Nevada Basketball Development League Returns for Third Weekend

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By JAMES KERTI

The Nevada Basketball Development League tipped off its third weekend of action in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Many players from the previous two weekends were away at AAU and other events, so the field was a little narrower this time around.

With a smaller group of players, the guard play was highlighted even more than last week.

El Dorado’s Markeith Floyd has established  himself as one of the league’s best point guards. The unsigned senior has a superior outside shot off the catch and off the dribble. He plays aggressively and constantly looks to attack defenses with his scoring and playmaking ability. Division I schools looking to add a point guard this fall should have their eyes on him.

Justin Yamzon from Lake Mead Academy showed off his passing skills after having scored relentlessly in the first two weekends.

Bishop Gorman’s Noah Robotham and Obim Okeke did a good job scoring and distributing the ball. Opponents had trouble defending Robotham’s perimeter game, while Okeke excelled at driving to the basket and kicking the ball out for open shots.

Palo Verde teammates Eris Winder and Darryl Gaynor stood out with their passing and court vision. In addition to being able to score in a variety of ways, the point guard prospects control the pace of the game and get their teammates open looks.

Utah commit Julian Jacobs from Desert Pines played in only one game over the weekend, but he turned in one of the weekend’s best performances. He had a great all-around game from the point guard position, thanks in part to the physicality he plays with. He rebounds and defends well for his position.

Clark’s Colby Jackson has a great jump shot to go along with his quickness. The freshman guard is a serious threat to score off the dribble from anywhere on the perimeter.

Juniors Tyler Roberts from Foothill and Sir Washington from Clark are two wings who can score from the perimeter or by driving to the basket and drawing contact. Washington had a fantastic game on Saturday in which he hit several outside shots, rebounded well, and played strong defense.

Sylmar’s Josh Wade returned after missing last weekend, and he again dazzled the crowd with several high-flying dunks. He also used his height and athleticism to block a few shots. His jump shot continues to show promise.

Foothill juniors Gary Reed and Elijah Smith played well in limited action. Reed can dunk and shoot off the dribble. Smith played with poise and intensity on the defensive end.

Guards Eddie Clyde Austin, Jr. from Green Valley and Jarrell Bell from Cheyenne have played good, steady basketball throughout the last few weekends. Austin, Jr. thrives as a scorer when given any space. Bell has consistently been one of the best defenders in the league and finishes his drives.

Bishop Gorman forward and UNLV signee Demetris Morant dunked ferociously, as is his standard. He also displayed his handle, catching the ball on the perimeter and taking slower defenders off the dribble.

Coronado’s Lamar Walker is the best shot blocker in the event. The 6’11 forward moves well and excels at blocking shots all over the floor.

Palo Verde center Michael Buchanan works hard on both ends of the floor. He has solid hands and a good touch around the basket. He’s committed to USC Upstate.

Thanks for tuning in! Check back soon for more Las Vegas basketball updates.

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