Ani Umana:
Future150 Southwest Recruiting Analyst. Covering high & middle school basketball in TX, LA, OK, NM, AZ.
McKinney, TX (Future150) -- Primetime Sports hosted their tournament in McKinney, Texas and there was a good turnout from middle school to high school. Let's look at the top middle school players and high school players of the first day.
High School
Ashley Mukendi (The Nation 2018) The 6'6" forward showcased his versatility on offense and defense. Mukendi mainly operated from the high post on offense, but can shoot the mid-range and make one move and go from the perimeter from time to time. He is a solid rim protector. If needed he can defend the perimeter with strength.
Luke Cox (Texas Elite Addidas, 2018) The guard was slow to impress. He did get on a instant hot streak and started making three after three. Most of them were contested too. Cox is very deadly from the catch and shoot and was playing point guard for most of the game. Cox led his team to a double overtime victory against Xpress Black.
Xavier Smith (Higher Goals, 2018) Smith runs his team well in the half court setting. Smith does not have quick handles, but he can handle pressure well and not commit turnovers.
Rodrick Mason (CG Wolves, 2018) Mason is a guard that took the duties of running point guard for his team. He did a very good job getting other players involved in the offense. He got to the lane and finished well and hit some timely threes when the opposing team was making a run.
MVP
Joshua Sanders (CG Wolves 2018) The 6'5" post was a problem for teams all day. His bulk allowed him to create space in the post. He is patient and does not force the issue once the ball is in his hands. Sanders can score with contact and is not afraid to bang with the bigger post. He receives MVP for the high school.
Middle School
Jaedaun Slack (Team EAT, 2020) Slack did what he does best and that was outmuscle most guards and get easy buckets. Slack impresses more and more each tournament. He is becoming a more confident passer.
Brayden Gerlich (3D, 2020) Gerlich was shooting a high percentage from the perimeter today and has shown improvement on his ball handling abilities since January. Gerlich has been improving so far in the spring.
JeMarcus Caldwell ( Dream Team, 2019) Top 20 camper from the Future150 Underclassmen Dallas event. Caldwell showcased his quickness with the ball and vision in transition. He played in both 8th grade and 9/10 grade boys division and did a good job playing point guard.
Co MVP's for Middle School
Lewis Greenard (Team Xtreme, 2019) The athletic post made his presence felt on both sides of the ball. Greenard rebounded at a very high rate, as if he had a nose for the ball. He also finished well with contact. The pivot showed the potential to handle the ball around the perimeter and score. Though Greenard scored plenty he does not need plays to spring him for buckets. He can create on his own.
Benjamin Smith (OKC Flight, 2019) Benjamin Smith is a very efficient scorer. He will score at any angle in the mid-range, pass through double teams, and finish with both hands. The forward plays like a stretch power forward, but he is also athletic and quick for his size. He shares the MVP with Greenard.
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