Weekend in Las Vegas
While most Utah teams have had difficulty getting in tournaments with teams from out of the state due to the current state of the country. This past weekend the Utah Prospects visited Las Vegas for some friendly games against some…
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Continue ReadingWhile most Utah teams have had difficulty getting in tournaments with teams from out of the state due to the current state of the country. This past weekend the Utah Prospects visited Las Vegas for some friendly games against some of the local talent in Las Vegas in a restricted environment when it came to people attending and the number of teams in actual attendance.
The teams in attendance were Vegas Elite (Nike EYBL), Las Vegas Knicks and The Buckeyes. These teams squared off against each other including Utah Prospects 15U- 17U.
The Utah Prospects 17U team had excellent play all around from all of their players. Here are a few that stood out.
6’8 Jake Whalin (Timpview)
Jake had an impressive weekend with his motor and crafty skill set it easy easy to see how Jake is a Division 1 prospect and one of the best in Utah. Playing a wing position with his ability to get to the basket with multiple finishing moves. His floater game is quite impressive as he can finish over elite big men. The most impressive aspect that was in full display this past weekend was his handle in the full-court. Jake displayed some stock rising skill with the ball in his hands.
6’8 Ethan Potter Ethan Potter 6'8" | SF Layton | 2021 State #194 Nation UT (Layton)
Ethan is a 3-4 position player that continues to develop. He can step out and shoot the three and he is one tough player on both ends as he can take punishment and finish through contact. He seeks rebounds and can push the ball up the floor. Ethan had an absolutely impressing poster as he clocked the ball back with his right coming full-speed down the lane dunking it on 2 defenders. Ethan is a Division 1 talent that still has room for growth.
The 16U Utah Prospects went undefeated this weekend. The most impressive part of their play is that they did it short handed.
6’4 Collin Chandler Collin Chandler 6'5" | CG Farmington | 2022 State #28 Nation UT (Farmington)
Collin had a coming out party as he is shifting over to the point guard, which helps his stock as a true combo guard. Collin was impressive in the open floor against elite defenders. Most impressive move of the weekend was him beating a defenders off the dribble and flushing it down with two hands on a defenders head. Collin continues to shoot the ball well but most notable improvement is his defense as he contested with some high flying athletes at the rim stopping them from getting easy dunks. This kid has D1 written all over him.
6’0 Cannon Devries Cannon Devries 6'0" | PG Weber | 2022 State UT (Weber)
It’s one thing to be the fastest player in your home state, but to travel to Las Vegas and play against some of the fastest guards in the country and still be the fastest player on the court is saying something. Cannon is a player that can control the tempo in his teams favor all game. He knows when to push the ball and when to slow things up. Cannon can penetrate and finish or make the right read and dish out assists. This kid is special.
6’4 Rex Sunderland Rex Sunderland 6'4" | PG Davis | 2022 State UT (Davis)
Rex was an impactful player on the floor as he racked up consistent numbers slashing to the basket and hitting from outside. Rex knows when to fill the lane and get to the basket and when to spread the floor with his spacing. With so much growth ahead of him, look for Rex to continue to improve all summer. Rex is a true slashing guard that can hurt you off the dribble and with his outside shooting.
The 15U Utah Prospects played against some tough competition, but held their own.
6’2 Michael Mitton (Pleasant Grove)
The physical point guard was able to get to the rim at ease and at times with force. Mike is talented and he makes his teammates better. He had an impressive weekend.
6’6 Houston Johnsen Houston Johnsen 6'7" | SF Crimson Cliffs | 2023 State UT (American Fork)
Houston was an impressive prospect because he is still coming into his own. He is a position-less player that can bring the ball up but also play on the block. As he continues to grow physically and as his IQ increases he could continue to elevate his game. He can shoot the ball from deep.