It’s that time of the year and July is here once again, it’s the busiest time In the Travel Ball scene, the Live Period!
Fort Mill, South Carolina– We’ve reached the fourth day of Summer Havoc, there have been offers earned and attention grabbed so far.
Teams have competed hard for three days and now we’ve arrived at the home stretch, all these prospects and coaches will look to finish strong, and leave the Palmetto State on a high note!
5'8 2021 Trameik Goode (Royal Knights) Goode stood out as a floor general for this squad, he's a lead by example guy, Goode knocked down some clutch threes in their game against PSB Winston Salem. Goode is quick with the basketball and makes good decisions in space. Defensively he's a dog, Goode will smother opposing ball handlers and make things extremely hard. Goode has quick hands and his foot work and lateral speed were impressive.
6'3 2021 Christian Taylor (Upward Stars Pee Dee)- Taylor is an effective slasher on the wing, he's an above average athlete and a strong finisher at the cup. Taylor showed an impressive motor on both ends every game I saw him, he gets a lot of hustle points and when Taylor gets down hill he's tough to keep out of the lane. Taylor also showed nice range from behind the arc, he has a fluid three point stroke, and Taylor utilizes his length and versatility on defense as well.
6'1 2020 Nathaniel Ledford (Flight 22 Asheville)- Ledford provided a nice spark in the backcourt for this group, his shooting opened up the floor for the slashers around him. Ledford comes off screens tight on curls, he's ready to shoot upon the catch, mid range or from deep. Ledford has a nice looking stroke, and doesn't need much room to let it fly. Ledford won't get caught stagnant without the rock either, his matchup will have to chase him all over the floor, for the entire contest.
5'10 2021 Jaquan Fletcher (D1 Dynasty Lions)- One of the best floor generals I personally saw, Fletcher is the epitome of tough, he's fearless at the cup, Fletcher will take all the bumps and get right back up. Fletcher can create and knock shots down off the dribble, off ball he can also spot up as a catch and shooter. Fletcher is crafty at the bucket, he's creative when evading defenders on the finish. Fletcher is a gifted passer also, he sees the floor well and delivers the ball with some zip on his passes. At his size Fletcher is an exceptional rebounder as well, he somehow always comes up with the ball.
6'0 2021 Omar Caraballo (NC Go Hard)- Caraballo broke out yesterday, he's playing with confidence and it showed on the floor. Caraballo had his best game I witnessed personally, against arguably the toughest team NC Go Hard competed against the D1 Dynasty Lions. Caraballo made good decisions with the ball and made shots efficiently from deep, when the offense went stagnant Caraballo was typically the one drilling the big shots. Caraballo also found space in the lane and got to the cup several times, he's capable of finishing through contact.
6'3 2020 Jayden Sweetenburg (Columbia Hoyas Elite)- Sweetenburg might have put on the top offensive performances on the day for Columbia Hoyas Elite. Sweetenburg finished with 31 points in the contest I saw, most of the damage came in the lane, but Sweetenburg also made some perimeter shots. At 6'3 Sweetenburg is a reliable finisher with either hand, and he eats up contact at the rim.
6'4 Kamell Smith (NC Ice)- Smith is a long wiry athlete, he's skilled enough to create off the dribble for himself and Smith is explosive enough to put his man through the rim. Smith continues to polish up on his intangibles, and understanding of the game. Smith plays with a great motor on both ends, he's a versatile defender with length and strength to matchup all over the floor. The recruitment should pick up here sooner than later.
6'5 2021 Fagan McCord (CC Elite)- McCord is 6'5 with an absolute clip and range out to the volleyball line. McCord will shoot over smaller guards without hesitation. If McCord gets the feet set you may as well count it, McCord is a bonafide shot maker but he also isn't afraid to put it on the floor, McCord plays with good energy as well on both ends. McCord made some good passes, he gave a big effort on the boards for this group and defensively his length can cause problems for the opposition.
5'6 2021 Devin Crayton (Rock Hill Ballers) Crayton got off to a slow start in a couple of games, but by the end of the day there was no doubt Crayton is a legit three level scorer. Crayton has the rock on a string, he had no problem creating separation from his man and drilling jumpers off the bounce, his first step froze defenders and even at 5'6 Crayton is an effective finisher at the cup. Crayton can get hot and score the ball in spurts.
