Shykell Brown, Rondell Watson and the Starting Five

By PAUL GOTHAM

A look at some of the best performances from January 2nd-January 14th when yours truly has been on hand at games.

Shykell Brown 6-foot, Sr. G Bishop Kearney Kings (Private/Independent) – Dynamic ball handler who can play the game at a a variety of speeds, difficult to contain in open floor where he makes advanced decisions of when to pass and when to take the ball to the basket, finishes well in traffic with either hand, ability to pull-up and connect makes him a difficult guard, has to be defended beyond the 3-point arc, crafty playmaker in the half-court set who may be at his best as a pass-first point guard, not only gets the ball to teammates where they can score but does it in manner that others can score easily. Kearney averaged 55 points per game in three losses with Brown sidelined because of injury. The Kings scored 50 in the second half of his return to the lineup.

Tah-jae Hill 6-foot-1, So. G Hilton Cadets (Monroe County Division I) – Hill grabbed a spot in the Starting Five a lead ago, puts pressure on opposing defenses in a variety of means, foot speed and quickness set up his pull-up jumper that consistently keeps defenders on their heels, but his ability to blow by perplexes defenses who look to double team Hill, he has seamlessly infused a back-to-the-basket game, deft passer who reads well in pick-and-roll situations, repetitive motion to his shot which is uncanny considering he is still a 10th grader; defends in the post and defends on the perimeter, can contain opposing ball handler and mark opponent’s best perimeter scorer; tireless rebounder who resists first contact made in box-out situations.

VIEW MORE CHRIS ROACH PHOTOS HERE.

Devante Mateo 5-foot-9, Jr. G Monroe Redjackets (RCAC) – Pass-first point guard who picks his spots to score, lanky player who slips in an out of tight spaces with ease, advanced court vision with a quick release on passes, deft touch around the rim, he is difficult to stop off the dribble when he gets going downhill, at his best in the open court, but thrives in the half-court; aggressive defender who uses his wingspan to limit the vision of opposing ballhandlers, quick first step, demonstrates keen defensive instincts.

Rondell Watson 5-foot-11, Jr. G Leadership Academy Lions (RCAC) – Another returner to the Starting Five, supremely gifted offensive player whose confidence continues to grow with every game, an off guard a year ago who relied upon others to create scoring opportunities for him, he has become dynamic point guard this season, shooting range extends well beyond 3-point arc, but quick first step and ability to attack off the dribble makes him a threat to drive when a defense extends, has the ability to dominate from long range (connected on 10 3-pointers in 52-point performance earlier in the season) but don’t overlook his mid-range game, can stop and pop with a quick release; underrated playmaker who distributes the ball well; an active defender, he uses foot speed and keen instincts to frustrate opponents.

 

 

Aric Williams 6-foot-2, Jr. F Greece Odyssey Leopards (Monroe County Division IV) – Rugged inside force who understands his role, thrives on contact which he bounces off, can finish with either hand in traffic, runs the floor well and catches easily in stride; tireless rebounder with strong hands but still quick enough to run down a long carom in the corner, shows keen court vision in rebound and outlet situations; disciplined defender who clogs the lane without picking up needless fouls, quick enough to front the post yet agile enough to force bad shots when playing behind on the block.

AND ONE (given the added week of viewing)

Bryson Scott 6-foot-4, Sr. F Penfield Patriots (Monroe County Division I) – Smooth offensive player who is just scratching the surface with his talent, lanky with an impressive wingspan can step out on the perimeter and shoot over smaller players, sees the floor well and distributes with a deft passing touch, runs the floor well and finishes in transition; at his best when playing at the top of Penfield’s press, an agile defender he uses active hands to cut down court vision of opponents; reads caroms well off the rim and is an aggressive rebounder.