6'8 '21 Jonathan Kuminga (Our Savior New American)
The annual Bojangles Bash opened up with an exciting matchup between Hartsville and Our Savior New American, where Jonathan Kuminga quickly asserted himself as the best player in the building. Despite being just a sophomore, Kuminga already looks like one of the most dominant two-way players in the country. His athleticism is well-known, but it's his combination of size, guard skills, and creation ability that make him unstoppable. Kuminga has an excellent first step, which allows him to enter the paint whenever he desires. He's a strong finisher that lives above the rim and utilizes his body well around the basket. Kuminga has expanded his perimeter skills over the last year and now poses a legitimate threat as a three-level scorer with quality vision. He also possesses the tools and ability to be an elite defender in any setting, given his natural versatility and feel for the game. It's hard to not be impressed by Kuminga, who should be able to maintain his top-three status in the Class of 2021.
6'6 '19 Asanti Price (Keenan)
The Keenan basketball program is always brimming with talent, so we were expecting a high-level matchup for their showdown against AC Flora, and both squads delivered. Most of the intrigue starts with Dillon Jones and Raekwon Horton, but Asanti Price was arguably the best performer on either team. The wing prospect was able to score the ball in a variety of different ways throughout this contest, but did most of his damage as a spot-up threat from beyond the arc. Price has an innate sense for navigating through traffic and finding open space within the seams of the defense. He has the ability to gain quality separation within one or two dribbles, which allows him to effectively pull-up and knock down jumpers along the perimeter. Price is a well-rounded athlete that can play above the rim when necessary. Currently, he only holds a New Orleans offer, but that's certain to change if he's able to maintain his impressive level of play. Price should be able to add legitimate strength in college, which could open up numerous facets of his game.
6'9 '20 Patrick Iriel (AC Flora)
The AC Flora squad features a ton of college-level talent, but Patrick Iriel remains the most impactful two-way performer on the team. He has quality size and understands how to maximize his role on every possession. Iriel anchors the paint quite well on defense, able to accumulate blocks and deflections quite regularly. He pursues rebounds with both hands and positions himself extremely well on both ends of the floor. Iriel has a great feel for his skillset and rarely forces the action. He does an excellent job of collecting dump-off passes and finishing above the rim, but can also successfully operate and score from the low post. Like many big men at this stage, Iriel will benefit greatly from adding strength and muscle to his wiry frame upon entering college. He's already pretty aggressive, so a tougher physique would allow him to truly impose his will against opposing big men.
6'8 '20 Ja’Von Benson (Ridge View)
There's so much to like with this Ridge View team, given their talent and depth at every position, but one could argue that Ja’Von Benson is the most intriguing prospect on the entire roster. He's big, strong, athletic, and his skillset has continued to blossom over the recent months, which is a truly scary sight for most opponents'as he's already showing signs of sheer two-way dominance. Benson knocked down a three-pointer in this showing, but mainly focused on attacking the rim and finishing with force. He's an overwhelming defensive player that can disrupt opponents with his length, especially as a rim-protector. Benson is already quite productive and should be regarded as a Division I prospect, but it wouldn't be shocking if he continued to develop over the next two seasons.
6'0 '19 Crosby James (Ridge View)
As mentioned above, Ridge View is an impressive team with quality coaching and college-worthy prospects, but Crosby James is honestly as important to this squad as anyone on the roster. His combination of shooting, toughness, and defensive prowess makes him an absolute headache for most opposing guards. James has a relentless way of grinding down his assignment and forcing them into making bad decisions on a regular basis. He was extremely efficient from all levels during their showing tonight, striping in threes, hitting pull-ups, and finishing nearly anything he attempted around the rim. James is simply a winner that leads by example and sets the tone on both ends of the floor. He's proven himself time and again, regardless of competition, and should be a very successful scholarship-level prospect at the next level.