On Wednesday, Phenom Hoops traveled down to Charlotte, North Carolina, to watch the open gym session for ACE Skill Development. Entering their fifth year as a program, they are a scrappy group across the board. They’ll be a competitive team with a variety of prospects for college coaches to watch. Let’s take a closer look at both squads, starting with ACE Sanders…
Sanders:
Ayden Sanner
Likely to be a leader for this group, Sanner returns to the program as a key piece. He’s a combo guard with lethal shooting ability and deep range from beyond the arc. Sanner can find success without the ball or initiate the offense. Given his defensive energy and useful blend of shooting and ball-handling, he will be a difference-maker.
Jalen King
Another expected focal point, King really shined through his penetration sense and general ability off the bounce. He’s able to get downhill and finish at the basket, pull-up from midrange, or hit the occasional jumper from beyond the arc. King is a capable playmaker with a willingness to set up others whenever possible. He’s a quality athlete and displays solid feel for the game.
Brayden Sansavera
Although he showed the ability to knock down open shots with time and space, Sansavera arguably made his biggest impact through playing hard and doing the dirty work. He possesses a nonstop motor and doesn’t require a ton of touches to make his presence felt. Sansavera works hard to secure extra possessions and second-chance opportunities.
Jordan Arnett
Easily one of the best shooters on the team, Arnett displays smooth mechanics and a consistent jumper along the perimeter. He’s sneaky-athletic with a quick first step and the ability to attack closeouts as needed. However, Arnett typically plays to his strengths by moving without the ball, finding open seams, and capitalizing off the catch.
Mario Hays
It doesn’t take long to recognize the balance Hays brings from the point guard position. He’s a quality creator, both for himself and others, who can set up others or aggressively apply scoring pressure from all levels. Hays displays very high confidence with the ball in his hands and is capable of setting the tone as a focal point offensively.
Gene Walker & Brandon Quick
Two tough, scrappy guards who should be impact pieces for this group. Walker is a point guard with a quality penetration sense and quality defensive instincts at the point of attack. He understands how to manage the game on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Quick find success through his motor, work ethic, and willingness to do whatever to help his team. He makes hustle plays and involves himself in the offense as needed.
Benjamin Burhans & Jeremiah Boswell
Rounding out this group, Burhans and Boswell will be two x-factors. Burhans is long, skinny, and excels as a shooting threat in spot-up situations. He moves well without the ball and plays with solid energy on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Boswell is an athletic forward with a strong frame and developing skillset. His motor and array of physical tools should allow him to be disruptive for opponents.