Packer leads Princeton to win over Washington and Zeller

Junior guard Jalen Packer led the host Princeton Tigers to a 61 to 59 victory over the visiting Washington Hatchets. Packer scored a team high 18 points leading Princeton to the win. Junior guard Rontray Chavis chipped in 11 points in the Princeton win. Junior forward Cody Zeller scored a game high 22 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for Washington in a close loss.

Princeton led 34 to 32 at halftime with Zeller on the bench (with 3 fouls) towards the end of the 2nd quarter. Zeller also sat most of the second half with his 4th foul. Princeton trailed by six midway through the 4th quarter when Zeller recorded his 5th foul. Once Zeller fouled out, Princeton went on a run to regain the lead and hold off the hatchets, winning by a margin of two.

Scouting:

-(2011) Cody Zeller- Although he was limited during much of the game due to foul trouble, Zeller put on an impressive display in this game. A skilled 4 man with a good jumper, Zeller is very versatitle for his size. Cody knocked down a 3 pointer in the 3rd quarter, showing off his impressive range. Zeller excels scoring and passing out of pick and roll situations. His best damage is done when he faces the basket or puts the ball on the floor in the post. Zeller showed a good handle with the ball, putting the ball on the floor and creating shots out of the post and from the perimiter. Zeller knows when to pass and when to go toward the hoop, often using the bounce pass out of double teams in the low post. Although he only recorded 1 official assist, Zeller made several great passes, including a full court outlet pass to a teammate who missed a layup. Defensively he is solid, posing matchup problems to smaller opponents and altering many shots. As a rebounder Zeller has strong hands allowing him to pull down loose balls. All in all Zeller is a fantastic prospect as a skilled 4 man at the college level. He could stand to add a little bit of strength, and he has plenty of time to do so.

-(2011) Jalen Packer- This quick guard is the ultimate floor general at the high school level. Packer has tight handles and the quickness to get to the rim and score at ease. He also has great vision which allows him to find teammates on the perimiter when he draws double teams. Defensively his quickness allows him to keep up with ball handlers and put great pressure on the ball. Although he is not a great shooter, Packer can knock down the open jumper when given the chance. All in all Packer is a solid prospect who is truly a winner and can lead teams to the victory, scoring or not.