Second weekly installment taking a look at the student-athletes over the last seven days (December 3-9) who stood out while yours truly was in attendance. Worth noting, I was found at Al Masino Court on Friday night and not Rush-Henrietta. Therefore I did not see Tah’jae Hill’s 41-point performance.
Michael Harrington 6-foot-3 Sr. G Pittsford-Mendon (Monroe County Division III) – Outside threat who blends an accurate scoring touch with the ability to create opportunities for teammates, quick release, comfortable in catch-and-shoot situations but can also put the ball to floor, effective and economic use of the dribble to create space, sees the floor well; responsible rebounder who makes contact early while the ball is in flight and has the ability to stay with the man; disciplined defender, moves well on the flight of the ball and takes away driving angles, rotates well into help side.
Jaden Hartsfield 6-foot-2 Jr. G/F Greece Odyssey (Monroe County Division IV) – Blossoming into one of Section V’s hidden gems, has the nickname of “Sticks” because of his lanky frame, he knows how to use this build to his advantage, has to be defended beyond the 3-point arc, but smaller guards struggle to create any level of interference for him, he easily sees over smaller players and uses his wingspan to create an elevated release point, not afraid to put the ball to floor he keeps defenders in check with a smooth touch on floaters, with all that mind it is easy to overlook his ability move without the ball, he understands how to create and use angles to gain an advantage on opposing defenders; patient defender who will jump a passing lane when it appropriate.
Kobe Long 6-foot-1 Jr. G McQuaid Jesuit (RCAC) – A returner to the Starting Five mix, has made a relatively seamless transition from off guard to primary ball handler without any apparent drop off in scoring, smooth and agile he plays the game at his speed with an impressive level of calmness, adept passer who understands the importance of giving the ball to a teammate where he can score, some dish off the ball as a last resort to avoid a turnover, this is not a concern with Long, a couple of years ago it could have been suggested that while playing in a lineup with the likes of Thomas Jones and Isaiah Stewart (7-8 games) as well as Anthony Iglesia, Long was thriving as the fourth or fifth option on the floor, that is no longer the case, he has to be defended beyond the 3-point arc and off the dribble; plays defense with sound instincts, shoots passing lanes well and sees one play ahead.
Kai McCullough 6-foot-1 Fr. F East (RCAC) – Rugged interior performer who plays until the whistle, sure hands with the ability to score on either side of the basket, bounces off contact, fearless, stays within himself on the court, does not need the ball to work hard; active rebounder, ball-getter who wards off opponents, effectively feeds the outlet man; active feet on defense, can guard bigger and more experienced players in the post, at the same time can step out on the perimeter and cover smaller players.
Terrence Reid 6-foot Sr. F Eastridge (Monroe County Division IV) – Solid post player who is comfortable with his back-to-the basket, at the same time he can catch at the high post and use the dribble to create a lane, smooth scoring touch, can finish with other hand around the rim; responsible defender who gets position on the opponent before the ball is passed, keeps his feet in motion; tireless rebounder with strong hands, easily holds position on the block.
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