Team 7
Coach: George Marshall
#9: 5’7 ’25 Jamari Smith (Ashbrook)
Starting things off, we look at player that contributed nicely despite being the smallest and youngest camper on this team, Jamari Smith. He’s a young, wiry guard prospect with an unselfish, team-first mentality. Smith can knock down jumpers, attack the basket, and defend his assignment with poise defensively. He’s a capable ball-handler and creator for himself and others, especially against his age group. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable finisher around the basket. Coach Marshall on Smith: “Jamari has been an awesome prospect to coach. His ability to catch and shoot with solid form and soft touch is at a great place for his age. He has been a humble and supportive teammate throughout all games. As he gets older, he will need to focus on dribbling with his left hand, stance on defense, and his physicality. He has all the makings of a promising guard prospect down the road.” Smith enjoyed a nice showing at camp and will be one to keep an eye on going forward.
#12: 5’8 ’22 Isaiah Jackson (Philip O’Berry)
Next, we look at a player that showcased a very steady, reliable two-way game from the point guard position, Isaiah Jackson. He’s a smart, well-rounded guard prospect with a balanced approach and the necessary leadership to run an offense. Jackson is a strong defender, consistent playmaker, and useful scorer from all levels. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to seamlessly play alongside another primary ball-handler. Coach Marshall on Jackson: “Isaiah brings a lot to the table from the guard position. I was most impressed with his willingness to defend the other team’s best player at a moment’s notice. In our stations, he got off to a slow start, but bounced back and played very well after receiving feedback. Isaiah has good shot selection and is able to create off the bounce. His next steps are improving his catch-and-shoot ability and lead from the beginning of practice.” Jackson proved to be an asset during camp and should have a productive upcoming senior season at Philip O’Berry.
#13: 5’8 ’24 Ja’Darius Brown (Mullins)
Moving onto a player that possesses a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Ja’Darius Brown. He’s a wiry, unselfish guard prospect with a high motor and the ability to make plays within the flow of the action. Brown is a great midrange shooter, but can also finish around the basket or apply pressure from beyond the arc. He also displays nice vision and the willingness to make hustle plays whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Marshall on Brown: “Ja’Darius has been a joy to coach this weekend! He has a great attitude. AS a younger player, he was tasked with playing against bigger guys from the jump and never backed down from the challenge. He has a great feel for the game and this is evidenced in his passing and overall IQ. Going forward, he must improve his strength in order to handle playing more physical in the future. This will also improve his defense, ball-handling, shooting, and confidence.” Brown did a lot of things well during camp and should be able to carve out a useful role sooner than later for Mullins.
#55: 5’10 ’23 Tanner Shoe (Northwood Temple)
Continuing onto a player that seemed to naturally find production, regardless of role, Tanner Shoe. He’s an active, well-rounded guard prospect with the ability to handle the ball and create for himself or others. Shoe often works as a spot-up threat and off-ball cutter, where he finds great success as a scorer and defender. He’s great in transition, applies efficient pressure from all levels, and does a nice job of naturally filling in the gaps for this group. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Marshall on Shoe: “Tanner had an awesome weekend overall. He did a great job of picking his spots and knowing when to play on or off the ball. When he connected on his first three-pointer of the day, his confidence took off and he stepped up as a playmaker. He can continue to work on mixing it up as a finisher (floaters, touch layups, etc.) and be more vocal on either end of the court. With his ability to accept feedback, this will lead to huge gains.” Shoe produced throughout his time at camp and should be a useful contributor over the coming years for Northwood Temple.
#58: 5’11 ’24 Christian Andrews (Dorman)
Next, we look at a player that arguably stood out as the most dynamic floor general on display, Christian Andrews. He’s a smart, physical, heady point guard prospect with an excellent balance between scoring and playmaking. Andrews is quick and crafty enough to consistently beat his assignment off the bounce, where he can finish, pull-up from midrange, or make a sharp pass to a teammate. He’s also an overwhelming on-ball defender with great instincts for forcing turnovers and the understanding of how to lead by example on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his rebounding presence, as it would allow him to push the break in transition with ease. Coach Marshall on Andrews: “We were able to put the ball in Christian’s hands a lot this weekend, and that led to a ton of good things. He’s an excellent decision-maker in the pick-and-roll action, but also displays terrific shooting and ball-handling. In all games, he made shots from inside and outside the arc, but balanced this with a willingness to pass and get his teammates involved. In order to maximize his potential, Christian should own the assignment of defending the best opposing player while staying engaged 100% of the time on the bench with body language. The sky is the limit!” Andrews shined throughout camp, securing the Mr. Playmaker award with relative ease, and will be a definite asset for Dorman over the coming years.
#75: 6’1 ’23 Malin Allard (Lucky Beckham)
Moving onto a player that quietly stood out as one of the most productive all-around performers on display, Malin Allard. He’s a wiry, high-motor guard prospect with a natural understanding of how to fill in the gaps and affect all facets of the game on either end of the floor. Allard is a reliable scorer, both in transition and the half-court, with the ability to get downhill and finish whenever he desires. Next in his development process is working on become a more consistent spot-up threat, as it would make him a more complete offensive player. Coach Marshall on Allard: “Malin is Mr. Hustle! It literally never felt like he was out of place or not working his tail off. His humility and effort alone will take him a long way. I was very impressed with his ability to drive the ball, with contact, and finish with his off-hand at the rim (happened several times). His shooting can continue to improve, both off the catch and bounce, and should be his top priority going forward. If he adds this, with his driving ability, he has a chance to be very good.” Allard proved to be an asset during camp and should have a very productive junior season for Lucky Beckham.
#131: 6’4 ’23 Gabriel Tooper (Fort Mill)
Continuing onto a player that was able to operate in a role or expand his production based on team need, Gabriel Tooper. He’s a sturdy, physical, fairly well-rounded forward prospect with a nice scoring arsenal from all levels and the ability to consistently rebound the ball on both ends of the floor. Tooper is a useful defender and off-ball cutter with a nice motor, which allows him to force turnovers and make his presence felt in transition. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a more reliable on-ball defender. Coach Marshall on Tooper: “Gabe uses his size extremely well to get the ball and be in a position to score. He had close to five offensive rebounds every game due to physicality and effort. He also showed some touch on his shot out to three-point range. Improving his perimeter defense and ball-handling will be important as he gets older, as it will allow him to handle the ball with consistency while defending opposing wings. With those skills, he has a very complete game.” Tooper found a ton of success during camp and should be a productive piece during the upcoming season for Fort Mill.
#139: 6’5 ’23 Jake Shearin (CATA)
Next, we look at a player that highlighted some nice flashes within the flow of the team, Jake Shearin. He’s a wiry, unselfish forward prospect with a quality motor and understanding of how to operate within the team concept. Shearin is a capable midrange shooter and finisher with either hand, but can also make his presence felt as a solid rebounder and defensive anchor. Shearin positions himself for success defensively, runs the floor hard in transition, and shows a willingness to make hustle plays whenever possible. Next in his development process is working to extend his spot-up presence beyond the arc, as it would make him more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Marshall on Shearin: “Jake found ways to be effective without having the ball in his hands multiple times this weekend. He was an awesome contributor in the two-man game with our guards and finished above the rim on various occasions. Jake also did a good job of challenging shots at the basket. He can continue to develop his confidence. Jake takes feedback very well, but seems to let menial mistakes dictate his demeanor. Once he learns to keep playing and use his skillset on the next play, he has all the tools to be great.” Shearin did a lot of things well at camp and should be poised for a productive upcoming season at CATA.
#149: 6’9 ’24 Mason Hagedorn (Cannon)
Finishing up, we look at a player that continues to blossom into a promising two-way prospect, Mason Hagedorn. He’s a long, wiry, skilled post prospect with excellent tools and instincts, especially at his current age. Hagedorn is a fluid athlete with an understanding of how to make a strong impact as a rebounder, interior defender, and inside-out threat on offense. He displays touch, mobility, and the ability to apply pressure as a floor-spacing option from midrange or beyond the arc. Hagedorn’s steady, low-maintenance identity allows him to produce within the flow of the action, never needing to step outside of his comfort zone to find success. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it would only make him more physically imposing on either end of the floor. Coach Marshall on Hagedorn: “Mason has tons of potential! He was fantastic in the paint for us this weekend. He finished above the rim, made open three-pointers, and contested/altered shots on defense. Mason has all the makings of a college big, and has the work ethic and commitment to boot. His next step is working on adding strength so that he can be dominant in the post with his touch around the rim (with either hand) and overall jumper. That added physicality could be scary moving forward. LOTS to like here.” Hagedorn performed at a high level throughout camp, securing the Mr. Defense award, and will be a major contributor for Cannon over the foreseeable future.