Who does the staff view as the top shotblocker in 2019? Two of the top candidates made their claim as their respective teams competed in the holidays. The TBB staff dives in on the second part of our Takeaways as we review the 2019 class in a week full of basketball in North Texas.
Bryce Cook, 2019 PG – South Grand Prairie: Bryce is a tough cover due to his quickness with the ball and his high level shot making abilities. He started the Whataburger Tournament with a 30 point outing and continued to impress earning All Tournament honors.
Karlyn Kenner, 2019 SG – South Grand Prairie: Kenner will see his name in our TBB 2018 database as Karlyn plays with grit and toughness at the guard spot that the staff was impressed by. Kenner knocked down jumpers and committed himself on the boards and defense.
Tyrese Maxey, 2019 CG – South Garland: Maxey produced for South Garland and led them to a consolation championship at the Whataburger Tournament. Maxey made tough shots from beyond the arc and was making strong decisions with the ball.
Chris Harris, 2019 SG – South Garland: Harris can get hot quick from the field and did just that at the consolation championship. He contributed 31 points but going into the second quarter with only 2 points. When Harris and Maxey are playing off each other, South Garland are tough to beat.
Grant Sherfield, 2019 PG – North Crowley: Sherfield produced steady play all week at the Whataburger. Sherfield was huge in North Crowley’s win vs Sam Houston and the UCLA Commit didn’t need much space to get his shot off.
Sam Freeman, 2019 C – Justin Northwest: Freeman played his role as a rim protector and rebounder. One of the top 3 shot blockers in the 2019 class, Freeman has shown some strides offensively this past week.
Tyreek Smith, 2019 PF -Trinity Christian Cedar Hill: Talking about shot blockers, Smith in my opinion is the top shot blocker not only in 2019 but in the state regardless of class. Smith offensively scored inside and out as he made a strong statement as to why he is a top 3 prospect in his class.
DJ Thorpe, 2019 Post – Lake Travis: Thorpe is big and strong as the efficient big man not only looks the part of a high major prospect but plays the part as well. More on him later this week at texasboysbasketball.com
Trezarian White, 2019 Wing – Mansfield Timberview: White garnered All Tournament honors at the Whataburger and his activity on both ends of the floor was instrumental in Timberview winning the championship. White is an intriguing prospect that the staff will continue to take a look at.
Isaiah Range, 2019 Wing – Trinity Christian Cedar Hill: Range wins the DISD Tournament MVP as he was an integral part in TCCH Success all week. A top 70 prospect in TBB, Range’s mix of athleticism and improved skill was on display.
Jalen Jackson, 2019 PG – SA Wagner: Jackson’s defensive contributions for Wagner doesn’t go unnoticed to the staff. But along with his impact defensively, Jackson knifed his way to the paint and finished on a consistent basis.
Contributing Tournament Editor: Erven Davis