15p 1r 5a 4s 6/14 FG 3/7 3P vs Western Reserve

-Popotte gave MZP some nice minutes this week as a scoring point guard that is doing a much better job of getting to his spots now that he is healthy. Popotte has an explosive first step, showed an ability to create his own shot off the bounce going both left and right from the high post, and uses his size to burst through gaps in the defense to score in the halfcourt. Popotte used the shooting gravity to blow by closeouts and get two feet in the paint to drop off to his bigs for easy bunnies around the rim– sustaining the offense to mount their eventual comeback. Defensively, he served as a disruptor with quick hands that swiped away steals as a helper that waited to tag the driver until they got into a spin move or had their back turned– effectively disrupting WRA’s offense and initiating the fastbreak at the same time.

Popotte caught our eye a couple of weeks ago with his command on the ball as the primary ball handler. He provides a presence and plays with pace that positively impacts both himself and the guys around him. He can Shepard the offense in the half court, push the pace with blazing end-to-end speed in transition, and isn’t afraid to use his athletic pop and attempts to put a defender on a poster. Popotte dazzled with floaters as he used great change-of-pace dribbled maneuvering the ball screen coverage and while he can convert them with regularity, keeps his eyes up for any last second cutters who may have a cleaner look at the cup.

Popotte joins the rankings here in Maryland after making to the move to Mt. Zion Prep. The 6-foot-2 guard bring tremendous end-to-end speed, wiggle, and athletic pop that’ll allow him to catch a few defenders off guard this season. He brings a command and a swagger as a point guard that should bode well for the Warriors when games get tight. He brings a secure handle against pressure, utilizes change-of-pace effectively, and an IQ in the half-court that should ensure execution.

Now playing for Mt. Zion Prep, Popotte had many moments yesterday that caught my eye and it starts with his explosiveness at the rim. In the matchup against Combine, Popotte got a switch on a high ball screen and waved off the screener to expose the mismatch against the opposing big where he blew by him before raising up and nearly putting another opposing forward in the rim. Popotte didn’t finish the dunk, but he drew the foul and took care of business at the line. This was just one of the many examples that we saw from the 6-foot-1 lead guard. He handled against pressure well and constantly checking in with head coach Rod Harrison on the sidelines as he quarterbacked the offensive in the half court.

Popotte is a smooth and crafty guard with an impressive ability to navigate through defenses and get to the rim with ease. His finishing at the basket is clinical, making him a constant scoring threat inside. Beyond his own scoring, he excels at setting up his teammates, creating opportunities and making everyone around him better. With his shiftiness and ball-handling, Popotte is always a step ahead, keeping defenders on their heels and controlling the tempo of the game.

Popotte is a go-go gadget floor general who has his fingerprints all over the game for his Mt. Zion Prep (MD) squad. If you blink Popotte would have already blown by you. He scored the basketball from an array of different spots. He is effective from three and converted on a frequent amount of attempts. He was in good spots to collect rebounds and has no issue pushing the tempo. Popotte is a prospect who low majors should be recruiting if they are in need of a jet point guard.

Poppotte put up big numbers in Rock Hill and showed why he’s one of the most dangerous scorers around. He’s a lethal offensive threat who can score at all three levels with ease. What sets him apart is his commitment on both ends—he locks in defensively and brings intensity every possession. A proven playmaker who consistently gets the job done.

Returning to the Wiz Kids 17s after repeating his junior year at Woodmere, Popotte is reaping the benefits from the added year of experience and growth, as shown in leading a well-rounded team win early Saturday morning. Looking notably stronger and more explosive than this time last year, he was a constant threat to beat defenders off the dribble where he went on to make consistent reads from the paint for himself or teammates. The NYC native also impressed with his refined pullup mechanics from the arc, getting his feet under him comfortably for a number of jumpers off the dribble to help put the game away. One of the more dynamic dribble-drive guards in the state, it’s apparent why Popotte is being tracked closely by several D1s already.

Young two-way guard who showed he can run the show and delivers the rock in transition or off of penetration and kick! He is an excellent passer who sets up plays with solid pull-up jumper. He showed he was comfortable stroking the 3 with consistency.

Popette is a quick and explosive guard who can blow by defenders with his speed. He excels at finishing around the rim, using his agility and creativity to score in traffic. Popette has a keen ability to exploit defensive gaps, always looking for opportunities to attack and create open shots. His quick decision-making and court awareness make him a constant threat on the offensive end.