Here are five names that could see their names rise up the boards after their performances at the HS Summer Jam
High School camps are in full swing and during our first Summer Jam Session some of the most talented rosters in the hoop state competed in front of dozens of college coaches.
A handful of guys stood out among the bunch for various reasons, we'll breakdown five guys on the rise this summer after session one.
Jonathan Hicklin 6'4, Northside Christian, 2018
Hicklin was one of the best guards we saw all day, as he's physically gifted and really understands how to play the game. Hicklin can play either guard position, scoring seemed easy, and he gets defenders on his hip and muscles through the lane. Hicklin shot the ball well on Saturday when the defense backed off he made them pay.
After flying under the radar for a while, Hicklin has really broken out this year.' He's one of the best pure scorers in the 2018 cycle. On the travel circuit Hicklin runs with Team Wall and he's really been hooping. Hicklin is good defensively as well, as he's a good shot blocker and strong enough to matchup with bigs down low. Division I coaches need to get on this young man because Hicklin has the goods to push for playing time early at the next level.
Silas Mason 6'6, Smith High School, 2020
Mason is an intriguing prospect at an early age he has advanced scoring moves.' Off ball Mason spaces the floor well and capable of guarding several positions. He has size to play on the wing at a major college and Mason is still growing.' After coming off the bench last year he should see an expanded role this season.
Mason is a tough finisher in the paint and he shoots it well from deep. During play he scored the basketball from all three levels and his shot release is quick and precise, it's nearly impossible to block. On defense Mason uses his long arms to get deflections and blocks, also a solid rebounder at the two guard position. Long term Mason could be big time this kid will be as good as he wants to be. 'He already holds offers from OK State, Depaul, UNC-Greensboro and Hampton among others.
Caleb Burgess 6'3, WestRidge Academy, 2019
Burgess shoots with range, possesses good court vision and has a high basketball IQ. Burgess scored double figures in every contest; he was impressive against Word of God and Lincoln Charter putting up 20 and 12 pts respectively.
Leadership comes natural to Burgess, as he runs the show for the Golden Knights, we were impressed with his passing ability. Burgess gets the ball out of his hands and advances it up the floor quickly. Also capable of playing off ball Burgess is a true gamer because he isn't afraid of big moments. Westridge has a tough schedule this season their talented roster will be tested against Oak Hill and Spartanburg Day. If Burgess keeps performing colleges will come calling, off the floor he is a student of the game.
Thomas Markun, Bishop McGuinness, 2021
Only in the 8th grade Markun was one of the youngest prospects in attendance but his game is mature. In the post Markun demanded the ball and showed good touch from midrange and in. A young forward who isn't afraid to compete on the boards, Markun was solid against players three to four years older; he runs the floor well and gives max effort on both ends.
He may start the season on JV to get valuable game action but Markun is one to keep an eye on over the next few years. Markun's best basketball is ahead of him as he's still growing physically and polishing up on the intangibles.
Jaren Ellerbe 6'4 2018, Word Of God
Ellerbe is one of the smoothest prospects in the state; he shimmied through defenses and continuously got to the rack for WOG. Ellerbe has a fast first step and he elevates quick at the rim. He is a capable shooter and uses his hops and long arms to sky for boards.
Ellerbe was a star at Garner Magnet school and he should get even more looks after recently joining a prestigious Holy Rams program. Ellerbe is unselfish with the basketball he played well within the offensive flow and seems to have a grasp on Coach Clifton's system already.