Donovan Mitchell Was Impressive TodayThe MLK Classic kicked off today and it’s had some good games. I got a chance to take a good look 12U and it had some top notch ballers. Here’s a look at some of the top performers of the day.
12U Top Performers
Donovan Mitchell Guard (The City)- Mitchell had a big time performance again today. This guard has long arms and some true point guard instincts. He threw some sweet passes while also using his handle and size to score at will. I like his flair and court presence. Expect big things out of him.
Josh Wallace Guard (The City)- I remember Wallace from the MDC playing with the Hollis Biddies. Today he went to work in the scoring column. He’s a combo guard with a thick frame that allows him to muscle his way to the basket and score inside. He also knows how to initiate contact and get to the charity stripe. 
Trey Lowe Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Lowe came out firing especially from 3 point range. He has a good stroke from deep and the scorer’s mentality that keeps him aggressive. Trey also excels in transition by getting out the break and either scoring or passing to teammates for easy buckets.
Brian Brown Forward (F.A.C.E.S.)- Brown went hard on the floor again today. He banged the boards and was a scoring bandit on the baseline. I also got a chance to see his improved handle as he pushed the rock on several occasions. This is important because he will likely become a guard as he gets older.
Mike Jolaoso Guard (F.A.C.E.S.)- Mike is a key addition to this Newark, NJ based squad. He’s a strong point guard that knows how to break a press and put pressure on the defense. He splits double teams with his dribbling skills and should he this squad on a national level.
Tymere Berry Guard (Mid Jersey Heat)- Berry’s range is when he walks in the gym. He launches shots from well behind the 3 point line with good accuracy. If you try to over play his jumper his quick handle comes into play. He is one of the top play makers in this age group.
Jordan Taylor Guard (Mid Jersey Heat)- Taylor didn’t light up the scoreboard but if you know basketball you can see the potential oozing from his veins. When dribbling the rock it seems like he’s gliding up the floor. In transition he stretches out for lay ups. On the defensive his long arms causes problems on the boards and in the passing lanes.
Kevin Alexis Guard (Team MVP)- The southpaw used the MLK as his personal playground today. The Nick Van Exel clone crossed up defenders and drained jumpers on anyone who stepped in his way. His confidence is soaring right now which should be good to his squad. Defensively he was very active on the press and caused many turnovers.
James Wright Forward (Team MVP)- The silky smooth wing player did his usual damage by scoring in bunches especially around the basket. Wright is difficult to guard on this level because most forwards can’t stay in front of him once he puts the rock on the floor. He also knows how to adjust his shot and use the right touch to score.
Herbie Ellis Guard (Team MVP)- Donerson also got into the act for the Trenton squad. He specializes in getting into the lane and dropping floaters over shot blockers. When he has his jumper falling he’s difficult to guard. On defense he also causes havoc when pressuring the pill and forcing turnovers.
Daquan Bowes Guard (New Haven Blazers)- The pint size guard has the heart of a lion and the speed of a cheetah. Bowes pushed the rock like a blur and was able to make plays regardless of the pressure he was facing. He’s a competitor and went hard to the final buzzer.
Trevor Osbourne Guard (New Haven Blazers)- Osbourne plays alongside Bowes and also has an impact on the game. He likes to find gaps in the defense before attacking and excels in transition. He beats defenders down the floor and knows how to protect the rock when converting a bucket.
