Game 3 Marian 62 GVAP 74
Ehud Tesfaye 6’2 SR PG C+
A solid showing from the senior lead guard for Marion, despite starting the game with a rough shooting performance. Ehud had a very impressive third quarter, displaying his tough shot-making and playmaking ability. The 6’2 point guard is a solid defender, good decision-maker, and a more than capable scorer. Ehud can improve his consistency from behind the line (1/7). His motor took some time to get going as well and I’d like to see him more assertive as the vocal leader while playing the point guard position. But overall, he was very impressive.
Mathias Baye 7ft 2 Jr C B-
Mathias displayed his full arsenal as a rim-protecting elite lob threat with his ability to block multiple shots and catch lobs all over the court, no matter if it was a good or bad pass. His combination of soft touch around the rim and quick jumps help him finish at the basket. Mathias’ conditioning was also very impressive as he played nearly the entire game (28 min) and didn’t look winded at all. He did miss a few bunnies around the rim and got stripped a few times as well, which can be improved through weight training and consistency, but all in all, he was very impressive. I would like to see him be a bit more assertive in the low post area, demanding the ball, since he’ll frequently have a clear height advantage. Overall good showing.
Didi Zangum 6’9 SR F B+
Didi was Mr. Consistent for Good Vision, filling up the stat sheet tonight. He was automatic anytime he got the ball in transition and on dump-offs in the half-court set (9/10 FG). Didi is 6’9 but moves like a very comfortable and athletic wing. He can also put the ball on the floor when needed to. What was most impressive about Didi was his motor on both sides of the floor. He’s great on the ball defensively against bigs and can switch on the perimeter. I would like to see if he is a comfortable shooter to be able to stretch defenses. Overall, this kid is great; I’m surprised he isn’t signed.
Game 4 BTPA 73 EOP Red 62
Dalon Minor 6ft SR PG C+
Dalon had a very solid performance tonight, displaying his two-way ability from start to finish. The 6ft senior guard caused havoc on the defensive end, finishing the game with 3 steals and leading multiple up-tempo defensive possessions. Minor was also just as impressive on the offensive end. He showed his ability to get in the lane on multiple possessions and finish through contact. Dalon was perfect from the free-throw line as well (4/4). There were possessions where he was sped, which led to uncomfortable decision-making. Minor did shows leadership on the court with his dog mentality and relentlessness. He can work on his outside shooting to serve as more of a threat offensively. But overall, he was very impressive on both ends of the floor.
Zion Ibeke 6ft 6 JR G/W B+
Zion Ibekwe was extremely impressive tonight. He’s very athletic, a great slasher, and an all-around mismatch for most with his 6’6″ frame and left-hand craftiness. He displayed his body control with multiple tough finishes around the rim, and his versatility facing up knocking down multiple mid-range jump shots. He also was perfect from the free throw line (4/4). He has an extremely high motor, and it was on full display from the opening tip. I would like to see Zion work on his outside shooting ability, as he didn’t attempt a three-pointer tonight. Also, with him being a left-handed player, working on being a right-hand driver as well could be a game changer. Overall Zion has a great feel for the game.
Donovan Fears 6’8 F JR C
Donovan was solid for EOP tonight in a tough loss. Fears impressed me with his versatile inside-out play at 6’8″. He was great defensively, anchoring a lot of defensive possessions and blocking multiple shots (3 blocks). He also has a pretty solid skill set on the offensive end. He’s great around the rim and has a soft touch on his jump shot. He showed his ability to handle the ball at times as well. I would’ve liked to see Donovan be a little more aggressive on the offensive end because his ability is there. His impact was felt outside of the stat sheet. I definitely see potential.
10 pts 3 rebs 1 asst 3 blk
Game 5 The New School 52 Xavier Prep 60
Montana Wheeler 5ft 11 SR PG A-
The Bradley commit was by far the most impressive player of the night. Montana led the attack for Xavier as they pulled away late in the second half of tonight’s game. His ability to push the ball in transition and create easy shots for not just himself, but for his teammates (6 assists) as well, was on full display. He was just as good on the defensive end, being extremely active on the ball (3 steals) and vocal off the ball, helping to anchor the defense. What was most impressive about his performance was his elite level of conditioning. Montana played the entire game (32 minutes) and was hands down the fastest player on the court BY FAR. He took NO PLAYS OFF. Although he only made one three-pointer (1/7), his smooth mechanics and high confidence make him a threat from outside. He also was perfect from the free-throw line (3/3). Overall, he was great.