GRBA National Championship: 10 Who Impressed (Friday and Saturday)
Jason Ellis (2017), 6’1″ G, All Ohio White/Marion Harding Ellis was picking up full-court defensively all weekend, even though nobody else on the team was. And, more importantly, he did it rather effectively byway of deflections and forcing the ball…
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Continue ReadingJason Ellis (2017), 6’1″ G, All Ohio White/Marion Harding
Ellis was picking up full-court defensively all weekend, even though nobody else on the team was. And, more importantly, he did it rather effectively byway of deflections and forcing the ball to other guards. The effort was incredible. On offense, he brings the ball up and comes off-ball equally effectively. Solid upper-body, as unbalanced defenders bounced off him on the drive. Collected jump-shot coming off screens.
Lony Francis (2017), 6’6″ C, Sting/Groveport Madison
The active and talkative big man lacked a partner in the post, and was asked to be the sole physical presence around the rim. Francis responded to the four-out system on offense, as well. Leader. Needs to get deeper on post touches, but often finishes on hook shots from the high post. Elevates and rebounds with his shoulders.
Deontae McCollum (2018), 5’10” PG, TNBA 16U Kaminski/Canton McKinley
Natural leader, byway of directing traffic from up top and being the aggressor. Uses his size to bait larger defenders on the drive to draw fouls. Encourages and talks to teammates during breaks in the action. Knockdown three-point shot, and doesn’t need much space for the release. Doesn’t turn the ball over.
Cameron Brooks-Harris (2018), 6’6″ W/F, Hidden Gems Black 16U/Lakewood Hebron
Combination of length and mobility makes him position-less on both sides of the court. Showed the ability and willingness to help on the drive and leap for rebounds; also, can move with perimeter players. Once he naturally adds upper-body strength, Brooks-Harris may be a D-I prospect. Threw down a couple dunks with defenders nearby. Uses the spin move around the basket especially well.
Eric McLaughlin (2018), 6’4″ W/F, Hidden Gems Black 16U/Lynchburg-Clay
Fantastic on the one dribble pull-up, which he often uses after a pump fake on the catch. Elevates on all pull-ups and releases at the top of his jump. Versatile scorer. Posted up smaller defenders and initiated the offense. Confident defender.
Ryan Batte (2017), 6’5″ G/W, Cincy Lakers/Oak Hills
Quietly will kill a defense off-the-bounce. Can rack up points quickly with a confident stroke. Once he sees a lane or open spot in the defense, he beats his defender there and fires (they just cannot keep up with him).
One guy we wish we would have watched more this weekend.
Tavon Brown (2017), 6’8″ W/F, VCC-Nova Brown/St. Charles High School
Displayed the ability to switch onto every type of opponent — at 6’8″ he can guard either player in a pick-and-roll and grab the board. Shot the three-ball well, and defenders wanted no part in stepping out that far on him. He was rolling all weekend. Potentially a deadly stretch-4.
Anthony Mazzeo (2019), 5’10” G, King James Shooting Stars Black/ Massillon Jackson
Who knows how Massillon Jackson is going to play all of these guys next season? Mazzeo can really score the ball from the point guard spot. Draws fouls and has a reliable jump-shot from deep. Slightly ball-centric for a point guard, but can take the game over for stretches — he was unconscious for the entire second half against Spiece Indy Heat 2019 on Friday.
Jakiel Wells (2019), 6’0″ G, King James Shooting Stars Black/St. Francis de Sales
Lot of guys take no interest in playing defense during the summer. On the contrary, Wells takes pride in taking the opponent out of the game. Gets his hands on so many passes. Sits down. Would like to see him be more aggressive on offense, but currently his specialization on defense earns playing time. Even frustrated post guys with his long arms.
Tyler Mitchell (2017), 6’0″ PG, Ohio Basketball Club Adidas White 2017/Kings
Prototypical point guard. Not hard to see why UNC-Asheville recently offered. Gets everyone involved, and puts them in optimal situations with a multitude of passes. Calm presence on the court, but strikes with deep threes when appropriate. One of the best Ohio point guards we’ve seen these past two weekends.