WV Wildcats 16U
While they were only able to bring six players, the guys they brought compete. Led by 5’9” 2018 Justin Phillips, the Wildcats are a fun (albeit very fundamental) group. Phillips is a very quick lead guard who made shots with range and got into the lane as he wanted. He finished with 31 Points in his team’s first game.
With Marshall head coach Dan D’Antoni sitting front and center 6’7” 2017 Chase Johnson was a focal point of the team. Hamstrung with early foul trouble, in the game I watched, Johnson showed all out hustle, on a sturdy frame, and very good explosion. There is a lot to like with his developing skill set, which goes to show why he is an early priority for Marshall.
Taylored Athletes 17U
Coming in, I had not seen very much of Taylored Athletes, out of South Florida, but they quickly made an impression. Led on Day 1 by 6’2 2016 combo guard Christoff Narin, they knocked off CP3 17U and a very good Hoop Hill Elite team.
Narin who has recently picked up interest from Rider University showed a sturdy build on top of an ability to score the ball. He averaged 14 points on the day, playing with a confidence. Eager to watch more today.
Off the look test alone 6’7” Giovanni Fraser would excel, however once he starts playing his intrigue goes through the roof. Fraser carries a 7’ wing span on very well built arms. He is very explosive off the ground, and has good footwork in the post. The high academic Fraser has recently picked up offers from Brown and Clayton State.
When it comes to intrigue, 6’8” 2017 Terrion Miller tips the scales. Still raw in his game set, he has touch and handle on the perimeter, along with athleticism and timing on the block. When it all clicks for this one, he will really turn heads.
Dunk of the Day
It was later in the day, most teams had already played once and the tolls of a 14 hour day were setting in. However, thanks to UBA Red 6’4” 2017 Jalen Cameron the crowd was woken up. Not with one but two consecutive body bags. The first was a one-handed take off on a mini fast break. The second was one that brought the house down. The guard pitched ahead to Cameron on the wing, who started getting his steps right at half court. He took off, on the same kid as before, and finished with two hands. The crowd went into a frenzy for 5 or so minutes. And-1
Team Winston 17U
Team Winston 17s rolled through day 1 with two wins of 25 plus. They have varied attack that comes from multiple kids. Yesterday 6’7” 2016 Akia Pruitt, 6’3” Charles Norman, and 6’6” Clay Mounce took the lead and each of their efforts should be taken note of. Pruitt is a long and athletic, high motor player. Yesterday he showed the ability to knock down the 3-pointer to go along with his defensive timing and great short corner ability.
Norman is a high wire act who is a dog defensively, and leader with his all-out hard play. Mounce is another high flying forward. He gets to the rim, and finishes in traffic. There is a lot to like with this team and they should have a lot of activity in recruiting as college coaches lined the side lines in each of their games.
CP3 17U
With most of their team coming back from the Oladipo/Lawson camp, CP3 was shorthanded on Friday. Already 0-2, that won’t be the case any longer. They return 5’4” 2016 firecracker Darnell Rogers, 6’7” 2016 skilled Grant Williams and 6’7” 2016 explosive Quate McKinzie. Each of these players will have multiple coaches in the stands for the duration of the event.
New Names to Monitor
Bruno Solomun 6’9” 2016 SEBL – Showed early to be a 3 level scorer with both range and sneaky explosion. He picked up St Joe’s and Delaware offers this week.
Keaton Dotson 6’4 2016 Tennessee Triple Threat – A breakout at the Phenom Champion Showcase, Dotson continued his ways as a scorer averaging 21 points per game, and scoring at 3 levels. Coaches'!
Frankie Johnson 5’7 2016 UBA Red – Perhaps there isn’t a better natural leader in the event. Despite his size, he wins and makes positive plays throughout the game. Great day for him.
Coaches
Was a great day for coaches. We had multiple head coaches from Conference USA, A Sun, Big South, MEAC, and Southern Conference as well as coaches from the Ivy, American Athletic, A10, as well as many D2 and D3 schools in attendance. Thank to each who showed up and we are expecting more today.