Loud weekend for Walker as another Assault guard who helped boost his stock with his ability to score within the flow. His biggest outing came in the semifinal game against TTO Showcase where he went for 22 and teed off from deep with his quick, high release off the catch. In this specific matchup, Showcase was keeping it to a one possession game. That was until Walker canned back-to-back triples to create separation where they’d eventually win by six. He was at his best hunting open windows around the perimeter for kick-outs, but he also brought value on the defensive end as a disruptor in the passing lanes. He was diligent in transition in getting out in the lanes wide and quickly for guys like Palmer or Camp to find him with advance passes where he finished consistently even when he was contested at the rim.

17p vs Pure Basketball

-Walker’s ball skills have really developed over the past year and he’s blossoming as one of the better players for a really good 16u DCA group that boat-raced all three opponents this weekend. Walker hit three 3s in the 1H then really turned heads when he caught a runout pass over the top and took 1 step with 1 dribble before throwing down a 1-handed spike off his left leg. His ability to switch ball screens defensively to stay with cat-quick guards or switch onto bigger, more physical wings gives his team a ton of lineup versatility. The speed and leaping ability in the open court are accentuated by a tighter handle that allowed Walker to weave through the defense on his way to the rim.

9p 1r 5s vs Good Counsel

-Loved the defensive activity and how Walker really stepped up to give the Tigers a boost at both ends of the floor. Walker’s shooting night started off cold, so he in turn ratcheted up the defense in the 2H half to get his team (and himself) going in transition by swiping away steals off the ball and getting under his matchup on dribble pick-ups to force a tough pass or a TO. Walker’s quickness with the ball in his hands at the offensive end translated well to his ability to anticipate changes in direction at the defensive end of the floor. Should see a nice jump in our next set of updated rankings.

On the smaller end for a two guard but productive due to shot selection, 3-point shooting prowess and ability to get to the rim constantly. Plays the right way and within flow of the game but knows when to hit remix button and get a bucket when his team needs it. I have been watching James play since his middle school days. The young man just knows how to play the game in a deceptive and crafty fashion. In 20 minutes of action, scored 11(3-11 3pt line) points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal.

A true x-factor for Jackson-Reed this upcoming season. James is the Tigers’ knockdown shooter that is expanding his game quickly. He is becoming a versatile shooter on the team, slowly realizing his potential past being a 3&D wing. James is consistently putting the ball on the floor to help create space for his shots now. He is quite accurate with space beyond the arc, but over the summer James showed his improvement upon taking a a few dribbles to create a short jumper or float shot opportunity. I’m liking the way James game is progressing already with consistent varsity minutes.

James played well all-around for the Washington Warriors in a blowout win. What stood out most to me about his game was his physicality. James recorded 2 blocks early in the first half and continued his aggressive defensive play through the length of the game. Buried 3 triples to start the game off for the Warriors and that put them in position to dominate early. Credit to both James for running the break well and his teammates for doing a good job of finding him. He had a couple of strong finishes at the rim that showed he was willing to get inside and slash hard.

12p 1r 1a 4 3s vs OLMC, 11p 1a vs Clinton Grace

-One of the top shooters in the event, Walker proved his value as a perimeter sniper with 7 made 3s in two games for the Tigers. Walker was confident without gunning, finding opportunities to let one go from beyond the arc wihile unselfishly swinging the ball to go from good to great for JR. Loved the defensive flashes that we saw from him both on and off the ball as a pesky defender that understands when to shoot the gap and slide in for a steal or deflection for his team. Expect him to create a name for himself this season as a shooter that must be accounted for on the scouting report.