Latest, Recruiting
Poyser, Kaputo And Trpcic Lead Jr Crusaders Tournament Standouts
Published by Gilbert Muako on November 29, 2011
Matt Trpcic (6’0 PG, 2015, MacNabb) – Trpcic was simply outstanding as a floor general. He possesses great ball IQ, communicates, has excellent court vision and a sound decision maker with or without the ball in his hands. He understands spacing on the floor, runs the offense, and is terrific while taking great care of the rock. Trpcic tends to make all the right plays either on a half court set or in transition. He shoots it at a high rate from the 3 point range when open and has his feet set. Trpcic is not a great athlete but makes up for it with great basketball IQ, leadership and a skill package at the point position. He went for 27pts, 8asst and 0 turnovers in a win vs Oakwood. It was a killer weekend for him. Excited to see how his game evolves.
Nelson Kaputo (6’2 PG, 2016, St. Mikes) – We were first to shed the light on this talented upcoming lefty point guard during his impressive OBA championship play last season. Nelson now looks a bit taller and looks to be on the right path with his development. He is a tough cover at this stage going up against his age mates. He is shifty, strong with the ball handle and is quick with the ball in his hands. He had everything going his way – getting in the gabs, beating guys off the dribble and finishing the rim with his long arms or locating and dishing unexpected passes for easy baskets. Defensively, he uses his length to pick pocket opposing guards or snatch passes but tends to over-gamble at times instead of getting into the appropriate stance. Has a great upside at the PG position.
Kevin Hamlet (6’4 PF, 2016 Eastern Commerce) - Was missing his partner in crime Justin Jackson and though his team struggled, Hamlet still showed he’s an intriguing talent. “Big Red” has a nice soft touch, and a overall skill set. He is still understanding the game but fundamentals at his age is rare. He does his damage from the high post and is efficient at knocking down mid range shots, short drives to basket, getting position and cleaning up the glass on both ends, keeping the ball high above his head to score the put back or turn to make the short or long outlet pass. The most impressive aspect of Hamlet’s game is how great he sees the floor and passes once in the high post or down low. I am really anxious to see how this kid develops over the years
Jalen Poyser (6’3 CG, 2015, Father Henry Carr) – Poyser was named MVP
of the tournament. He looks like a completely different player when matched up against guys in his own class compared to when we saw him playing up with the seniors couple weeks back. Poyser is a smooth guard with nice size and length. He has the ability to perform at both guard spots and can handle the ball pretty well to control the offense. His scoring was on fire this weekend, making plays in transition, and getting to the rim. At times, he also caught heat from downtown connecting consecutive 3s. Though Poyser made his shots from beyond the arc, I would like to see him improve on jumper on the movement, and eventually tweak his shooting technique.
Dillon Brooks ( 6’3 SF, 2015 Father Henry Carr) – Tough, hard working player with good strength. He finishes strong drives to the hoop with contact. Brooks is extremely dangerous when he gets buckets off hard cuts to the basket, transition plays and put backs. In addition, he is a solid ball handler going to his strong hand, hustles and rebounds extremely well. Brooks is the type of player who welcomes contact whether scrapping for a board, diving for loose ball or attempting to dunk on someone. Has a great deal of room to improve his overall ball skills but you won’t find a lot of guys with motor and toughness to match Brooks at this level.
Ty Stewart-Nelson (6’0 PG, 2015 Father Henry Carr) – Filling out Carr’s back court with Poyser is Stewart-Nelson. He is thick guard who can run the show and set up guys but looks more in the mood to score. Nelson plays with confidence and poise which was evident when he drained multiple shots from outside. He can still improve on consistency from the 3 point line. He often used his strong body to power his way to the basket, converting or putting a body on someone to draw the foul.
Marquel fraser (SF, 2015, Macnab ) – Fraser put 19pts in the Macnab’s final game vs Eastern Commerce. A high energy guy, he ran the floor hard, made hard cuts to the hoop and was rewarded with passes from Trpcic. He defends the ball with a passion.
Josiah Riley ( 6’1 G, 2015 D’Youville) – Tournament all-star was well deserving. Riley is making progress as a player. He made some shots from outside and finished a few at the rim with both hands. He makes the right decision with the ball in his hands for the most part, doesn’t turnover the ball.
Keshon Montague (5’10 PG, 2015 D’Youville) – A small, bulky lead guard with an extremely competitive spirit. Montague attacked the basket and made a few tough finishes at the cup. He dropped 17pts in the championship game and was named a tournament All-Star.
Trystan Pratapas ( 6’2 SG, 2016 Richview ) – We missed it but heard Pratapas was in the zone putting the ball in the basket. He can place it on the deck and attack the hoop but shows more comfort from the 3pt land as he makes them consistently and can be real dangerous when he catches rhythm. Went off for 39pts vs Vaughan and 25pts vs MacNab
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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