Taking a look at some of the top hardwood performers from the week of December 9-15th.
Myles Blackwood 6-foot-2-inch So. G/F Aquinas Li’l Irish (Independent) — Sturdily-built performer who is at his best going to the basket. Blackwood thrives on contact and consistently finishes with either hand in traffic, creates matchup problems with his ability to connect in the mid-range forcing bigger post players away from the basket where he can use the dribble to attack, smaller guards have little to no chance when forced to defend him on the block; a tireless rebounder he resists the first block out attempt and keeps his feet in motion; can seamlessly guard a variety of positions, stepping out on ballhandlers while at the same time chesting up with bigger forwards in the post.
Jaleel Davis 5-foot-10-inch Jr. G Irondequoit Eagles (Monroe County Division II) – Crafty playmaker who comes off the bench; a pass-first point guard with a knack for finding seams in the defense and putting the ball in the hands of teammates where they can score, effective in ball screen situations where he uses the dribble to create space and angles to open passing lanes, understands the use of pace on his passes to find opportunities for teammates, comfortable in the open court looking ahead for teammates; responsible defender who easily maintains balance while disrupting dribble path of opponents.
Ella Fadale 5-foot-6 inch So. G Brockport Blue Devils (Monroe County Division III) — Dynamic guard who can dictate game flow on both ends of the floor. Fadale is at her best finding teammates ahead of the defense, keen ability to recognize when an opponent has head turned and delivers the pass in that moment, has to be stopped off the dribble or will routinely break down a defense, makes sound decisions when drawing help defense and choosing between dishing to teammates or finishing at the rim, at the same time she has to be defended beyond the 3-point arc where she is a threat; a relentless defender, she understands how to beat an opponent to the spot and take away the driving path thus forcing that ball handler away from the basket.
Kayshawn Ross 6-foot-3-inch F/G University Preparatory Charter School For Young Men/UPrep Griffins (Independent) — Potent scorer who has the ability to hurt opposing defenses through a variety of means. At his best in the open court taking defenders one-on-one to the basket, a challenging matchup, has added a consistent 3-point shot to his arsenal which forces opponents to play him tight, strong off the bounce, makes economic use of the dribble and his length to slash to the rim where he can finish with either hand; instinctual defender, he anticipates well and moves on the flight of the ball, makes quick transition from defense to offense.
Anya Watkins 6-foot F/G Webster Schroeder Warriors (Monroe County Division I) – Inside-outside threat who is scratching at the surface of her ability; uses an impressive baby hook to score in and around the basket, sets up the shot with deft footwork and body control, she comfortably establishes the inside shoulder to create space from the defender, soft touch on her shot, able to step out beyond the 3-point arc where she has to be defended; aggressive rebounder, she reads caroms off the rim well and has strong hands to secure the board in traffic; responsible defender, footwork again is key here as she keeps moving while the ball is in flight to gain position.
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