It’s time we recognize…

Atlanta Xpress (Hook) 16U. This squad continues to win, win, win. Head Coach Matthew Hoekwater has assembled the right pieces on his roster and they’re headed into Championship Sunday with a perfect 5-0 record. Hoekwater preaches team basketball and it’s easy to see how his guys have bought into the formula for success. The players are unselfish and every game pops out a new leading scorer.  After their latest win against PSB Elite (McCarthy), they’ll look to continue their hot streak on the final day of the Best of The South tournament.

Stock Riser: McKenzie McFatten

McKenzie McFatten has used his time at the Best of The South wisely. The 6’7 forward from Team Power has become one of the hotter prospects during this event. On Saturday morning, Presbyterian and Oral Roberts offered him scholarships. The night before, he picked up offers from UNC Asheville, USC Upstate, and Georgia Southern. McFatten’s game derives from his constant motor and his athleticism. He made that clear in a win vs. the Greater Northeast GA Warriors on Saturday.  McFatten snagged rebounds and deterred shots away from the rim defensively all game long. On the offensive end, he wasn’t afraid to knock down the 15-foot jump shot along with utilizing low-post moves in the paint.

2020 Guard Duo Shines

Dave Herard and Brian Dugazon of the South Florida Rockets stepped up to the plate in a win-or-go home matchup against the Tennessee Bobcats. They combined for 46 of their team’s 77 points. Herard was the leading scorer of the two as he finished with 25 points for the contest. He was effective at scoring from all three levels. He connected from beyond the arc four times, knocked down midrange pull-ups, and attacked the basket at will.  His backcourt mate, Brian Dugazon finished with 21 points. Dugazon showed an exception IQ and poise for a floor general. He played with solid pace, kept his teammates involved in the offense, and attacked at the right moments. He found his scoring rhythm by getting in the paint and finishing around opposing defenders.  These two rising juniors appear to feel very comfortable playing in the older age bracket.

Another noteworthy team

-God’s Property 17U is another team with a 5-0 streak after the first three days of the #BOTS. Guards Ben Sheppard and Mayo Akunsumi, along with forward Amari Davis, have been impressive. They’ll lead the charge in hopes of more wins on Sunday.