By: Tommy Michaels

This weekend at the JMAC Showcase in Fort Mill, SC there was an immense talent pool ranging from 12U to 17U. I was stationed at Nation Ford High School and took in over 15 games throughout the weekend. Here are some of the standouts, in no particular order, that made an impression on me. Let's get into it!

Gavin Bouldin (6'3 2021 W ' Charlotte Aces 16U)

Every time out, Bouldin will give you energy and effort on both ends of the floor. He has a great frame and uses it well as he rebounds at an alarming rate. He pairs his high motor with a skilled offensive game in which he attacks the basket aggressively and can finish at the rim with either hand. Caught a one-handed baseline oop so the athleticism is there for him as well. Bouldin already has a mature body and could be a problem as he continues to develop.

Marquis Eskew (5'11 2020 G ' LBA Thunder 17U)

I have had the chance to watch Eskew play multiple times this spring and every time out, you know what you will get. A tough, athletic guard who gets up and down the floor and defends. His athletic ability is what you notice first but he has a knack for making timely plays as he led his team to a championship this weekend. Even in the few months I have watched him play this spring, he has improved his game and I see him having a huge senior season.

Donavon Brown (6'8 2023 F ' Team United 16U)

Brown has off the charts potential. Only an eighth grader, he ran with Team United 16s and was hard not to notice. He has soft, ready hands around the basket and is a good rebounder as well. Gets up and down the floor and challenges shots on the defensive end. Brown can impact the game in multiple areas and doing so at such a young age is very impressive. He is fluid with his movement and should be a name to watch in the region for the coming years.

Jordan Crawford (5'10 2022 G ' Team Charlotte 15U)

Crawford has an immensely smooth game, especially for a fifteen-year-old. He can score from all three levels effectively and did so leading his team to a championship in which he won game MVP scoring 21 points. Repeatable shooting stroke and gets the ball up quickly. On top of that, Crawford plays with such ease it brings a calming effect to his team. Effective off guard who moves well without the ball and makes quick decisions with the ball. A young stud.

AJ Smith (6'4 2021 G ' Team Charlotte 17U)

Smith is only a sophomore playing up on this Team Charlotte group and is still a man amongst boys. He has an imposing physique and uses that to his advantage on both sides of the ball. Incredible rebounder for his height and finishes on the offensive end through contact. Proved that he can shoot the rock as well as he was able to knock down a number of threes throughout the weekend. People are taking notice of Smith and that exposure won't stop anytime soon.

Zach Murphy (6'4 2020 G ' Greensboro Warriors)

Murphy proved once again this weekend that he is one of the best shooters around. He has an effortless shooting stroke and gets good elevation on his jump shot making it hard to defend. Can shoot it from all over the court and has deep range. Murphy also gets down and defends and uses his length to be disruptive in passing lanes. Coaches looking for a knockdown shooter need to monitor this dude closely.

Bryson Nesbit (6'6 2021 F ' Team Charlotte 16U)

I absolutely love the will and determination that Nesbit plays with. He is a hard-nosed forward who will get after all the lose balls and simply makes winning plays. He is a double double threat every time he touches the floor and uses his wide frame to get position down low. Don't let the size fool you, as Nesbit can really get up and proved that with a posterizing put back dunk along with a few other thunder dunks from this weekend. Love the heart that he plays with each and every time out.

Anthony Sellars (6'6 2021 W ' Team Winston 16U)

Sellars is the epitome of a versatile wing. He can essentially guard 1-5 at this age level and does so very well. On the offensive end, he proved that he is an athletic three level scorer and can stretch the defense out to the three-point line. Also a high flyer, Sellars uses his length and athleticism to be effective in the painted area and finishes above the rim. Moving forward, I expect the recruitment of Sellars to take off as he is coming into his own and developing quickly into a scholarship type player.

Jacob Morgan (6'5 2021 F ' Carolina Riptide 16U)

Morgan who is a skilled forward who can play either the 3 or the 4. He has a unique blend of length and skill that he uses to his advantage in one on one situations. Can stretch the defense out to three but off the bounce is just as effective and he finishes well around the rim. Uses his length when rebounding and keeps the ball high. As Morgan puts some strength on to his frame and continues improving his game, he really has a chance to blossom.

Logan Higgins (6'5 2021 F ' Team Loaded 704 (Mitchell) 16U)

Higgins stays in constant attack mode. He possesses a strong frame and uses it well off the bounce when getting into the lane. Utilizes a pull up jumper to get himself free in the midrange and finishes through contact around the basket and often gets to the free throw line. On top of that, Higgins battle for rebounds and loose balls. Higgins has a polished game already and simply makes plays.