A talented shooting guard who can get to the rim and score over taller defenders, Rivera is an offensive force at times. His size and skill package allow him to score from the mid range in addition to getting to the basket. River likes to back down defenders and then rise up over them for shots in the lane. He also attacks the rim with regularity and often draws fouls on opponents contesting his shots. Rivera started for Pius XI Catholic as a sophomore and averaged 8.4 points and 3.9 rebounds for coach Dan Carey’s squad.

Rivera was a tone-setter for ABC Lions with a strong two-way performance at Madness in the Midwest. Defensively, he used his quick feet and strong frame to wall off drivers and absorb contact in the paint. Offensively, he showcased a polished floor game with crafty footwork, heady fakes, and a patient approach playing off two feet. Rivera led by example with poise and grit.

Torrence is a player I think could start to breakout a bit this spring/summer. He has a nice frame at 6’2, and is able to handle the ball or play out on the wing for his team. He showcased impressive vision both in the half-court and transition, able to pick up a number of assists in the game I saw. When he gets into the lane he has the composure to play off two feet and create with his footwork. Torrence has the athleticism to finish right at the rim, but also has the touch to pull-up for a mid-range jumper when the space is there. He helped lead his team to a win over D1 Minnesota Gold in the game I watched.

Rivera ran with the ABC Young Lions over the summer. He takes on his sophomore campaign at Pius XI. He proved capable of breaking his matchup down on a consistent basis. Team 3 was able to play through him to attack off the advantage. Rivera was elusive with his attack and springy at the rim. I was also impressed with his consistent jump shot after freezing defenders. 

I wasn’t familiar with Torrence coming into the day, but he impressed almost immediately in the game I watched. At 6’2 he has a long frame out on the perimeter, and was putting it to use on the defensive end. He was getting up in passing lanes, cutting off smaller guards on the ball, and rebounding at a high level for a guard. Offensively he can hit the open three, and was aggressive getting to the rim for high percentage looks.

Rivera controlled the Lions offense Saturday against Next Level. Showed lots of poise as a point guard to hit buckets when needed. Also attacked the glass to keep plays alive. Playmaking was good too. Nice bounce-pass to a cutting teammate to give them a lead in the 2nd half. But took over the game in the final stages. Buried a contested 3-pointer while converting an and-one as well. Then pushed off a defender for a floater in the paint. 6’2” PG is a name to watch in Wisconsin. 

Rivera’s ability to make plays and create offense was key in ABC Young Lions matchup with Dakota Phenom. Rivera showed a keen ability to find the open man with an impressive display of passing as well as being able to take the shot himself if the open man wasn’t there. Rivera also showed that he can take it to the rim and finish as well with a couple of nice layups, his shooting ability stands out but he also has the size and speed to challenge defenders in the paint as well.