14 years old and likely still growing my jaw literally dropped. The kid is already massive, but he seems like he’s shedding some baby fat and getting thinner every time I see him, and if he continues to grow upward the weight won’t be that big of a deal. As far as his game goes, Lewis can flat out play as well. He has soft touch that he demonstrated with a solid hook shot and midrange, he isn’t afraid to throw his weight around in the paint and when he commits a foul it makes you think twice about coming back down that lane. He’s still a project but he obviously has the most potential of the Bird young kids with his size, good footwork and soft touch already.
Donovan Means | 5’7” PG | LC Bird 2022
Means may be small but he showed the same trait that other small guards have had to be successful at Bird and that’s the ability to shoot the rock. He was always moving and never seemed to get tired, he was consistent from behind the arc and he showed good confidence and a quick release as well. He’ll have to get stronger and that should come with growing into his body but his skill set and understanding of the game combined with his shooting ability will make him an impact whenever he’s on the floor.
Yuri Manns | 6’1” G | LC Bird 2023
The son of LC Bird Head Coach and former Virginia Tech player Troy Manns, it’s no surprise that Yuri is already very advanced for his age as far as skill set and savvy for the game go. He played hard but was under control, showed that he can put it on the deck and decent wiggle off the bounce and he knocked down shots at a high rate showing the ability to get hot quickly. Despite playing in three out of four games he continued to play with energy and get after it, and he was productive throughout the day while playing against older and more physically mature players. He’s going to be one to keep an eye on moving forward.
Ryan Hite | 5’10” G | Kings Fork 2023
Another kid who is playing for his Dad, Hite also showed a lot of moxxy and an advanced skill set for his age as he started and was very efficient and productive for his team. He can shoot the rock from deep and hit multiple three’s in both games, he has good feel and can create off the bounce and he showed good toughness on both ends of the floor. He’s likely going to still grow and will be an immediate impact guy in the 757 area.