6’7″ 2019 Josiah James (Tennessee signee)
Porter Gaud (SC)
James is an elite prospect, capable of doing so many things on the court, there is really nothing more to say about that. In this one he showcased a repetitive jump shot, going 5-7 from 3. He also attacked the basket and scored from every way possible. We all know he can run a team, an excellent passer with vision. But to go for 35 points, 13 boards and 7 blocks against at Top 50 team in the country showcases how truly elite he is.
6’3″ unsigned senior Mike Green
Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach (SC)
Green is embarking on 2,000 career points, as he stands at 1,943 currently. This means if he averages 19 per game over the next three games he should break the scoring barrier this week. Green is an elite level shooter, as pure is the day is long. Last year he made 92 3s while shooting 50% from beyond the arc. He is an excellent passer and has the ability to create his own shot. Along the way he picked up USC-Upstate and Charlotte offers, more along those lines should be there.
6’8″ unsigned senior Jalyn McCreary
Legacy Early College (SC)
McCreary should be thought of as a Top 100 type talent. The bouncy lefty is able to handle the ball, to initiate offense and he finishes with explosion at the rim. McCreary has the upside as a defensive stopper and is a solid rebounder from the wing. He will be taking an official visit to Depaul in the coming weeks and Pittsburgh was in to watch him during this event. More schools at that level should be sticking their noses in, McCreary is a good one.
6’3″ junior Ford Cooper
United Faith Christian (NC)
Cooper is a big bodied point guard who has a high IQ for the game. What really stood out in this event was his passing, he has an ability to thread the needle and find the open man, in the half court set. He found his bigs numerous times cutting back door or face cutting to the rim. It was an impressive performance. Cooper carries offers from the likes of Rice and Tulane, he should be finding more and more come his way as he is a steadying factor for this uber-talented United Faith team.
5’11” unsigned senior Mikey Dukes
First Baptist (SC)
Dukes is the fastest player in the southeast with the basketball in his hands. An absolute, controlled, blur as he attacks the basket, putting the opposition on their heels at all times. Dukes is a ferocious, 94 foot defender and an excellent passer. Pretty much all the ingredients to be a high major recruit. Still no offers in hand, with the likes of Providence, VCU and others close to pulling the trigger. This one will be interesting.
Storylines and Hot Takes
Legacy Early College has Earned Their Top 50 Ranking
In a program who has turned out NBA players as well as numerous Division 1 prospects, this may be Legacy Early College’s deepest and complete team over the past ten years. They are athletic, with great size and they play with a tenacity. Kaleb Mack sets the tone from the point guard position and Jayln McCreary is their best player. They can set an inside presence with 6’11” Ole Miss signee Rodney Howard and 6’10” unsigned senior Dereon Tucker or they can play a more running style with 6’7″ Winthrop signee Chase Claxton. Regardless there is some depth here, and some uber-talented players. College coaches should be coming through from the high major to the D2 level to watch here. Jayln is a Top 100 type of talent, but also Dereon Tucker should be garnering mid major love with Kaleb Mack and CJ Jamison getting scholarship offers. Coach BJ Jackson has these guys playing hard and with a purpose. Again, they earned their Top 50 ranking and should remain there for the duration of the year.
Josiah James Will be a 1st Round Draft Pick
This one isn’t that much of a hot take, but it is becoming more and more clear that the Tennessee signee may only spend 30 or so games in Knoxville. James is known for his ability to run a team, see the game in a different light than many. This season James has been tasked to take on more of a dominating role, and he has answered the call. As we mentioned above, James went for 35 points. 13 boards and 7 blocks in this one, going 5-7 from beyond the arc. It was quite the show to watch as there wasn’t much the other team could do to slow him down. If you get an opportunity this season, make it by to watch the show, there will come a time in the next couple of years where you say, “I remember when I watched James in high school.”
Mikey Dukes is the Top Available PG Left in the Region
There are some good point guards still available in this region, however, it is Dukes who is the one at the top of the list. Standing at a sturdy 200 pounds, Dukes can absolutely fly with the ball. But it isn’t an erratic speed, he is under control and has excellent vision. Dukes is a top running back in South Carolina with numerous offers, but basketball is where his heart lies. He makes ever team better with his 2-way dominance
Mike Green is an Elite Shooter
Of course he has the other skills as well, but wow his shooting is something that is easily translatable and that he does better than anyone we’ve seen in this recruiting cycle throughout this region. Green made 92 threes last season, and did so at a 50% clip. Already, this season, Green is 36-76 (47%) from beyond the arc and he has made 296 threes on his career. However, Green is so much more than just a shooter as his 296 made 3s only account for 29.9% of his made shots throughout his career. He is embarking on 2,000 career points, which pairs nicely with his career averages of 4.5 boards, 4.3 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. Along the way he has picked up USC-Upstate and Charlotte offers, many more along that level should be in place.
College Coaches Need to Get to Know the Name Jordan Jones
Jones is a 6′ junior point guard at Trinity Byrnes in Darlington, South Carolina. Not a traditional power, until you look at the fact they have made it to the SCISA state final four each of the past five seasons. Jones is the unquestioned leader of this Trinity-Byrnes team. He is what makes the team go, the one who sets the tone on both ends of the floor. This Summer, Jones played up an age group with the Manzer Basketball program. Scholarship type college coaches, be sure you catch Jones this season and summer, he is currently flying under the radar.
