March 30th kicked off the final weekend of our Spring Development League here with the Inland Empire Basketball Program. Our players have developed and grown a lot over these last few weeks, and have demonstrated this through their high level of play against their teammates and peers. Several players stood out this weekend showcasing their abilities.
Matt Mitchell
Matt Mitchell is a promising sophomore from King High School who played exceptionally well this week. Mitchell attacked the basket both left and right, creating plays all throughout the game. On top of being able to take it to the hole, Mitchell was strong all the way through, drawing fouls and finishing, bagging several 3-point plays in Sunday’s exhibition. With the continual development of his skills and with his athleticism, Matt Mitchell will go far in the county and through college.
Matt Barkley
Matt Barkley also had a very dominant weekend, surprising everyone when they learned that he was only in 8th grade. Barkley also showcased his ability to attack the basket, but also showed his ability to knock down shots. His size provides a presence on the defensive end, pulling down several boards that led to transition plays. Barkley even put on show for the fans, catching an ally-oop off the backboard from teammate his teammate, then slamming it down with one hand. Matt Barkley will become a strong player in these coming years.
London Harrell
This Sunday Harrell showed the importance of hustle plays in the game. With Harrell’s hustle and intensity he was able to create several defensive steals and stops for his team, resulting in quick transitional plays. Harrell grabbed a handful of rebounds and took the ball to the hole with strength. Harrell has opportunity to become a strong player in the county.
Khalil Stevenson
Stevenson’s athleticism shown bright this weekend, making plays offensively and defensively. Khalil knocked down shots from down town, as well as midrange shots, demonstrating his ability to score. However, Khalil didn’t let his shots stand-alone and made several defensive stops, and snatched a few rebounds as well. Stevenson is a fundamental all-around player with a lot of athleticism.
Jalen Taylor
Jalen played well this past weekend, using his aggressive defense and ball handling skills to help guide his team. Jalen Taylor played tough defense, not letting anyone get by him without aggravating them a little bit first. Crisp and quick ball handling allowed Taylor to move the ball up court before the defense even had time to set up. With the help of IEBP, Jalen Taylor has the opportunity to become a dominant player in the county.
Mike Johnson
Mike Johnson is a player you don’t want to leave open on the 3-point line. During Sunday’s exhibition Johnson shot with accuracy, knocking down several 3-pointers. With Johnson’s endurance, he was able to play a large amount of the game contributing to his team offensively and defensively.
Peter Bandale
Bandale played with intensity this last weekend, taking the ball with strength to the basket. Scoring a majority of his points underneath the basket whether it be his down drives or put backs.
Rajon Jefferson
Jefferson shot with some accuracy this weekend, knocking down a handful from beyond the arc.
Garrett Carter
Carter also shot well this weekend, sinking a few 3-pointers in the first and second half.
Jamarl Baker Jr.
Baker showcased his knowledge of the game, controlling the tempo of the game. He also created plays with his crisp passing, often through defenders, to one of his big men down below.
DJ Marks
DJ’s athleticism showed this weekend, creating plays for his teammates as well as himself in Sunday’s exhibition.
With the end of the Spring Development League, IEBP prepares for the upcoming summer tournaments kicking off in April in Garden Grove.
Written By: McKay Vandenberg
