Jah’ Siah Payne, New Manchester
Payne sports nice frame with hood shoulders. In a game where touches can be limited Payne was efficient, decisive, and displayed good vision. Payne did a good job getting downhill and getting to his spots in 3 dribbles, moved the ball if he didn’t have an opportunity, and did a really good job of finding open teammates on time and target.
Charlie Gersmehl, Gainesville
6-foot-7 forward Charlie Gersmehl was effective with limited touches. He showed some perimeter skill with some tough downhill drives and the ability to drive closeouts and settle into a nice mid-range jumpshot. I also liked his toughness at the rim, finishing baskets through contact. He also does a good job away from the ball timing his basket cuts, spacing, and relocating in reference to the ball.
Jacob Zhu, DeVyn Stephens Academy
Offensively, Jacob did a good job of directing traffic and facilitating. Both in transition and in the halfcourt he consistently got two feet in the paint often and found open teammates. He’s also a shooting threat and work both the mid-range and three point line well. I loved what I saw from Jacob defensively. He was really good at the point of attack, using his combo of quick feet and hands to anticipate and cut off ball handlers and create turnovers.
Kingston Whitty, The Lovett School
Kingston played with good pace and flow when he had the ball in his hands. Whitty showed the ability to create off the bounce, getting to the mid-range or the paint but also show his catch and shoot ability. He routinely made the right play whether it was a pass to a teammate or a shot for himself. Defensively he did a good job of being in the right help positions and also containing the dribble at the point of attack.