By: Cooper Hart
6’8” ’25 Cash McSweeney (SW15H Elite)
McSweeney showcased a ton of perimeter growth in two high profile matchups on Saturday. He looks much more confident in his outside shot, evidenced by his quicker release, cleaner footwork, and overall willingness to shoot it when open. He’s more comfortable attacking closeouts and creating for himself outside of 15 feet. His ability to change directions on drives was promising to see as he showed a quicker first step and was able to navigate through traffic well. Look for McSweeney to continue to expand his outside game as his confidence and comfort level with the ball rise.
6’8” ’25 Isaac Ericksen (SW15H Elite)
Ericksen continues to see the tools actualize into production and this weekend was evidence of that. His shooting mechanics looked much smoother compared to this past high school season, leading to a highly efficient weekend from behind the arc. He finished through traffic well all weekend, specifically after drives. His ability to get all the way to the rim when driving against smaller and more athletic defenders is impressive which makes the finishing on the move through contact even more impressive. He also stood out defensively, able to use his length to alter a ton of shots as either the weakside or primary rim protector.
6’10” ’24 Gabriel Mabor (Team CP3)
Mabor had an interesting weekend as he shined as a rim protector, rebounder, and post passer. His length, athleticism, mobility, and instincts defensively and on the glass are simply different. He’s a physical specimen that’s moves very well for his size and has a natural understanding of how to alter shots and control the glass. He plays with a high motor and clearly understands that he can make his biggest impact by leaning fully into that role. Mabor also made some very intriguing passes this weekend, able to find open teammates on the weakside of post doubles consistently.
6’ ’23 Elijah Preddy (All Carolina)
Preddy is an unsigned senior who should have much more traction in his recruitment than he currently does. This weekend he showed off the full arsenal as a shifty playmaker that can guard his position well. His ability to create space with his handle can’t be described as anything other than unique. He uses his body to juke and create space on the ball as opposed to relying on his handle, similar to a running back or wide receiver in football. That type of movement makes him a difficult guard, something that he can take advantage of with his passing vision and tough shot making ability.
6’1” ’24 Quasim Oden (Team Wall)
Oden enjoyed a successful weekend with Team Wall, playing the role of downhill guard and rugged defender. His patience and persistence on drives to the rims was notable as he was attacking hard while staying under control, allowing himself to make reads easier on the move. Also, he did a good job of both changing directions on drives without losing momentum and regaining momentum by reattacking from new angles mid-drive. That ability to always find his way into the paint was accentuated by his touch and body control at the rim. He always seemed to find a way to either make the tough layup or earn his way to the foul line.