A look at some notable performances from February 5th – February 10th when yours truly has been on hand at games.
By PAUL GOTHAM
Ty Glasgow 6-foot-2, Jr. F Monroe Redjackets (RCAC) – Rugged interior player who easily sheds contact, can finish with either hand in traffic, makes sound decisions when catching ball with back to the basket, sees the floor well and distributes the ball to teammates in spots where they can score, capable finisher who runs the floor and catches the ball well in transition; aggressive rebounder, makes weight-room plays, always seems to be around the ball in carom situations; responsible defender who shows maturity with fundamental hedges in ball screen situations, capable of defending taller players while at the same time can hold his own against smaller guards.
Kobe Long 6-foot-2, So. G McQuaid Jesuit Knights (RCAC) – Athletically gifted with lithe movements on the hardwood which allow him to play the game at a different speed than others around him, easily changes gears with little to no disruption of balance; daring shooter who creates space on the floor for his teammates as he forces opposing defenses to extend well beyond their comfort level, has developed playmaking skills that set him apart, sees the floor well and understand the value of the extra pass; aggressive defender who refuses to back down or give in, moves well off the ball and on the flight; has a knack for running down long rebounds.
VIEW MORE CHRISTOPHER CECERE PHOTOS HERE.
Jackson Sullivan 6-foot-5, Sr. F Fairport Red Raiders (Monroe County Division I) – One of Section Five’s best back-to-the-basket performers who sets himself apart with the ability to stretch a defense, possesses text-book skills in the post where he uses his sturdy frame to seal off opponents and establish position, confident hands, combines agile footwork with a 250-pound build, can finish with either hand in traffic and blends a turnaround jumper with an up-and-under counter that handcuffs opponents, must be defended beyond the arc, possesses innate understanding of when to attack from the post and when to step out to the perimeter; responsible defender, walls up well in the post, keeps feet moving in the lane, uses height to limit visibility for opponents; establishes position in rebound situations and makes sounds decisions with outlet passes on the defensive end.
Patrick Thomas 6-foot-5, Jr. F Irondequoit Eagles (Monroe County Division II) – Unique blend of size, strength, speed and skill; spring-loaded, he is a voracious rebounder with an uncanny knack for getting a hand on every possible carom, boundless energy, constant motion, nearly impossible to contain in box-out situations, it is an understatement to say he thrives on contact – he uses body-to-body action as a tool, plays the game with reckless abandon and little to no regard for personal well-being; tireless defender, can step out on the perimeter and contain smaller guards, at the same time he neutralizes opposing interior players; can score with either hand in traffic, runs the floor well and finishes with authority in transition.
Billy Thomson 5-foot-10, Jr. G Wayne Eagles (Finger Lakes East) – Pass-first point guard who understands the value of pace and how to use it on his passes to put teammates in position to score, high basketball IQ, sturdy build with an impressive balance of hands, he is difficult to knock off his line and subsequently performs well in tight spaces, superior court vision, has to be guarded out to the 3-point arc, intelligently picks his spots as to when he is going to shoot; aggressive defender, at his best in defensive transition where he forces opposing ballhandlers off their line, sees one play ahead and anticipates well; plays the body well in rebounding situations.
And one…
Jalen Rose Hannah 5-foot-9, So. G Eastridge Lancers (Monroe County Division IV) – High motor, combines a low center of gravity with strong ball handling skills, gets downhill quickly in the open court and can finish in traffic, thrives on contact, still developing a reliable jumper; quick first step makes him a dangerous defender, moves well on the flight, tough on the ball, daring off the ball, routinely gets in passing lanes but can also take away the back door cut; aggressive rebounder; easily compensates for any possible size limitations with strength and will.
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