EAST LANSING, Michigan — Here are a few thought on some of the players from last night’s final two games at the Meijer Holiday Hoops Invitational.
Dwaun Anderson, Suttons Bay: This is the player many waited all day to see, and boy did he disappoint. His performance on Tuesday night in a 30-point blowout loss to Saginaw Buena Vista was not unlike his two prior performances at the Breslin Center. Anderson scored 14 points on 16 shots and had his pocket picked by Buena Vista guard George Goodman twice.
Last season, during the class C final four at the Breslin, the MSU-signee shot 12-for-38 from the floor in two games against Bridgman and Melvindale ABT. Based on what I’ve seen of his skill set up to this point, I think only the hardest of the die-hard MSU fans truly believes Anderson is ready for high-major basketball. His shot is still erratic (in three games at the Breslin he is 2-for-16 from 3-point range) and his ball handling is certainly not what you’d expect from a high-major shooting guard.
Anderson is a high-major athlete, no one denies that, but I think many expected to see more of a finished product at this stage in his senior season.
George Goodman, Saginaw Buena Vista: Goodman has been a known commodity in Mid-Michigan for several years. He’s ultra-quick with long arms and a reliable outside shot. His ballhandling is a strong point, though he far too often prefers jacking up shots on the perimeter.
Against Suttons Bay, Goodman was spectacular at times, hanging and hitting shots off the dribble drive. He had a baseline, post-up spin move that was outstanding in the second half. Some deficiencies in his game still exist, however. He’s not an effective communicator on either end of the floor and he, like so many great offensive players, doesn’t play with tremendous effort on defense. In a reality, a player with his talent should be an elite defender.
One last thing: Don’t be fooled by Goodman’s numbers this season (30+ points per game); he has 3-4 really good teammates, including senior sharpshooter Derrick Washington and a very capable frontline.
Chris Harrison-Docks, Okemos: The Chieftans star guard, Harrison-Docks, played excellent through three quarters Tuesday night. I love his tenacity, his perimeter shooting ability and his handles. As a bonus, he really sits down on defense. Unfortunately for Harrison-Docks, he played a very poor final quarter and was on the business end of several crucial turnovers.
Even still, there is little doubt my mind that he was the best, most skilled player on the court.
Vince Adams, Flint Powers: Adams continues to lead the Chargers in scoring this season. The 6-2 southpaw guard, who played a precious little last season, scored 18 points on 13 shots with four rebounds. He’s the best finisher on this team and the most efficient player by far. I have little doubt that Adams will parlay his superb play into a division II scholarship.
Mack McKearney, Okemos: A GLH favorite since sophomore year, senior Mack McKearney is a power guard supreme. On Tuesday night, he led Okemos with 15 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. This young man has been coached.
Patrick Lucas-Perry, Flint Powers: Lucas-Perry had a decent all-around game, though his shooting percentage was poor (5-for-17). He finished with 15 points, three assists and three turnovers. His quickness is what separates him from other guards at this level. His size is still somewhat prohibitive, however, as he continues to struggle to finish in traffic. He forced a little in the first half, but tightened up in the second and got the win. Loved the way he competed last night against Harrison-Docks.
Javontae Hawkins, Flint Powers: Considered by many to be a surefire high major wing, Hawkins has struggled this season. He scored 10 points on 15 shots and had more than a few moments where the game seemed out of focus for him. He’s always good for a highlight dunk or two, but Hawkins must get stronger with the ball in order to be considered a top wing prospect.
Pierre Brackett, Flint Powers: I have to give Brackett credit. He, along with Adams, were exceptionally efficient in this game. Brackett does all the little things and scores when he’s called upon. He’s an undersized forward with just enough perimeter game to keep a defense honest. He had 11 points.