By PAUL GOTHAM
A look at some of last week’s (12/4-12/10) best performances when yours truly was on hand.
Miles Brown 6-foot-1 Jr. G Northstar Christian Academy Knights (Private/Independent) – A first team Class C All-State selection, Brown possesses the unique quality of slowing the game to his speed, he is comfortable in the open court making decisions whether to feed teammates or go to the basket, deft touch with either hand at the rim, had the chance to go at Corning (IV) big man, 6-foot-6 Myles Bankston and didn’t flinch, has range beyond the 3-point arc which makes him all the more dangerous, scary to think he might grow and with the guard skills he is developing he will become a special talent if he isn’t already; played on the backline of a 1-3-1 zone and took a pair of charges, strong on the ball when playing man-to-man, makes intelligent adjustments off the ball.
Brennan Clark 6-foot-3, So. F Wilson-Magnet Wildcats (RCAC) – Wiry inside player who keeps moving when the ball is in the air, sheds contact, slips through tight spaces, ball getter with sure hands, uses soft touch to finish with either hand at the rim, runs the floor well and catches the ball while in full stride; plays responsibly on the defensive end, works well off the ball, uses active, long arms as an asset, conscientious rebounder.
VIEW MORE CHRISTOPHER CECERE PHOTOS HERE.
Ben DiGiovanni 6-foot-3 So. G Pittsford Sutherland Knights (Monroe County III) – Inside/outside threat who moves well without the ball, can knock down a jumper from behind the arc, does his damage in the midrange, has soft touch on pull-up jumper, can finish with contact at the rim, runs the floor well in transition, catch and finish player on the break, possesses the ability to heat up quickly; defensively – moves well when ball is in flight, stays within himself.
AJ Gray 6-foot-4 Jr. G/F Bishop Kearney Kings (Private/Independent) – Plays bigger than he is, has back-to-the basket game with soft touch on baby hook, at the same time he can knock down mid-range jumper, sure hands, works well in traffic; strong rebounder with advanced leaping ability, he is tough to block out, impressive ability to rebound and outlet, sees the floor well in transition and can start the break; aggressive defender who is comfortable marking a variety of positions, can stick with smaller guards in ball screen situations while having obvious ability to stay with big men.
Nigel Scantlebury 6-foot Sr. G Greece Athena Trojans (Monroe County III) – A repeat performer on the Starting Five from last season; made noticeable improvement in his game during the off-season, is comfortable receiving the ball and making decisions any where on the floor, was a 3-point threat last season, but has improved his ability to attack the rim, fearless taking the ball at big men in the paint, has a spin dribble that he uses well and a midrange game to keep opposing defenders off-balance, underrated passer who sees open teammates when others might overlook; aggressive rebounder especially from the weak side; uncanny defender who sees one pass ahead, can challenge in the passing lane on wings and still keep the back door cut in check.
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