By PAUL GOTHAM
With the Section V boys’ basketball playoffs set to tip off, a survey of the 2023 class.
LOGAN DUNBAR 6-foot-2-inch Fr. G/F Wellsville Lions (Independent) — Inside-outside threat who is already showing an advanced game; with sure hands Dunbar is a consistent contributor around the basket, he works well on the receiving end of drive-and-dish situations, can finish in traffic from either side of the rim, causes match-up problems for opposing defenses when he steps out behind the 3-point arc where he has to be guarded; an intelligent defender, he understands how to beat the ball handler to the spot, he defends before his man catches the ball; an aggressive rebounder, he sheds the initial contact in box-out situations. Wellsville hosts the Mynderse/Early College winner in the Class B2 quarter-finals. A 4 p.m. tip-off is scheduled Saturday, February 29.
JACKSON GREEN 6-foot Fr. G Pittsford Mendon Vikings (Monroe County Division III) — Versatile scorer with a clam demeanor; in transition, in the half-court, off the dribble and off the catch Green has shown the ability to finish through a variety of means, at his best running the break where he is able to catch and make smooth decisions, he slows the game to his speed, works well without the ball and rarely seems off-balance, with a quick release he has to be guarded beyond the 3-point arc, but his ability to put the ball to floor and draw direct lines makes opposing defenses shift; a heady defender, he moves while the ball is in flight, closes out well while containing the ball handler; responsible rebounder who makes it a priority to gain position in box-out situations; averaging 13.9 points per game he has topped double figures in 10 of his last 11 outings. Mendon hosts Brockport in the Class A1 quarter-finals. A 4 p.m. tip-off is slated Saturday, February 29.
MARKUS ROBINSON 6-foot-1 Fr. G C.G. Finney Falcons (Private-Parochial) – Rugged player who thrives on contact; quick first step with a strong upper body allows him to get to the basket where he finishes with either hand, flashes a mid-range game and can also step out behind the 3-point arc, developing into a playmaker; relentless rebounder he keeps feet moving while ball is in the air, does not stop moving after initial box out; reliable defender who shows the potential for guarding a variety of positions, averaging a Section V-high 45.5 points per game for a squad scoring 79 points per outing, ranks sixth among career, active scoring leaders with 1,529 points. Finney will host Canisteo-Greenwood in the opening round of Class C1. A 7 p.m. tip off is scheduled Tuesday, February 25.
NOLAN SMITH 6-foot-4-inch Fr. C Honeoye Falls-Lima Cougars (Monroe County Division IV) — Maturing finisher who is proving himself on the defensive end; Smith has a knack for keeping himself ready around the basket, adept at catching and finishing in right quarters he can score on either side of the rim; learning how to defend his man before the ball is received, he is anticipates well in the post and understands how to create a wall against would-be finishers; a capable rebounder, he is becoming the focus of opposing teams looking to keep him away from the basket, averages 7.0 points per game. HF-L travels to take on Wayne in the Class A2 quarter-finals. A 7 p.m. tip time is scheduled Saturday, February 29.
MYKEL WHITE 6-foot-3-inch Fr. G/F Aquinas Li’l (Independent) — Slashing guard with a penchant for making big plays on the defensive end; White picks his spots to contribute to AQ’s offensive production, strong in catch-and-face situations, he gains rhythm off the dribble leading to a growing mid-range game, shows the ability to get to the rim where he one finish with either; disciplined off the ball on defense, he anticipates well and understands how to get in passing lanes; a strong rebounder, he is already challenging more experienced players around the rim, scores four points per game. Aquinas hosts Fairport in the opening round of Class AA. A 7 p.m. tip is slated Tuesday, February 25.
Names to know of other student-athletes from the 2023 class: Michael Rowland (eighth grade)/Avon and Will Scanlon/Aquinas.
Leave a Reply