Coach Rick's Hoops and Dreams Observations: Day 2 Action
The Second Annual Hoops and Dreams Showcase had 22 'teams and 11 games on the second and final day of action at Methodist University. The Hoops and Dreams Showcase is a joint venture between Lucas Moore Reality (Fayetteville) and Phenom Hoop Report. There was plenty of high level action from the teams and the players. Now, let's take a closer look at some of the day's storylines and recaps.
Read here for Part 1'https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/11/24/coach-ricks-hoops-dreams-observations-day-1/
Taking it to the next level: 6’7 2020 Silas Mason (Ben L. Smith High School)
Silas Mason is a high major elite athlete. Mason has excellent length, explosiveness, and athleticism, not to mention an effective “down hill game.” In the open court, he is as good as it gets in terms of finishing above the rim. The southpaw had a comfort zone in attacking the rim and often passed up midrange to 3-pointers; not anymore! Mason showcased a soft fluid jumper with extension out to the 3-point line. In the game vs. Greenfield, Mason connected on two from beyond the arch and finished with a game high 24 points. Already sporting high major offers, look for his stock/recruitment accelerate with this improvement in his perimeter game.
Proving his worth: 6’6 2020 Reggie Raynor (New Christian Life)
It was a really good 'two day event for 6’6 2020 Reggie Raynor. In the first game on Friday, Raynor tallied 14 points and then proceeded to have a game high 25 points in a close and tough loss to Walkertown High School. Sporting a chiseled and physically mature frame, Raynor played with passion and intensity. He shot the ball extremely well from the perimeter and knocked down three 3-pointers. More importantly, we were impressed with his blue-collar work ethic on the court, never say die attitude, and full throttle approach to the game. One thing is for certain, coaches at the next level won’t have to coach effort, this young man gives maximum effort 100% of the time. Absolutely loved how hard he competed each possession!
Steady'and consistent : 5’11 2020 Jalen Cone (Walkertown)
Coming off an injury is never easy, but one thing is crystal clear. Jalen Cone is one of the hardest workers and competes at the highest level. He is self driven and has an unique blend of athleticism, explosiveness and a matching skill set. Cone has one of the prettiest pull up jumpers ' nationally for his class. He is blessed with quickness, speed and the ability to stop on a dime, elevate with his picturesque jump shot. Known for being a scoring point guard, we were impressed with his overall patience, poise and willingness to allow the game come to him. That being said, Cone scored a “quiet” 24 points including three 3-pointers. In other words, it was just another day at the office for Mr. Jalen Cone.
Coming out party: 6’2 2020 Samage Teel (Farmville Central)
What’s not to like about a silky smooth point guard that has the ability to control pace and tempo, not to mention to be a lights out shooter. Teel finished with a game high 24 points including five 3-pointers in the tough, hard fought win over Fayetteville Academy. His play earned him the Hoops and Dreams Game MVP. We were impressed with overall poise, maturity and ability to manage game situations. Teel ball handling skills and ability to shoot efficiently and effectively from the perimeter and out to the 3-point line proves he is scholarship worthy prospect.
Battle of the Titans: Village 'Christian 50 Independence 48
Two well coached teams playing their hearts out and it was just a shame to have one team lose. In a high energy game that was played with intensity, the game bounced back and forth win with Village Christian surviving. Both teams are extremely athletic, give maximum effort and play with a full throttle approach.
6’3 2020 Zavian McLean led the way with a game high 22 points, including two 3-pointers. Backcourt Travion McCray finished with 13 points including three 3-pointers, with two of them coming in the second half. Independence led 42-38 at the half, but Village Christian came out and captured the lead when they went on a 10-0 scoring run. 6’1 2019 Raja Milton finished with 15 points while Anthony Allen tallied 11 points.
These two teams competed at the highest level, but more importantly showcased outstanding character, and there were even moments of “laughter” between the players. Both teams had a high level of respect for each other and give credit to both teams, coaches, and players. They were playing on a huge platform and they both gave the crowd a high level competitive game that the players enjoyed being part of.
That along was most enjoyable to watch! One more thing, college coaches should get to know 6’1 2019 Travion McCray, 6’3 2020 Zavian McLean, 6’11 2019 Derrick Quansah (All of Village Christian) and 6’1 2019 Raja Milton of Independence. All these young men are scholarship worthy prospects and are under-recruited. These young men compete and know how to play, but most of all are all winners.
Putting it all together: 6’5 2020 Jamahri Harvey (Northwood Temple)
Wow! What an overall performance by the lengthy, bouncy, and athletic Jamahri Harvey. To put it simply, it was one of the better overall performances of the event. Harvey poured in a game high 30 points, including four 3-pointers. Harvey can score from all three levels on the court and he did exactly that. In addition, he is a solid and reliable ball handler that made good reads and decisions throughout the game. Defensively, Harvey was all over the court. He was making plays, whether it was stepping into the passing lanes making steals or hustling his '”tail” off and getting back on transition blocking shots. We have watched Harvey on other occasions and he had glimpses of stardom, but today Harvey put it all together. It was as a complete game on both ends of court. 'Give credit where credit is due, Mr. Harvey had a tremendous performance!