By: Chris Sause
I was able to head out Mars Hill for their elite camp on Saturday June 30th. I want to start off by tipping my hat to Coaches Vic Finora and Alex Biggerstaff on a very well-run camp! Mars Hill is a program that I fully expect to be on the rise for the next few years to come. This was a difficult time to run an elite camp with all the other live period events going on throughout the state however, Coach Finora and Coach Biggerstaff were able to bring out over 60 kids and there was a ton of talent in the gym! As I stated a very well-run camp with tons of talent with that being said now, we can look at a few of the standouts.
Deante Green 6’10 2022- Deante was to me hands down the best player at camp no questions asked. I have been watching Deante for over a year now and he continues to get better and better. Deante is a player who has built his game up the right way, he has always impressed me with his textbook fundamentals. Deante just continues to get bigger, stronger, more athletic, and more skilled as time goes on. Deante has been dominating all summer as the center piece for the number one AAU team in the country in CP3 15u squad and it is easy to see why the likes of NC State and Villanova are already showing interest in him. My favorite thing about Deante hands down has to be his love and passion for the game, many guys who are in his current position wouldn’t have went out to a division 2 elite camp but he went out, competed, played hard, and got better to me there is a lot to be said about that. There aren’t enough kids who capitalize on these opportunities to get better and aren’t too “big” to come out, play hard, and get better.
Justus Shelton 6’10 2020- This kid has a very high ceiling, even though this was my first time seeing him play but after talking with his high school coaches they are very confident that Justus is taking steps in the right direction and getting better! He already showcased the ability to move and run the floor at a high level which is promising with bis slender frame. What impressed me most about Justus outside of his ability to move was his ability to finish over either shoulder with either hand. Justus finished a ton of jump hooks with both his right and left hand this added in with the offensive rebounds, and rim run dunks are what made him so productive. As he continues to add strength and more polish, he has a chance to become a really solid big man in the next few years.
Myles Adams 6’4 2020- Myles showed very well in this event he is a long and athletic lefty with nice perimeter skills. Myles showcased a very nice handle for somebody with his size. As he continues to knock down his jump shot more consistently, he will be a real mismatch on the wing. Another player who I believe is just starting to scratch the surface of what he is ultimately going to become.
Travon Jackson 6’4 2020– ATHLETE!! Travon seemed to be causing havoc on defense and turning it into a dunk on the other end every single time down. He plays with such a high motor that with how athletic he is he is just able to make play after play. The next steps for Travon would be to fine tune his skill set and overall feel/ polish. These things are all inviting for next level coaches because these are things that you can work on, but you cannot teach the natural motor and athleticism that he has.
Maurice Brown 6’0 2020- Maurice may have been the most productive player at the camp, he did so many things well. Maurice showed the ability to be a solid lead guard and get his team into their spots and being a vocal leader, which is something you don’t often see. Along with being an amazing vocal leader he also displayed a great skillset. Maurice has a very efficient and effective game. He made great reads all day and showed the ability to pull up and drain shots at a very high rate. Maurice is a player who will end up as a good floor general at the next level.
Jamael Carter 5’10 2020- Jamael is a stocky lefthanded pg who possesses great court vision and passing ability. Jamael showed that he is smooth enough to get wherever he wants on the court whenever he wants to get there. Jamael showcased a great looking jump shot as far as balance, form, and follow through however, on this day his jumper just wasn’t falling but with the fundamentals and confidence he showed its easy to tell he can usually knock it down, Jamael is a guard coaches should start tracking for sure.
Caleb Farrish 2021- Caleb is a high school version of the modern wing player, he is a long athlete who can dribble, pass, and shoot. With the years left in high school he can continue to get stronger and improve on his already solid skillset. He should be able to turn into a really nice prospect that a lot of coaches will be watching very soon I would predict.