The emergence of electrifying Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, coupled with the mega European presence in today’s NBA is emblematic of the international buzz the game continues to create. The growth of opportunity here in the United States has witnessed several players take the postgraduate and academy route. Each year, more international players are knocking on the door and jockeying for the opportunity to garner a full scholarship in the United States.
At Scotland Campus Sports, the number of European and international prospects is as vast as it’s ever been. More and more student-athletes enter the country, assimilate to the ramped up pace of the game, and apply new concepts to their game. Here’s a closer look at the SCS high school team and the production of some of the top-tier international players:
Johannes Kirsipuu: The 6-foot-1 Estonian guard erupted in the recent 64-54 road win over Harcum College, scoring a team-best 18 points. Kirsippu’s proficiency shooting the ball and also tearing into the driving lanes were both eye opening attributes of his performance. He was able to initiate the offense in the first half, scoring nine of the team’s first 13 points.
As he continues to make consistency a livelihood and simultaneously circumvents foul trouble, Kirsipuu’s value will continue to rise for head coach Blake Kingsley. The Class of 2021 prospect is only 16 and has bought into the defensive concepts and standard the team has been held to. As he continues to mature, Kirsippu has the potential to be a real stabilizing force for this team given his status as a shot-maker.
Aime Ciza: The 6-foot-7 Australian has been forced to play a bit out of position, manning the five-spot when he is really more of a combination forward. Nevertheless, his production and ability to utilize his left hand in traffic have been notable. He’s become increasingly adept at drawing fouls and refusing to shy away from contact. Though the Class of 2021 prospect boasts a smooth left-handed jumper, the native of Australia had to really score inside given the wealth of guards this team possesses. Becoming more aggressive on the glass has mirrored Ciza’s ascension. If he can utilize the deft touch and evolve as a multi-dimensional threat down the road, Ciza has the potential to go from a workmanlike interior cog to a transcendent talent here at Scotland.
Louis Bleechmore: The 6-foot-7 Australian has been noteworthy for his electrifying vertical leaping ability. This aspect has been transferrable to numerous wowing dunks he’s been able to turn in thus far this season. The Class of 2019 Bleechmore was shelved for the early going with an injury, albeit has bounced back with his all three levels’ scoring aptitude. His ability to get out on the break and finish sparked Scotland during a recent scrimmage against Steelton (Pa.). Though just a scrimmage, Bleechmore and Steelton’s high-scoring forward Chris Walls were entrenched in a battle which added significant entertainment value to it all.
Khayden Stewart: The performance Stewart put forth against KOA Prep during the opener of the Mercersburg tournament was a portent of his capabilities. Stewart poured in 15 points in that win, piloting the perimeter game with a trio of first half 3-pointers. He still needs to be more aggressive in scoring the ball willfully and hunting for his shot. The 6-foot Canadian guard has an instinctive defensive game, one which makes him a reliable piece in an oceanic-deep backcourt. He can orchestrate the offensive tempo and make his teammates beneficiaries of his presence. Stewart’s unassuming, workmanlike style also makes him attractive to NCAA coaches.
Oli Jacquot: Few players have improved exponentially over the course of a year like the 6-foot-1 Australian guard. Jacquot has emerged into a calming influence with the ball in his hands, a traditional point guard who knows how to get everyone involved. Beyond his dish-first approach, he’s become a vital scorer down the stretch.
He plays with a poise and a savvy that comes with the territory of being a veteran senior on a youth-laden team. Jacquot has added a stepback jumper to his arsenal and also added craftiness to his game with a floater and a Euro step move in traffic. As he continues to score the ball at opportune times, Jacquot is quickly surfacing as the guy to fire in the right pass or hit that clutch shot during crunch time.
