Chris Harris, Zach Iyeyemi, and Tristen Newton have taken the next step.
Texas Hoops/GASO analyst, Blue Zertuche gives his takes on some of the players from around the state who have performed at a level that will elevate their ranking.
Rankings are due out in February 2018.
The past two times that I have seen Chris Harris for South Garland play, he has reached 30 plus points. Most recently, Harris put up 31 points against South Grand Prairie while watching during the consolation of the Whataburger.
He shoots the ball with confidence nailing jumpers and long perimeter shots. Besides dialing up from long range, Harris has the ability to put the ball on the floor to take his defender to the hole.
When it comes to shooters in the class of 2019, Harris is making it hard for recruiters not to take notice of his overall game. He shoots the ball from behind the arc with endless range, but what is equally impressive is his ability to go inside and rebound. When the ball is released by a teammate or opponent, Harris seeks out the ball. It’s purely instinctive and his body is compact and strong, which helps him battle with anyone who is inside the paint when he heads to meet the ball off the rim. Harris is currently ranked No.12 in the TexasHoops.com 2019 rankings and will move into the top 10 when the updated rankings are released in February.
There are always prospects that leave a lingering impression and Zach Iyeyemi of Cy Fair is that player for me.
I was impressed with his style of play in the paint and how he sets himself up to be a target for his guards. The lefty works hard on both ends and sat down to gain position when he was on the block. At a sturdy 6-foot-8, Iyeyemi is still developing his body, but his size, footwork and his ability to catch on the low block make him an intriguing prospect for many different levels. He will score with a soft touch around the basket and will pin his defender under the basket and score. Iyeyemi is also a good rebounder. Look for Iyeyemi to make a big jump from his current No.98 ranking.
To put it simply, Tristen Newton is a legit scorer. The athletic 6-foot-4 talent from El Paso Burges is a bucket getter in open space on the perimeter and creates opportunities. Newton is not your typical guard as he makes defenses work and keeps them guessing. When it looks that he may be off his game, Newton keeps going and finds his rhythm.
The excuse of the “competition is different out west” can be laid to rest since the El Paso Burges program has made it a priority to shake the stereotype and travel to the Dallas metroplex twice this season for tournaments (Mansfield and Allen tournaments). Newton has risen to every challenge and has shared the spotlight with older brother and teammate (class of 2018) Jawaun.
When Burges steps onto the court there are two players to stop, Tristen and Jawaun. So, how can you explain or doubt Tristen’s abilities as he averages over 26 points per game?
Newton has proven his current No.49 ranking and he will make a move up the rankings.