Breaking down Jaemyn Brakefield’s performances against Cincinnati Christian, Tri-City Christian
As I’ve alluded to in some of my previous articles, I’m evaluating my first full-game action from Huntingdon Prep forward Jaemyn Brakefield. I’ve poured over his YouTube highlights, valuing his versatility and skill set at 6'8". Brakefield’s dual role on Huntingdon Prep (WV), as a scoring/floor spacing power forward and facilitator, caught my attention.
Brakefield’s point forward niche is a function I wish Philadelphia bestowed upon Dario Saric more often when he played for the Sixers. Saric’s stretch four role didn’t highlight his playmaking strengths while I hope Huntington Prep continues to tap into Brakefield’s distributing qualities.
You might’ve previously heard the name Huntington Prep prior to this article, as former №1 recruit Andrew Wiggins attended there. Now, the West Virginia school boasts another five-star recruit who brings a different element to their offensive attack.
Jaemyn Brakefield: 2020 five-star power forward
Height: 6'8" / Weight: 205 pounds
High School: Huntingdon Prep School (West Virginia)
Overall Rankings: ESPN (18th), 247Sports (19th), Rivals150: (23rd)
247’s Crystal Ball: Kentucky (100 percent)
Game 1 vs. Cincinnati Christian
Stat Line: 29 PTS, 12 REB, 9 AST, 12-for-16 FG, 0-for-3 3PFG, 1-for-2 FT (*shooting numbers are my unofficial tallies*)
This was a track meet, as Huntingdon Prep nearly lapped Cincinnati Christian (Ohio) in a 109–55 rout. Brakefield capatilized on the talent disparity plus Huntington Prep’s pressure defense, which led to runouts, dunks and outlets. Brakefield isn’t a Wiggins-caliber athlete, not many forwards are, but he can throw down some aesthetic dunks in transition.
We’ll touch on that point in his next game, but I’d like to transition to Brakefield’s half court offense. Brakefield’s underwhelming burst when he attacks off the dribble prevented scoring opportunities. Brakefield setting up shooters for kick-out catch-and-shoot looks is a caveat, however. Brakefield’s vision and selflessness as a ball handler are two important qualities which’ll lead to high-efficient looks more often than not.
Overviewing both games, Brakefield isn’t quite adept from the perimeter and is limited to catch-and-shoot looks from deep. At first glance, Brakefield’s jumper is more of a push than a natural one or two-motion release. Huntingdon Prep has other capable shooters, in which Brakefield isn’t their first option when seeking threes, but he’ll likely see mixed results this season.
Brakefield went empty from behind the arc but found slightly more success in game №2. Brakefield was an alley-oop outlet throughout this contest and can grab the ball from his waist, pull it up and dunk in one motion. That’ll provide him with a larger catch radius when he darts for the hoop in half court or transition settings.
Game 2 vs. Tri-City Christian
Stat Line: 23 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 7-for-11 FG, 1-for-3 3PFG, 4-for-4 FT
Brakefield assumed more of a scorer role against Tri-City Christian (NC) but elucidated his passing potential with a right-hand dart in transition en route to a layup.
The velocity and placement between two defenders plus leading his teammate is phenomenal work here from Brakefield. Against tougher competition, spectators and evaluators were able to get a wider scope of Brakefield’s half court offense. I mentioned previously how Brakefield’s lack of burst hinders his offensive effectiveness, but the five-star forward has viable handles and finishing ability to compensate.
Huntingdon Prep, out of their BLOB, relies on a five-out offense in order to create a driving lane. Brakefield’s long strides and finishing result in a layup. Brakefield is left-handed and the ability to go in either direction off of the dribble is a rare quality he brings for a forward.
In transition, Brakefield gets swallowed up by pressure and finds difficulty converting against two defenders. He can either utilize his right hand and slice through two defenders for a strong layup or overpower the opposing big man with either hand. Brakefield’s lack of power and agility turn into an awkward hook shot.
Another instance where Brakefield relies on his right hand prior to a shot is an off-the-dribble three later in the game. Coupled with his motion, Brakefield isn’t fluid and his shot barely nicks the rim.
Brakefield’s shining offensive moment arguably came in isolation, where he cleanly utilized a behind-the-back dribble into a pull-up mid-range jumper.
Brakefield honing his jumper this season will be a vital addition to his already versatile game. Defensively, Brakefield’s lacking foot speed doesn’t mesh with his verticality. He regularly went for steals behind the arc and got beat off the dribble, but probably showcase games is where he dials in and uses his length more. If he can develop additional quickness, his top-25 status will be a lot firmer.