Matisse Goyens 6'5 210 2023 Phoebus High School, Hampton VA/Boo Williams E15 (Hite)
Matisse had an outstanding summer in 2019 helping to lead Boo Williams-Hite to the 14U AAU National Title. He followed that up getting quality minutes in his initial varsity season for Phoebus High School (Hampton VA) where he flashed some impressive work on the glass and showed the ability to score away from and at the rim. Big and strong yet showing very good speed and agility running the floor, Matisse is very good catching and finishing in transition as he has excellent footwork and great hands. For a player so young, big and strong he has surprising agility and nimbleness. On his high school team where they often used an open post, he would clear to the short corner or short corner extended and was a threat to knock down the catch and shoot jumper at a very good rate. His range extends comfortably to about 18 feet where he is efficient and effective, also capable of knocking down the occasional three pointer. He has very good shot mechanics and a great touch. Matisse uses his strength effectively around the rim whether carving space for himself to post up, or to limit opposing posts from setting up where they want. He is strong enough to hold most defenders off with his forearm as he seals inside and shows outstanding hands and footwork receiving the pass and making a strong move to the rim.
Matisse shows great touch using the glass and on the turnaround jumper. He has a great feel, moves well without the ball. He reads the defense and is able to use a dribble move or good passing skills and awareness to pass out of attempted double teams. Defensively he knows how to use his leverage and strength defending the post and not allowing opponents to settle in so deep and comfortably. He also has quick enough feet and sound enough footwork to navigate the paint fronting the post or showing on ball screens. He is overpowering in pursuit of rebounds with a powerful first jump. Some opponents who try to jump with him seem to collapse being overwhelmed at his size and power when battling him for loose balls or for rebounds unable to match his physicality. He takes little time to gather for a second jump but it is often unnecessary, Matisse has a long wingspan and strong hands and once he secures the basketball there is no talking it away from him! His timing is excellent and he rebounds the basketball high. Matisse is a high character and likable young man off the court but he will wear you out on the court with his size and endless motor.
Coach Rick Hite who coached (Suffolk VA) Kings Fork High School to a state basketball title this past season coached Mattise last summer on a national championship team and will coach him this summer on the Boo Williams EYBL 15U team speaks highly of Matisse's coachability and work ethic. 'Mattise works very hard and truly wants to be elite!' It's going to be exciting watching his continued development as he is already farther along than most freshmen in his skill, physical and mental approach. Matisse is going to be a dominant presence over the next three seasons at the high school level and he should find plenty of college interest by the time he finishes up in 2023!
