Game Review: LuHi

December 7, 2023 by Jackson McGuire

MADE Hoops intern Jackson McGuire was on hand for LuHi's matchup against Chaminade. Below are his takeaways on a player by player basis as well as LuHi's season outlook.

LuHi has started to build a high-level program, finishing in second place during NIBC play last year. 

They return many key pieces from last year's team including VJ Edgecombe and Kayden Mingo. All ten players are division one caliber players and all should see at least some playing time. I had the chance to attend one of their first games this year against Chaminade. LuHi looked impressive and Coach Buck had the team going hard from the beginning playing their man-to-man switch defense. 

Nigel James - James, a 2025 recruit, starts for LuHi taking over Jayden Ried’s role from last year. A smaller guard, James was impressive with his ball handling, vision, and point-of-attack defense. His ability to change directions and speeds is top-notch and helps on both offense and defense. Offensively, he loves to use quick changes of speed to create space and on defense, he loves to put pressure on the ball. He needs work as a shooter as it is clear he is not confident consistently shooting from three. 

Kayden Mingo - The older Mingo came on strong at the end of last year playing next to Jayden Reid. Kayden shot the ball incredibly well against Chaminade, hitting multiple threes and occasionally getting to his spots in the mid-range. He knows how to play off the ball and with the driver which in turn gets him easier looks. Physically, Mingo looks a lot better. While still looking explosive, he has put on some muscle mass. 

VJ Edgecombe (24.9 pts (0.592 ts%), 7.7 rebs, 3.6 asts, 1.9 blks, 3.0 stls per 40 last season) - Edgecombe, the NIBC MVP, has been the top riser of the past year and he showed why against Chaminade. He is everything you look for in a basketball player combining production with room for growth. Although Edgecombe didn’t have the ball in his hands all that much today, he still made his impact felt. He made multiple catch-and-shoot threes and even hit a three-coming-off movement, scored multiple points off putbacks, and got a few transition baskets. It seems like he is consistently on a pogo stick with the way he gets off the ground. Expect Edgecombe to have the ball in his hands more once LuHi starts playing more of a national schedule. 

Godswill Erheriene - It was tough to get a good read of Erheriene against a smaller Chaminade team. One thing I did notice was high-low action with Erheriene in the dunker spot looking to get a lob. Erheriene’s ability to match up with Derik Queen, James Brown, Donovan Freeman, etc. will go a long way in determining how good LuHi will be. 

Alier Maluk - A recent Florida State commit, Maluk, similar to Erheriene, was tough to evaluate. He had one solid assist to Erheriene, but his handle needs to be tightened a little bit if he wants to handle the ball. Maluk started alongside James, Mingo, Edgecombe, Erheriene, and Maluk. 

Kiyan Anthony - Anthony has a smooth form and is a confident shooter from multiple steps behind the three-point line. He also can attack and close outs often finishing with a floater or a euro step. Although these moves are effective at times, it would be nice if Anthony would sometimes draw contact. He can also handle the ball where he utilizes a good head fake/hesitation to get downhill. Anthony needs to not only get stronger but get more explosive. He seems to lack lateral and vertical pop which will greatly limit his ceiling. 

Jacob Ross - One of the better athletes on the team, Ross will likely score most of his points in transition, putbacks, and lobs. He can get high in the air and is an effective offensive rebounder. He needs to add polish as a ball handler and shooter. His handle was loose and his shot needs improvement. 

Dylan Mingo - The younger Mingo is a big guard who looks like he has room to put on muscle. He seems to have the tools combining smooth shooting mechanics, athleticism, and a creative handle. He hit multiple threes but was not super impressive. Against Chaminade, he had multiple turnovers and his body language was not great either. Regardless, he is young, long, athletic, and has some of the base skills you look for. 

Ben Michaels - Michaels is a physical force with a powerful build. He is a solid and hard-working defender although he isn’t a great lateral athlete. His shot looked good and showed the ability to knock down open threes when given space. 

Tajae Jones - Jones is an athletic wing/forward who is a live body and super athlete. He is most effective when attacking the rim and using his athleticism downhill. Jones’s athleticism should also be an asset of the defense end where he should be capable of matching up with different players. He is also capable of using a few dribbles to get downhill.

It will be interesting to see how Buck deploys different lines throughout the season. Against bigger teams such as Montverde, he may opt to start another forward instead of Kayden Mingo, and against smaller teams he may go for a wing or guard instead of one of Alier Maluk or Godswill Erheriene. James and Edgecombe are locked into the starting lineup but I wouldn’t be surprised to see other guys rotated in and out. I also would be surprised if either Kayden Mingo or Kiyan Anthony start because of the shooting they will provide. This should be another successful year for LuHi.