To say the Grassroots Tip Off Classic was a success would be an understatement. We had 120 total teams come to utilize the Phenom Hoops platform. While on that platform, they were able to perform in front of countless media members and over 70 college coaches at all levels.
This platform is great for kids that hold offers, but it is also great for kids to make a name for themselves. With head coaches along the sidelines with scholarships in hand, here are some of the kids that enhanced their status at the Grassroots Tip Off Classic
17U Players that Enhanced Their Stock
Ray Kowalski 6’2” 2016
Pro Skills Elite (Concord HS)
Kowalski was the most consistent performer on the weekend for his 17U ACC second place finishing Pro Skills team. Kowalski has always been known as a jump shooter, but in this event he showed he can handle the ball and set up an offense. Kowalski is an all-out passionate type of player and will pick up at least on offer from his performance this weekend.
Patrick Tape 6’9” 2016
Pro Skills Gold (Queen’s Grant HS)
Tape is a long and naturally explosive player. Throughout his high school year he averaged over 10 boards and 5 blocks per game. So that aspect has always been there. In this event, Tape showed his rapidly developing offensive repertoire. He was developing a solid base, showed loose hips, and a strong two handed grip on the ball. As a high academic student, Patriot and Ivy schools can join the Big South and Southern Conference in courting this one.
Jack Konstanzer 6’1” 2016
NC Blazers (First Flight HS)
Konstanzer was only able to play in one game, due to his high school prom, but he certainly made his mark on that game. Konstanzer finished with 37 points, on 7 threes. These are not new numbers for the high scoring shooting guard, as he averaged 30 points per game during the high school season. Not to go unnoticed, Konstanzer is also a good on ball defender, using a high motor and great anticipation. This recruitment will be interesting, but be certain, schools need to get out and see him.
Zach Cuthbertson 6’5” 2015
New Bern Storm (West Craven HS)
For starters, Cuthbertson has a very athletic frame. He stands 6’5” and carries a 7’2” wing span. He needs some strength, but has wide shoulders that should allow for that quickly. Cuthbertson is raw in his offensive game, but very effective in his production. He attacked the paint, absorbed contact, and finished high above the rim. Defensively is where Cuthbertson has the ability to really shine. With his athleticism and length, he is a multiple position guy. Definitely a player lower level D1 schools should watch, with a prep option being a possibility. His brother plays for USC-Upstate.
Justin Kier 6’2” 2016
Spectrum Sports (Spotswood HS)
Kier came into the event with a Fairfield offer, and very little hype outside of his area. In this event, Kier came out swinging, going for 24 points (on 4 threes) in his team’s first game. Kier did not slow down from there showing an ability to make shots both from range and at the rim. Fairfield is looking smart coming in as the first offer, and should be joined soon with a few other choices.
Romaeo Ferguson 6’5 2015
Upward Stars – Raleigh (The Burlington School)
Perhaps there was no other player in the Grassroots Tip Off Classic that was more unique that Ferguson. In his high school year, Ferguson led his team to the 1A NCISAA state title losing only one game. In this event, Ferguson showed his true positioning at the next level. Ferguson is a big point guard. He has a good handle, the ability to defend multiple positions, and can run a team in both the half and full courts. A lot of college coaches don’t like unique, but this is one that could wind up paying huge dividends by the time his college career is over.