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Oakville Venom Tournament Standouts: Micqueel Martin Rules The Court

Published by Gilbert Muako on May 10, 2011

Twelve of the best OBA U17 teams came into the Humber College athletic facility this past weekend to take part in the Annual Oakville Venom Tournament. The event showcases some talented 2013 prospects and some highly competitive games went down to wire. YAAACE went undefeated all weekend winning a championship battle against a talented Oakville Venom team and the Etobicoke Thunder led by Adam Djukic’s hot shooting were able to capture Bronze in an intense overtime win versus the Mississauga Monarchs. This event gave us a good look at where some the programs stand going into the Provincials about two weeks from now. Thanks to program director Toney McNeil and the whole Oakville Venom Program for putting on a smooth and well run event.

STANDOUTS:

Micqueel Martin 6’2 CG YAAACE 2013
Martin truly came to play this weekend and it showed on his face with every second on the floor, brought his game to a high level this weekend, looking like a top tier guy in the 2013 class again. He’s added a good amount of muscle but still sustains his explosiveness. Got to the rim with quickness and power making him unstoppable off the dribble, he shined from outside also shooting the ball better than we’ve seen in a while as he went on stretches where he hit 3 straight with the defense close. Most noticeably in the championship game where he would break out to score 13 points in the second quarter with his team down 15. He put up big numbers and made big plays all in the flow of the game. His ability to find teammates also was an eye catcher. Carried YAAACE to a championship victory with his a huge 29 points in the final.

Henry Tan 5’11 PG St. David 2013
Tan is better known for his speed, quickness and ability to get to the rim like it’s an open layup line. Just under 2 months after the high school season, Tan is showing he is adding what we’ve been looking for from him since we started evaluating his game. He came loaded with an improved jumper, a much better release point on it and more arc, a lot more fluid with it. He made shots around the rim as usual, popped for 5 threes in the quarter final and shot on the move.

Petar Rusic 6’3 SG Mississauga Monarchs 2013
Has battled through injures over the years but Rusic still stands as one of the top shooters the 2013 class has to offer. A guy who’ll make you pay for slow rotations and he can work off screens to pop, usually hitting nothing but the bottom of the mesh. When the defence comes flying at him to prevent the shot, he simply utilizes a pump fake, two dribbles in and pulls up for a mid ranger. If ever down three in the dying seconds you know who to draw up a play for.

Agunwa Okolie 6’7 SF St. David 2013
Easily the best long term prospect to touch the floor. He is long, very athletic and makes things happen from any location on the court offensively and defensively. Okolie could dominate the game at any given time, he just needs to realize he is the best player on the floor and play like it on a more consistent basis. A Mid plus to High Major prospect who continues to develop. Love his upside.

Isaiah Watkins 6’7 PF St. David 2013
Always impressed with Watkins’s approach to the game as he always comes ready to go. He was tremendous rebounding the ball defensively and offensively where he made easy layups inside. Watkins scored with his back to the basket and also faced up his man and knocked down the 17-footer after testing defenders with couple jabs steps and head fakes. He can create from anywhere inside in the three point line and that’s where he is most comfortable.

Adam Djukic 6’5 SF Etobicoke Thunder 2013
No one shot the ball behind the three point line better than Adam Djukic. He was on for most of the two days we saw him, consistently knocking down shot after shot. He could get carried away at times with his shot selection but he had the hot hand so there was not much you could complain about. He will need to work on his ball handling to be more effective creating on the perimeter but he certainly knows how to pick his spots and does not hesitate to let them fly. Dropped 29 points to lead Etobicoke to the Bronze medal win.

James Agyeman 5’10 PG Etobicoke Thunder 2013
It’s always interesting to see a guy in a different setting outside of his high school team and James Agyeman is a good example. He plays a much bigger role on his Etobicoke Thunder OBA team as a full time lead guard and I must say he did a solid job. Nothing exceedingly special but the young man deserves credit for his hard work on the court. Ran the offense, got to the rim at the right moments and gave his all on the defensive end.

Patrick Street SF 6’5 Etobicoke Thunder 2013
If special awards were given out the “Mr. Big Shot” award would go hands down to none other than Patrick Street. He stands about 6’5- 6’6 and always made plays happen at the most crucial time. His best moment came where he nailed a game winning three pointer to knock of a talented St. David team. Patrick was really solid over the weekend, shooting it from outside and finishing baskets around the rim off feeds.

Trevon McNeil 6’1 SG/PG Oakville Venom 2013
Solid guard who showed the ability to get to the hoop, draw fouls and convert at the free- throw line. He also knocked down shots from long range though not yet consistent enough. He should look to tighten up his ball handling as well. He was effective game after game, and was great contributor to Oakville venom’s championship appearance.

Nathaniel Johnson 6’4 PF YAACE 2013
Though under-sized for his position, you have to appreciate the effort and energy Johnson brings while on the court. Runs the floor hard, defends and goes after rebounds strong. Will be a huge factor in how far YAAACE goes in Provincials two weeks from now.

- Follow Gilbert Muako on twitter @GilMuako

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