Ray Cortes (Team IZOD)
The 8th Grade Division at the AC Showcase featured some high powered ballers. Here’s our first look at the top performers.
8th Grade Top Performers Part 1
Ray Cortes Guard (Team IZOD)- Cortes play the JJ Reddick role for IZOD and did a great job damaging Milbank in the finals. He benefits from penetration ability of Duval and Crawford. Cortes usually sets up on the wing or in the corner and buries the trey ball.
Trevon Duval Guard (Team IZOD)- This kid stock continues to rise. He seems more confident with his new teammates and they also show more confidence in his game. His game winning bucket showed that he wants the rock at big time moments and can deliver.
Kimani Foster Forward (Team IZOD)- Foster was very active along the baseline and in the lane on both ends. He missed a few dunk attempts but I was thrilled that he made the effort to flush the rock. He has shown massive improvement on the offensive end.
Khalif Crawford Guard (Team IZOD)- The addition of Duval gives Crawford a break off the ball. But when things got tough he was able to make some clutch plays to help them get over the hump. He demonstrated excellent body control and ability to finish off plays in traffic.
Paul Person Guard (Milbank)- Speaking of finishing plays in the lane, Person might be one of the best. He specializes in avoiding shot blockers while in the air. He makes a living drawing fouls while putting pressure on the defense. He does need to trust his outside shot a little more.
Sid Wilson Forward (Milbank)- This was my first look at this kid and he is oozing with potential. On defense he steps in as a shot blocker but can also guard on the perimeter. On the other end his face up game is good and his range extends to the 3 point line. Once he gets his pat game together and realizes how good he could be opponents will be in trouble. Reminds me of a young Herve Lamizana.
Mohammed Bamba Forward (Milbank)- Bamba also made his Spotlight debut and was a major factor. Standing 6’8 he caused a mountain of problems for IZOD in the finals. Not only does he alter shots and rebounds but he also can put together a move or two on the offensive end. He’s still in project mode but the potential seems apparent.
Pedro Marquez Guard (Milbank)- Marquez is a another strong guard in the Milbank army. The lefty plays with a lot of swagger and will bury the deep ball. His frame allows him to bust throw many perimeter defensive schemes.
