More talent on display at Sonny Hill Tourney
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size="3">Sonny Hill Future Stars Tournament
size="3">, was not a good day for watching potential 'Nova
recruits - but it was the day when the squads who played the best
in a team construct throughout the tournament got to showcase
their teamwork.
size="3">Local teams dominated the "Final Four" - in
part due to deeper benches. The Sonny Hill Rising Seniors and
Philadelphia Phoenix had the ability to go ten deep. Both teams
played super defense to get to the Finals - deep benches helped
them to sustain defensive intensity.
Notes on a few players:
Mustafa Shakur (6'3", WG, Friends
Central, Class of 2002, Top 150): After playing impressively in Saturday's
games, Shakur let his emotions get the best of him in the
semi-finals. In the face of intense defensive pressure, Shakur
got three early fouls and proceeded to run his mouth. Instead of
letting his handle and mid-range game do the talking, he was
ineffective.
Mike Blackshear (6'6", F, Simon Gratz,
Philadelphia PA, Class of 2002, Top 150): Blackshear is a super HS player
who may not have a position that he is well suited for in
college. He is too short to bang at PF for a High Major in
college and lacks the handle and shot to be an effective 2 or 3.
That said, he has great court saavy, is a fabulous team player
and can both score and rebound effectively. He is the type of guy
John Chaney recruits and turns into an impact role player.
Mike Cook (6'4", Guard, Friends
Central, Class of 2002, Top 250): Mike Cook is another wonderful HS player who would be
tough to slot in a High Major program. He is a thick, 6'4"
with an effective handle, a streaky shot, and the ability to take
the ball into the paint.
Tommy Baker (6'3", Guard, Millville,
NJ, Unranked): Baker is a deft shooter from range with the ability to
finish on the break as well. He looks more like he is 6'6"
given his wiry frame and long arms. Baker was deadly coming off
high screens to pop 3s and on the break he was able to score even
with guys riding him like a rodeo bull.
Kenell Sanchez (6'4", Guard, Bishop
Eustace, NJ, Class of 2002, Top 200): Sanchez has a solid build and is quite athletic. He
needs to work on his jumper and his handle - though they are
above average. Though not as much of an impact player as
Blackshear or Cook at this time, Sanchez has the potential to be
a solid college player.