Shooters, Scorers and Dagger Men
Jacob Pleyer, The Rock School (FL): The 6-foot-4 guard from Michigan has put his stamp on a number of big games this year with critical, timely 3-point shot making.
While he will impact a college program next season most notably with his 3-point shooting prowess, Pleyer has been a bouncy and consistent in traffic finisher. Increasing with his vertical athleticism and steadily growing his passing arsenal, Pleyer has had multiple games of six assists or more while playing in the hyper competitive SIAA-Florida conference.
Pleyer has gauged his grit with an increased strength of schedule at The Rock this season, preparing himself for the rigors of the next level and playing against big front courts with 7-foot rim protectors.
During this weekend’s Montverde Invitational at MVA, Pleyer prospered on one of the biggest stages in the southeast.
Pleyer averaged 15 points per game throughout the weekend event, shooting it from 51 percent from the field and 42 percent from beyond the arc.
Beyond his ability to stretch out defenses with his long range touch, the 6-foot-5 guard’s knack for evoking space creation and significant elevation on his mid range game were noteworthy factors.
Pleyer’s IQ, awareness, newfound ability to embrace contact on surges to the rim are all factors playing into his status as enticing “late get” recruit.
With his shooting aptitude, Pleyer is constantly a run sparker with his corner 3-pointers and transition 3s.
Levi Dougherty, Bedford Academy: Few players across the city have refined and vastly improved their game over the last two seasons as Dougherty has in Brooklyn.
Playing at the small PSAL school, the Class of 2026 guard has been a focal point scorer and a primary ball handler who has evolved into a significant table setter.
Sticking straight on 3-pointers, movement 3s, and boasting a quick release and unwavering form, Dougherty has turned in multiple games of 25+ points and five 3-pointers or more.
With a gaudy academic pedigree underscored by a 4.0 GPA, the 5-foot-11 guard is one of the city’s best high academic prospects.
Ben Pnini, Roslyn HS--The 5-foot-11 sharpshooter has blossomed into a true dagger man capable of reeling off points in a hurry and engineering significant runs.
The Class of 2027 Pnini has been a consistent scoring source on which the high academic Long Island program has leaned, as he is averaging 19 PPG.
Pnini’s shot making onslaughts have been pivotal for 11-3 Roslyn, most recently and notably during the program’s 78 victory over Garden City for sole ownership of first place in Nassau IV.
Putting his stamp on the game, Pnini scored 20 points and doled out five assists.
Kalil Riley, Tower Hill (DE)--The long, 6-foot-6 guard has become a certifiable defensive pest with his ability to guard on and off the ball while instigating turnovers.
Offensively, the Class of 2027 prospect is buoyed by a set shot and consistent deep jumper. As he has shown this season, he can carve his way to the rim and finish in thunderous fashion.
The big guard has rapidly morphed into a veritable Mr. Everything, with games of double digit rebounds this season.
Riley has had multiple games of three steals or more and five deflections or more, constantly immersed in both ends of the floor.
He is coming off a 27-point, eight rebound performance during a recent 51-39 victory over Charter School of Wilmington.