High School Season Complete…Club Season Begins – What did we learn at Signature League Session 2?
Its April. The high school season is complete, which means the club season is just beginning.
Its early.
This is the time where we begin learning about a program’s growth, as teams have reloaded for the spring and summer, while the kids have progressed throughout each respective program.
By the time July comes around for the Canadian National Invitational Tournament, the teams look completely different based on defined roles, improved team chemistry, tough losses and inspiring wins. It’s all about growth!
This past weekend, it was session 2 of the Signature League and we took in the action. Based on the games we watched, here is what popped out on the page.
Stay tuned for the next session of Signature League, May 5.
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This one seems to be following in the footsteps of his older peer Andrew Nembhard. Jaden Clayton is young and hungry. He is a curious kid that wants to learn about how he can take his game to the next level–an important characteristic for growth and development. Coachable young man that will ultimately be the coach on the floor for his team.
Jaden Clayton (2022) is coming up the pipeline. Canadian PG w/ a feel you can't teach. Saw him a couple years ago @ JR @NPHShowcase playmaker is growing. Running w/@UPLAYCanada impressive outing at @SignatureLeague pic.twitter.com/FJuuimGQbn
— Tariq Sbiet 🏆🇨🇦🌎🏀 (@Tariq_NPH) April 7, 2018
Marcus Harding really stood out to me today at @SignatureLeague the 6'8 forward displayed mobility, soft touch, confident shooting ability and that 🐶 #Work @GRCELITE #GameSpeaks @NorthPoleHoops pic.twitter.com/Xh62Y24PVZ
— Tariq Sbiet 🏆🇨🇦🌎🏀 (@Tariq_NPH) April 8, 2018
Marcus Harding did things on the floor you couldn’t deny. Started with displaying good hands and a nice touch around the rim, and just when you thought he was purely an interior presence, he then banged out back to back threes against the defense, while barking with excitement and competitive fire. Harding, who completed high school season with Henry Carr, checked off boxes for a next level combo forward, and made sure that we keep tabs on him moving forward.
Uncommitted 6'3 SG from Ottawa. Mohammed Omar. 2 way player. Competitor. Knock down 3 @ONL_Basketball pic.twitter.com/jQs6mGDnUc
— Tariq Sbiet 🏆🇨🇦🌎🏀 (@Tariq_NPH) April 8, 2018
How about this kid? Post-secondary coaches looking for a knock down sniper, with upside, Mohammed Omar fits the bill. Uncommitted and no schools recruiting him? Its a head shaker…another example of a talented kid in need of exposure, and would make a post-secondary program happy. Has 22 points at halftime with six threes, and drew two charges. We like what we saw.
Monarchs Program Revamped
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We were impressed with this year’s version of the Monarchs…from their new look to the product on the floor. It seemed that each roster had future star power and depth—size, length, athleticism and upside. We are Witnessing the evolution of a program. Expect the Monarchs to make noise this spring and summer. Kudos to Jason Fowler and staff for the effort put in on and off the floor.
Nas Roberts Stock Riser
Nas Roberts shut the gym down, by dunking all over the Ottawa Next level defense. The 6’4 wing from Peoples basketball is a familiar face, that just finished his high school season with Central Tech. With seniors graduating, Roberts could be THAT DUDE next season. Every game is a highlight reel opportunity. If he develops the rest of his skill set, he could become a special player. Major potential!
😨 Nas Roberts May have just come up with the play of the YEAR. Climbed over the entire defence. Hid athleticism is special. 2019 6'4 Wing for @PeoplesBallTO @SignatureLeague
— Tariq Sbiet 🏆🇨🇦🌎🏀 (@Tariq_NPH) April 8, 2018
