Battle at the Rock Stock Risers
The inaugural Battle at the Rock Showcase featured two of the nation’s best teams in Oak Hill Academy and IMG. Both rosters feature high major prospects that are mentioned as the nation’s elite level talent. That being said, there was an abundance of talent at all levels and will be playing at the collegiate level. Today, we want to take a closer look at the players who raised their stock with their outstanding play on the big stage at Nation Ford High School. Before checking out the below, be sure to read Coach Rick’s Fab Five from Day 1 and Day 2
Day 1: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/01/coach-ricks-fab-5-battle-at-the-rock-day-1/
Day 2: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/02/coach-ricks-fab-5-battle-at-the-rock-day-2/
6’3 2019 Ta’Lon Cooper (Dorman High School)
The stage was set, South Carolina powerhouse Dorman played “The Oak Hill Academy” before a capacity and sold out crowd. 6’9 PJ Hall was unable to play due to an ankle injury and not many would have given Dorman a legit chance of beating the national ranked Warriors. Although Oak Hill prevailed with the victory, everyone had to be impressed with the fight and determination displayed by Dorman, not to mention the outstanding play of Cooper. Simply put, Cooper was all over the court, making plays on both offense and defense. More importantly, Cooper showed grit, toughness and an ultra competitive streak that will translate well at the collegiate level. Cooper finished with a team high 24 points going 8-15 from the floor, 3-7 from the 3-point line, 5-6 from the free throw line. In addition, Cooper collected four rebounds, dished out one assist and had one steal. Big time players play their best against big time players and Cooper’s performance against Oak Hill speaks volume and the Morehead State signee should have an outstanding collegiate career. Morehead State has to be extremely pleased with the performance and play Cooper displayed against Oak Hill.
6’2 2021 Glen Hubbard III (Northside Christian)
At our pre-season open gym tour, we stated the following. “Glen Hubbard may just be the one “glue guy” for this Northside Christian team. We’re talking about a nice combo guard that does a little bit of everything well. He can score from all three levels, but more importantly has a terrific feel for the game.” In addition, Coach Erasto Hatchett has one of the top young backcourts in Jalen Hood-Schifino and Glen Hubbard. In the hard fought win over a very talented Rock Hill team, Hubbard was terrific especially on the defensive end of the court. He finished with 18 points going 8-14 from the floor, 1-3 from the 3-point line. More importantly, Hubbard collected four rebounds and had five steals. Hubbard is a long athletic combo guard that plays excellent “on the ball defense” but is outstanding in stepping into the passing lanes. He has great natural basketball instincts. Northside Christian is a rather young team that is maturing each time they step onto the court. For Glen Hubbard, he may just be more than a “glue guy” and if he can continue this type of performance, Northside is going to be one of the more difficult teams to beat this season.
6’3 2019 Zay Martin (Northwestern High School)
We’ve had many opportunities to watch and evaluate the quick and speedy point guard. Each time, he has performed admirably and the game vs. Northwood Temple was no exception. First of all, you know what you’re getting each time he steps onto the court. Martin will compete at the highest level on both ends of the court. He’s tough, gritty and will give you everything in his tank. Martin finished with 28 points going 9-20 from the floor, 3-7 from the 3-point line, and 7-8 from the free throw line. In addition, he collected six rebounds and had two steals.
6’0 2019 Zeb Graham (Nation Ford High School)
While Zeb Graham has some offers from local Big South schools, it’s hard to fathom that Graham is not a “hotter commodity.” We’re talking about a point guard with tremendous end to end speed. He’s electric, entertaining but most of all efficient. In his typical manner, in the game vs. Porter Gaud, Graham got where he wanted when he wanted. He has an explosive first step and is super quick with the ball in his hands. His game easily translates well at the D1 level. In the head to head match up against national elite level and Tennessee signee Josiah James, Graham finished with 20 points going 7-10 from the floor, 4-5 from the 3-point line, and 2-2 from the free throw line, Simply put, what’s NOT to like about a scoring point guard that can consistently knock down perimeter shots plus has the ability to get into the lane. He’s one tough player and some college is going to get a steal with his services for the next four years.
