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CTX Tip Off Player Analysis: 2019 Class Stands Out

Some of the brightest prospects in the state were showcased at the CTX Tip Off, an event that was full of top shelf individual and team showings. The 2019 class especially seems to be loaded with talent in the Central Texas area, as TexasHoops.com analyst Lyndon Cook takes a look back through the weekend to highlight some truly impressive performances.

All-Tournament Performers:

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DJ Thorpe - Lake Travis - 2019

Thorpe stole the show in the lone game on Friday night, pouring in 35 points in a win over Austin Anderson. Thorpe knows he is most effective on the block, and didn't try to get too cute with his play. He seals hard on the block and uses powerful spins and drop steps to finish at the rim with a layup or baby hook. He showed he has range out past 15 feet, but stayed close to the hoop for most of his 35. Defensively, Thorpe affects a lot of shots and got his fair share of rebounds. College programs are sure to take a look at this 6-foot-8 prospect come next summer.

Ryan Bormann - Lake Travis - 2019

Bormann took on point guard duties for Lake Travis and had a great night running the show for the Cavs. Bormann was active on both ends and was dialed in to LT's game plan of feeding the ball to DJ Thorpe, getting several assists in the process. Bormann showed off a nice lefty stroke and really understands his role on the team. An 11-point contribution on the scoresheet did little to show his true impact on the game.

Jwan Roberts - Killeen Shoemaker - 2019

Roberts and his 25-point display proved to be the difference for Shoemaker in their matchup with a solid Pflugerville squad. Roberts was all over the court with his length, affecting shots and getting steals. On offense he was a problem for Pflugerville with smart cuts to the bucket and was a menace on the glass. College coaches have already taken notice of Roberts, as Tulsa and UT-RGV (home of ex-Shoemaker teammate Javon Levi) have already showed some interest in the forward.

Keonte Kennedy - Austin Westlake - 2018

While Kennedy isn't the first name that springs to mind when you hear Austin Westlake, he is still an integral part of their success on the court. Kennedy's shooting and slashing guard play makes the Chaps more dynamic on the perimeter, and he always finds a lane to run in transition for easy buckets. Kennedy's 21 on Saturday was made all the more impressive when you consider how he got the rest of his team involved in the scoring. The Xavier-bound guard looks primed to have a huge year for 6A's No.1 ranked team.

Will Baker - Austin Westlake - 2019

Baker's 19 point first quarter served as a statement to the rest of 6A (and college coaches) that he is not messing around this year. Baker's range has grown substantially to past the 3-point line and his footwork on the block also impressed. His skill level shone through in the second half when he looked to post up more and had several strong moves with his back to the basket. Baker finished with 36 and is grabbing some serious national attention on the recruiting trail. After the game, he seemed content to wait until after next summer to make a decision. If he keeps playing at this level, his decision might be between some of the top programs in the nation.

Greg Brown - Austin Vandegrift - 2020

Greg Brown was posed a tough challenge in going up against a hard-nosed and defensively solid Rouse team, but the nationally touted prospect answered the bell with gusto in a 38-point game. Only a sophomore, Brown still needs time to develop physically, and at first it looked like the rough treatment he was receiving would rattle him out of his rhythm. After a meager 5-points in the first quarter, Brown came out in attack mode and got to the free throw line where he was effective at cashing in. He is the No.6 player for a reason, and his undeniable talent came through in the next 3 quarters as he was a nightmare to guard for Rouse. Brown himself seems unfazed by all the hype and college attention, saying he is more worried about working on his own game than recruitment at the time being.

Other 2019 Names to Know:

Dylan Disu - Pflugerville Hendrickson - 2019

Isaac Bullard - Pflugerville Hendrickson - 2019

Tyrese Taylor - Copperas Cove - 2019

James Curtis - McNeil - 2019

Carter Ford - Round Rock - 2019

Javuon Pitts - Cedar Ridge - 2019

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