Previewing the Field at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions (Jan 17-19)
Shadow Mountain (AZ) 16-1
Led by Coach Mike Bibby, Shadow Mountain has a tandem in the backcourt that applies non-stop pressure and intensity all game long. Senior leadership and experience from both guard positions is something that most programs can’t claim. Getting out in transition and applying full court pressure is the specialty of Jovan Blacksher and Jaelen House.
Blacksher, a Grand Canyon commit, is only 5’10” and 165-pounds; however, he can do it all. Don’t let the school he’s committed to fool you either, he held offers from most Pac-12 programs. He can get you 15 points every night along with 5 assists and 5 rebounds.
Not many high school players enjoy playing defense like Blacksher. He takes pride in his man-to-man defense and his ability to create turnovers.
Blacksher’s running mate is Jaelen House (Arizona State commit). House can light up the box score in a hurry by attacking the basket and tiring defenders.
House brings a level of excitement and enthusiasm that is unmatched. He is currently averaging more than 31 points per game in his last six outings. And if those stats aren’t crazy enough, he’s also posting close to 7 assists on top of that. In a 75-52 rout of Glendale Deer Valley, House tallied 34 points, including six 3-pointers, six rebounds, seven assists and five steals.
Although the duo of Blacksher and House are the headliners, Shadow Mountain will gain important play from other positions. Jalen Williams, a 6’2 wing committed to Nevada for both football and basketball, is one of them.
Another is 6-foot-10 Malik Lamin, who transferred into the program this season. Lamin had to sit out the first half of the year due to transfer rules; however, he’s back in the rotation now and providing an element that Shadow Mountain hasn’t possessed in previous seasons of this historic stretch.
Memphis East (TN) 9-4
Memphis East doesn’t possess the same level of depth as some of its past teams, but Memphis commits James Wiseman and Malcolm Dandridge form as deadly a frontcourt as anyone in the nation.
Considered by many to be the No. 1 player in the country, Wiseman is a mammoth down low. He requires double teams on every touch. He is a 7-foot skilled big man with an incredible 7’6″ wingspan.
Most would see his size and assume that he’s staying in the post; however, that’s definitely not the case. Wiseman has no problem stepping outside and knocking down mid range jumpers and three-point baskets. His motor is off the charts when running in transition as well.
Dandridge comes in at No. 135 in the 247 Sports Composite rankings for the Class of 2019. He is another versatile big that can do it all. Dandridge plays with aggression, and his footwork in the post is advanced for a high school player. He also shows impressive touch, which allows the duo of him and Wiseman to be effective on the court at the same time.
Another key player is Bradley commit Antonio Thomas. Thomas is a traditional point guard with a very smooth jumper. He is a capable passer and scorer that makes things much easier on the big men.
Check out Part I for previews of McEachern and Belleville West
Dylan Freeman is the Head of Media Relations and a contributor for Mars Reel
