Jalen Hood-Schifino, Gradey Dick star in NIBC openers
Jalen Hood-Schifino and Gradey Dick starred Thursday in the tip-off of the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference at Montverde Academy (Fla.).
Indiana signee Hood-Schifino controlled the game for a powerful Montverde team that routed Oak Hill Academy by 35 in game two. Future Kansas wing Gradey Dick put on another sharp-shooting display in the opener to lead Sunrise Christian (Kan.) to an upset win over IMG Academy (Fla.)
No. 1 Montverde Academy 86, No. 8 Oak Hill Academy 51
Jalen Hood-Schifino, CG, Montverde Academy (Fla.)
On3 Consensus ranking: No. 25
The 6-foot-5 Indiana signee was flat out terrific Thursday night. He ran the team with complete control and flashed an improved perimeter game. The mid-range game showed up, and he scored easily right off the bounce. He also knocked down a contested three. His playing strength showed with strong finishes through contact. Hood-Schifino had the look of a prospect that will contend for five-star status. On3 stock: Up
Dariq Whitehead, SG, Montverde Academy (Fla.)
On3 Consensus ranking: No. 4
The Duke signee displayed his explosive ability in transition and as a scorer in the win in front of Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith. His performance featured three way-above-the-rim finishes in transition and a quick and explosive game off the dribble. Whitehead’s ability to play through contact with a strong frame will make him a difficult stop at the next level. That strength and quickness combination also shows up defensively with the ability to redirect. On3 stock: A move up ahead of Keyonte George is likely.
Dillon Mitchell, SF/PF, Montverde Academy (Fla.)
On3 Consensus ranking: No. 26
The future Texas Longhorns forward was the best leaper in either game last night. Not only is his first jump extremely explosive, but his second jump is even more impressive. Mitchell showed high-end quickness off the bounce early in the win over Oak Hill Academy. His ability to block and change shots is elite at his height. As impressive is his ability to recover in an instant defensively. He runs the floor with ease was also on full display. On3 stock: On the rise
Malik Reneau, PF, Montverde Academy (Fla.)
On3 Consensus ranking: No. 42
The Florida signee showed versatility and the ability to finish over length Thursday. The lefty was very effective over his right shoulder in the victory. A corner three-pointer in the third quarter is an added element to the future Gator’s offensive game. Doesn’t affect the game defensively like Mitchell, but flashes some strength in the paint. On3 stock: Up
Vince Iwuchukwu, C, Montverde Academy (Fla.)
On3 Consensus ranking: No. 12
The future USC Trojans center is still a work in progress offensively in need of a go-to move long term. Where he continues to show progress is in his touch inside 12 feet — and a quality free throw stroke. Feeling defenders and working over the correct shoulder remains an area in need of development. He wins offensively on touch, length and athleticism right now. The native Texan is a shot-changer with quick feet, agility and length. On3 stock: Up slightly
No. 3 Sunrise Christian Academy 68, No. 2 IMG Academy 62
Gradey Dick, SF, Sunrise Christian (Kan.)
On3 Consensus ranking: No. 33
The Kansas signee is a college-ready shooter. He has tremendous feel for creating space to get clean looks. Whether that is an understanding of perfect spacing or setting up defenders working off of screens. His improved footwork is also providing clean catch and shoot looks against high-end athletes with size. Dick has the athleticism to finish above the rim in transition, but in the half court will be more of jump shot hunter. His ability to shoot the ball out to NBA range will make for great floor spacing at the next level. On3 stock: Up slightly
Mark Mitchell, SF, Sunrise Christian (Kan.)
On3 Consensus ranking: No. 13
The top uncommitted prospect remaining in the class played in front of Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith Thursday. He’s showing more and more craftiness off the bounce in traffic with the ability to finish with either hand. He can make the wide-open perimeter shot but is at his best playing on the move attacking the basket. Mitchell make key plays down the stretch in the win, including at the free throw line. Duke and UCLA are considered the favorites over Missouri. On3 stock: No change
Keyonte George, SG, IMG Academy (Fla.)
On3 Consensus ranking: No. 3
The Baylor signee is a natural scorer that is still trying to fit in on a loaded IMG Academy team. His strength as a shooting guard is with the ball in the ball screen game. He possesses the ability to score going either way, and tremendous feel for setting up teammates. That skill wasn’t on display Thursday. He a better all around scorer that knock down shooter. His ability to play through contact is a strength that always shows up. On3 stock: Down slightly behind Dariq Whitehead.
Jaden Bradley, PG, IMG Academy (Fla.)
On3 Consensus ranking: No. 17
The Alabama signee is steady, but not flashy. Bradley won’t win on elite athleticism, but he has great feel and pace. He’s strong enough to play through contact with control. Makes the correct basketball play a very high percentage of the time. Positively effects games without having to force action. Does a very good job of picking his spots, and that is understanding in game situations and momentum. Alabama will be able to count on Bradley late in games, and in pressure situations. On3 stock: Down slightly as Jalen Hood-Schifino is passing him as a long term prospect.