19p 9r 7/15 FG 5/5 FT vs Takoma Academy

-Haysbert continues to function effectively as the offensive lynchpin for a young Loyola Blakefield group on the low block. Haysbert is carving out space effectively on the low block and holding that seal to create better pocket passing angles or passing angles for the throw over the top for the catch and finish in traffic under the rim. His touch around the rim is consistent and he has the strength to hold onto post entry passes through double teams and not turn the ball over by bringing the ball low where guards can swipe away at a steal. I like that he is getting into his move much more quickly and decisively, and think the next stage in his development is using that low post scoring gravity to find his teammates on the perimeter for open jumpers to open up his ability to operate around the rim.

17 points vs McDonogh

-Big body forward prospect that improves his scoring touch and post footwork with each viewing. His strength to finish through contact has improved as has his catch radius on post entries. Want to see him do his work early a bit more often carving out space on the block so it’s a simple turn and hook shot from the block before double teams can arrive. But he shows flashes of pick n pop ability from the elbows and shot-blocking rebound upside to balance out his long term projection as a physical four that can’t be left open.

It was assumed that first year head coach Roger Garfield would undergo a rebuilding job when he took the Loyola Blakefield gig. Haysbert is arguably the biggest piece for both now and the future as the 6-foot-6 forward has strung together a very productive sophomore campaign with his fair share of double-doubles to show for it. The Dons are battling through the growing pains, but the signs that Haysbert and others have shown as the season progresses have been optimistic. Loyola is 6-15 overall.

Haysbert is another intriguing prospect that will spend time at both forward spots for his high school team this season. He may even log some minutes at the five to make up for the overall lack of size that Loyola has this season, but all of this should only force Haysbert’s overall game to improve. He’ll have a chance to show his worth in the open floor as a streaker, play out of ball screen actions as the roller, or get some opportunity in face-ups from the mid-post. In our most recent viewing of Haysbert, there were clear indications that he’s becoming more comfortable growing into his body, but there is still a ways to go with any prospect his size and age. The Dons will need as much production as they can get out of the intriguing sophomore, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can answer the call.

Haysbert caught the eye at times this grassroots season with Team Thrill on the UAA circuit but Saturday offered a nice opportunity to see the full scope of his abilities. With somewhat of an old-school, slow-mo approach, the budding faceup forward was effective using footwork, ball skills, and developing strength to take opposing defenders off the bounce for cerebral drives both in the halfcourt and open floor. He flashed a workable jumper out to the perimeter and brought an overall tough-nosed approach that was appreciated especially in a camp setting. While he’s not the most explosive athlete, Haysbert’s blend of size and skill should make him a fixture in the Loyola rotation and place him on D1 radars at some point in the future.