Kareem Canty - 2012

Westwind Prep's Kareem Canty is an extremely talented point guard whose strengths lie in his ability to push tempo and get into the lane. Kareem is at his best when he pushes in transition, and goes straight to the rim. From the key, he makes pinpoint passes to his posts to attack help. He also finishes strong at the rim, through contact, or with a decent floater that he can finish over taller defenders. Kareem also plays the 2 man game as well as any guard, as he uses the screen well, and sees the floor better than most point guards his age. Kareem changes speeds well, and is deceptive in his movement. He has the unique ability to make shots easier for his teammates, which is where he is at his most effective. Kareem has the ability to take over a close game, and is a determined competitor that hates to lose.

Kareem needs to improve in a few areas during this season at Westwind Prep. First of all, Kareem needs to become a more consistent jump shooter. While his midrange game is impressive, he needs to become more of a threat from the three point line in order to draw defenders out to him. Kareem also needs to take his determined competetive streak to the defensive end of the floor on every possession. Kareem needs to become much more consistent in this area as he has a tendency to take plays off. I am happy to report, that so far this has changed since he's come to Westwind.

Kareem has a strong desire to be the best at his position, and he has improved during this season at Westwind Prep. He brings an intensity and desire to win that is hard to find at the prep level. I expect Kareem to contribute immediately at Marshall University after this season at Westwind.

Kareem held offers from Seton Hall, Florida State, Miami, Xavier, Marshall and many other top level schools. Kareem committed to Marshall on 10/1/11. He is rated the #9 pg in the 2012 class by scout.com, and 13th by espn.com. Please contact me at adam.desautels@westwindacademy.org or by phone at 206.290.0575 for more information about Kareem. We are excited that he is a member of the Westwind Prep program.

Please click the below links for film of Kareem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxBVTLIEmgs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRlVly3Ap4Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1MyxHgur5M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KDPNVNLLw0 

Arturs Vitins - 2012

Arturs Vitins is a rock. At 6'8 and 240lbs, he is an immovable object in the paint. Arturs compares favorably to 2011 Westwind Grad and D1 signee Arnis Libazs. Arturs is a physical back-to-the basket post who is active and will grab every rebound in his vicinity. Arturs can shoot the ball with accuracy out to the ft line extended and the short corner area. He finishes well around the basket with a variety of inside moves, and has excellent hands. Arturs is somewhat athletic and can score with two hands above the rim, but prefers playing physical basketball in the post. Arturs is also an excellent passer out of the post, and creates space well in the lane. He holds his position, and can hold bigger defenders on his back.

Arturs Vitins needs to improve his foot speed and his athleticism. He can be slow against posts that face the basket which could lead to foul trouble. Arturs also needs to play around the rim a little better in order to battle with those taller than he is. Arturs needs to learn to handle the ball a little bit better, as at this point, he is not someone you want catching at the wing and driving to the rim. Arturs does, however, know his strengths and weaknesses. He plays to his strengths, and minimizes his weaknesses as all smart players do. Arturs has an extremely high work ethic and is easy to coach. I expect him to improve in these areas as well as his overall game. Expect Arturs to sign with a division 1 school by next spring. Check back to this blog to see updates on Arturs' improvement, interest, and offers.

Highlight Film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2Adkm4bi3o

Arturs is currently holds an offer from Ohio Valley University, and has had interest from Seton Hill, NAU, and Montana.
To learn more about Arturs Vitins, please contact me at adam.desautels@westwindacademy.org or by phone at 206.290.0575.

Click the link below to see a highlight film of Arturs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCtlRX-WQ8o