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Northland 64, Linden 61 - Prospect Scouting Report

By Connor Harr, 12/15/18, 1:00AM EST

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Northland’s hot outside shooting the difference in a nail biting win over Linden McKinley

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- While it was their offense that was the difference in Friday night’s win, Northland’s late game defense made the final move, helping the Vikings stave off Linden for a 64-61 road win.

Despite star forward David Brown being in foul trouble a majority of the first half, the Panthers were able to keep the game tight in the early going. One thing they did have trouble containing was Northland senior guard N’Keeley Elmore, who came out of the gates firing, scoring seven of the team’s first nine points. After surviving Elmore’s early scoring onslaught, the Panthers were able to hang tough even without Brown for a majority of it, trailing 29-28 at halftime. Linden was able to stay in the game thanks to strong wing play from sophomore Shamarion Rodgers and senior Caleb Joyce.

Linden continued to zone the hot shooting Northland back court throughout the second half, but thankfully Brown and junior guard Quanial Christian started to find their footing in the game offensively to keep the game neck and neck. After a pair of missed Vikings free throws could have sealed the game with ten seconds remaining, Linden had their chance to tie it up. The Northland defense held firm, not even allowing a final shot attempt as time expired.

Mahkhale Massey (6’3 WG / Northland / 2021): The sophomore guard had a phenomenal showing today from three point line. Massey was able to knock down shot after shot on the Linden zone, hitting six triples, two off of slight movement. Massey has a very compact release that projects well from pulling up and off considerable movement as well. He also flashed some solid off ball awareness on defense as well being able to rotate over for a block late in the game. Defensively, Massey made his presence felt in the second half really disrupting the Linden backcourt as the high man in a zone press that forced quite a few turnovers.

Even though we did not get to see it as much in this game, the sophomore has major three-level scoring potential. His IQ especially on the defensive end of the floor is exceptionally higher than you will see from most kids at this age. His ability to score the ball efficiently within the flow of a team’s offense is not something that you will see from players his age and even older. A player that is still developing, but was the most polished player on the court in only his fourth varsity basketball game of his career. A little too premature to pigeonhole a fit on him yet, Massey should be looking at some potential mid-major offers as he continues to improve throughout the season.

N’Keeley Elmore (5’8 PG / Northland / 2019): I touched on Elmore’s hot scoring early on in this game, but he was solid on the offensive end throughout the whole contest. Despite his size, Elmore is fearless driving to the hoop and is able to get to the rim with a fantastic first step. He was able to show off his range knocking a handful of three pointers off the dribble and spotting up from beyond collegiate range. Defensively, Elmore had pretty active hands within the press being able to come away with some on ball steals, but still needs to improve his initial reaction when opposing ball handlers begin to drive downhill into the lane on him. Elmore was able to get into the lane in his own right and read the first line of help with exceptional decisiveness when making simple reads in particularly to strong side corners.

Elmore is the primary creator in this Northland offense. However,  his best fit at the next level should be as is a secondary creator in more of an off ball role where he can take advantage of his spot up shooting and elite first step to get into the lane. He does move well laterally and could develop into a strong point of attack defender and should be a prospect that coaches wanting to press should target. The four-year starter picked up an offer after the game from coach Ed Thompson and the Columbus State Cougars as well.

Devan White (5’7 G / Northland / 2020): White was a personal favorite of mine, his IQ has stuck out in the past two times I have watched Northland play. He will not blow up a box score with consecutive 20 point outings but is consistently productive. The junior guard is silky smooth with the ball in his hands, moves well off the ball, and flashes a tight handle as the secondary handler in the Northland offense. He is capable shooter with a smooth pull up jumper. Defensively, he stands out much more off the ball than on where White has quick hands in the passing lanes. The junior will likely expand into a bigger role next season without Elmore, do not be surprised if he has a breakout season in a much more featured role.

Chance Groce (6'5 WG / Linden / 2021): At 6-foot-5 with a quality frame, Groce already passes the collegiate eye test even though he will not turn 16 until March. He showed off his phenomenal leaping ability needing little load up time to  almost dunk on a Northland defender in the half-court but instead was fouled. He showed off his perimeter game as well, knocking down a pair of pull ups with exceptional balance. Along with being able to get into the lane on isolation possessions doing a fantastic job changing speeds in order to get into the lane. He was also a monster on the glass tonight for Linden.

Groce is easily the best long-term prospect in the game with the best upside. Which is quite a statement considering how highly I’ll praise Massey. A little more raw on both ends of the floor, Groce showed why he is so highly touted being able to flash his budding perimeter game. Groce has the ability to eventually create his own shot and consistently finish above the rim on the offensive end of the floor.

David Brown (6’6 WF / Linden / 2019): Like his teammate Groce, Brown has a ton of potential as well. The 6-foot-6 long armed wing was much more comfortable in the second half once more of the offensive scheme became centered around him in the mid post around the free throw line. Brown took advantage of that opportunity making some strong drives to the basket and consistently getting to the free throw line. Even though he was not able to shoot much this game, he had a good showing at the line. Brown was the bottom middle man in the Linden zone, so we were not able to see much from him defensively. However, his fluidity, movement coordination, and athletic ability should make him an incredibly versatile defender in the future.

Right now, Brown plays more of a play finisher role. In order to realize and maximize all his phenomenal physical and athletic tools offensively, he needs to transition to a full time wing at the college level. This means both tightening his handle and developing his jump shot. He already has the makings of an ultra versatile defender. Brown also picked up an offer from Columbus State after the game.

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