As sectionals move into the quarter-final round, a look at some the top performers from the 9th grade class:
Ethain Clarke DeSouza 6-foot Fr. G School of the Arts Silverhawks (RCAC) – Exciting potential, rugged guard who sheds contact on his way to the basket, able to finish with either hand in traffic, impressive mid-range game, able to create his own shot and get opportunities for teammates, still developing a consistent long-range game which will make him all the more difficult to stop; advanced rebounder with strong hands, able to release quickly with outlets, at the same time can bust it up the middle of the floor when the situation warrants; impressive defender who guards one through five on the floor, gives up little in any head-to-head situation; fans will have to wait (unless you catch him on the AAU circuit) to see DeSouza, his SOTA Silverhawks were eliminated in opening round action.
Luke Insley 5-foot-8, Fr.. G Webster Schroeder Warriors (Monroe County Division II) – He’s too young to know of Paul Newman legend, but Insley is a “Cool Hand,” need to remind oneself that he is only a freshman, makes effective use of the dribble to create shots or passes, impressive range with discipline, rarely takes unwarranted shots, wants the ball in end-of-game situations and is not afraid to take the last shot … and can deliver in those opportunities; disciplined defender who doesn’t over commit, uses fundamental footwork to contain opposing ball handlers, moves on flight in off-the-ball situations; active and disciplined rebounder who is responsible when the ball is in the air.
VIEW MORE CHRISTOPHER CECERE PHOTOS HERE.
Ky’Mere Meeks 6-foot-2 Fr. F Webster Schroeder Warriors (Monroe County Division II) – Raw talent who thrives on keeping it simple, effortless leaper with impressive fast-twitch muscles, keeps moving after initial contact made by opponents in box-out situations, keeps feet moving, able to finish around the basket, disciplined enough to keep the ball at shoulder height or higher in rebound situations, when he puts the ball to floor he maximizes one dribble, runs the floor well; aggressive defender who doesn’t back down, should be enjoyable to watch as he develops his interior defensive game.
Jacob Shadders 5-foot-11 Fr. G Pittsford Mendon Vikings (Monroe County Division III) – Crafty playmaker with an impressive dose of bravado; possesses a unique blend of agility, court vision and strength, capable of finding teammates in transition with surprising pace on passes, knows how to use the dribble effectively to create passing lanes in the half-court; elevated release point on jumper makes him difficult to defend, has to be defended beyond the arc, quick first step makes him a threat to get to the basket, smooth mechanics getting the ball from the catch to release point, thrives in big moments; uses length as a disruption to opponents on the defensive end; active rebounder.
Justin Smith 6-foot-2, So. G Lyons Lions (Wayne County League) – Not quite as tall of a backcourt player as his older brother and 6-foot-4 teammate Justice Smith, but still has above average size for a guard in this area; has the strength, coordination and basketball IQ at a young age to frequently assist teammates on transition buckets with outlet passes, including baseball heaves; already one of the peskiest on-ball defenders in the section, resulting in him routinely getting under the skin of opposing players and knocking them off their game; on the offensive end, has no qualms about banging bodies if it means he can score on a drive to the tin on a given offensive possession.
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