Elite 75 Showcase: Frosh/Soph Edition Rhode Island Standouts
Ricardo Ledo and Billy Soriano appear to be at the head of the RIIL’s class of 2011. Both players shined brightly on Saturday, showing why they appear poised to do damage in just their sophomore seasons.
As usual Soriano was at his best with the ball in his hands. The quick guard has a tight handle and can go virtually wherever he wants to on the court. Add his emerging creativity and you can see why he is a playmaker extraordinaire in the making. Making him even more dangerous this weekend was the fact that he was connecting with his jumper from outside. If he makes shots this year, opposing coaches will be hard pressed to find a defender who can check him.
Then there’s Ledo. Although listed at 6’0” the shooting guard from Bishop Hendricken High School appears much taller at first glance. It turns out that may just be our eyes playing tricks on us as his tremendously long arms make him look bigger than he really is. But what can’t be underestimated is his athleticism. Not only does he play high above the rim, but he is quick off his feet. Consequently, he is definitely at his best when getting to the rim, which he can do in transition or with a patented cross-over move off the dribble.
Others in the Class of 2011
Myles Brilhante, 5’6”, PG, St. Andrew’s – Brilhante appears poised for a big season at St. Andrew’s. Not only is he a knock-down shooter from behind the arc, but the point guard has also developed good poise with the ball in his hands and become pretty crafty.
Ben Nunez, 5’11”, SG, Central HS – This guy just competes hard. He tries to make plays on both ends of the floor and consequently fills up a stat sheet. He comes up with lots of steals and deflections on the defensive end while also putting some points on the board offensively.
Zachary Wells, 6’4”, F, Westerly HS, 2011 – The big man from Westerly caught our eye at the showcase because he was doing a lot of the little things: hustling; rebounding; finishing inside; being active on the defensive end of the floor; and communicating on the weak-side.
Travis Sheldon, 5’7”, PG, Kingston HS, 2011 – Don’t be fooled by this point guard’s currently undersized frame…he is a tough kid. He plays very hard, doesn’t back down from anyone, takes the ball into the heart of the defense, and finds ways to finish.
The Class of 2012
Bryan Gautier, Adrian Oliveira, and Andrew Chrabascz all stood out in Rhode Island’s class of 2012. Oliveira and Chrabascz were both selected to the all-star game, and by all rights Gautier should have been there too.
Gautier is a strong and cerebral point guard with a very bright shooter. He knows how to play the game, makes good decisions with the ball, and knocks down shots from the perimeter. He is also a youngster who already understands many of the nuances of the game which is why we liked him more every time we watched him.
Oliveira is a similar type of point guard who does a little bit of everything: he is quick with his dribble; has good floor vision and passing ability; can make shots from behind the arc or pull-up off the dribble; and plays very good on-the-ball defense.
Chrabascz is a player with a high upside. He is big and agile with a solid post game and consistent mid-range jump shot. He shows a lot of desire on the floor and plays very hard. He rebounds, chases loose balls, and puts in a workman like effort on the defensive end of the floor.
Travis Sheldon
Andrew Chrabascz
Bryan Gautier
Ricardo Ledo
Myles Brilhante
Adrian Oliveira