Team 8
Coach: Grant Hodges
#34: 5'10 '21 Clay Hodges (Hiddenite, NC)
Starting things off, we look at a player that stood out with his unbelievably scrappy, blue-collar approach on both ends of the floor, Clay Hodges. He's a smart, high-motor point guard that offers a terrific balance of playmaking and three-level scoring. Hodges is like a coach on the floor and will do anything possible to provide his team with an edge. He plays the game with intensity, especially on defense, and does an excellent job of setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on becoming craftier when attacking the basket and looking to score, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Hodges on Hodges: 'Clay is a hard worker that plays with a lot of energy on the court. He is a useful scorer that looks to get his teammates involved at a strong rate. Clay communicated on both ends of the floor and showed leadership qualities throughout the day.' Hodges was among the top two-way floor generals at camp and only continues to get better, so it'll be exciting to see his progression going forward.
#43: 5'11 '22 Dawson Wagner (Jonesborough, TN)
Next, we look at a player that brought a lot of intrigue with his skillset and contributions during camp, Dawson Wagner. He's a wiry guard prospect that plays with a solid motor and has a great nose for the ball. Wagner displayed the ability to contain his assignment while forcing turnovers and pursuing rebounds at a solid rate. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand when attacking the basket, as it would make him a more consistent finisher. Coach Hodges on Wagner: 'Dawson attacks the basket with a scoring mentality. He is a big point guard that rebounds great for his position. He can finish in transition as well as the half court set. He defends the point of attack exceptionally well. Dawson plays the game at a great pace. He will get better at moving without the ball as his game matures.' Wagner was one of the most intriguing prospects on his camp team and could be worth keeping an eye on over these next few years.
#58: 6'0' 22 Cooper Johnson (Kingsport, TN)
Moving onto a player that really stood out with his unselfishness and team-first approach, Cooper Johnson. He's a fairly well-rounded guard prospect that is capable of making plays for himself and others while scoring within the flow of the offense. Johnson proved to be a quality defender with his off-ball positioning and useful help-side defense. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it will make him an even better penetrator, especially from a standstill. Coach Hodges on Johnson: 'Cooper is a great teammate. Even in a camp setting, Cooper approached each game with a team-first attitude. He is a willing passer and also finds the open man. He doesn't turn the ball over and is a patient scorer. Cooper understands how to play and he gets into scoring lanes with ease.' Johnson stood out for his unselfish presence as a teammate but also highlighted some useful two-way skills and should have a productive upcoming summer season.
#63: 6'1 '19 Andrew Williford (Seymour, TN)
Continuing onto a player that operated with an impressive two-way motor during his time at camp, Andrew Williford. He's a strong-bodied wing prospect that does a phenomenal job of making the hustle plays and filling in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Williford rebounded the ball particularly well and was able to score multiple times on offensive rebounds. Next in his development process is working to become craftier with the ball in his hands, as it would make him an even better scorer. Coach Hodges on Williford: 'Andrew possesses a great attitude and overall approach to the game. He gives maximum effort on both ends of the court. He understands offensive spacing and how to make himself available for the shot. Andrew is a very good defender with an understanding of where and when to help off his man.' Williford had a pretty nice showing for an unsigned senior and displayed some useful skills throughout the day.
#70: 6'2 '22 Will Biven (Knoxville, TN)
Next, we look at a player that showcased his ability to thrive as an off-ball threat throughout the day, Will Biven. He's a wiry wing prospect that has an innate sense for how to move without the ball and position himself for spot-up opportunities. Biven is a useful defender with quality instincts and the ability to outwork bigger/stronger opponents for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it would make him an even better penetrator. Coach Hodges on Biven: 'Will understands how to play. Along with his great attitude and coachability, Will can also shoot the basketball. He has good range on his three-point shot and is a really good catch-and-shoot guard. He moves well without the ball, always finding a spot where he can score. Will is not afraid to mix it up inside either. This kid will be a good player.' Biven has done an excellent job of improving as he continues to physically develop, so it'll be exciting to watch his progression going forward.
#84: 6'4 '22 Walker Kyle (Knoxville, TN)
Moving onto a player that has a pretty intriguing array of skills for his age and position, Walker Kyle. He's a strong-bodied, slightly undersized post prospect with a useful offensive skillset and the ability to operate inside or outside the arc. Kyle utilizes his body well in all facets of the game, especially when clearing out space for rebounds or absorbing contact for finishes around the basket. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it will allow him to draw out slower opponents toward the perimeter and take them off the dribble with less resistance. Coach Hodges on Kyle: 'Walker plays fearless. He shoots the ball from outside but loves to bang in the paint also. He has the ability to get good post-up position on his man and score in a variety of different ways. Walker has a nose for the ball. He seems to know where a rebound will come off the rim and he'll go and get it.' Kyle has a quality foundation and the necessary skillset to be a productive high school player throughout these next few years.
#89: 6'6 '20 Chris Hartbarger (Cherokee, NC)
Continuing onto a player that offered an extremely balanced two-way approach during his time at camp, Chris Hartbarger. He's a wiry post prospect that scores the ball very efficiently from within the arc and knows how to make plays for himself or others. Hartbarger is a smart and well-rounded, which allows him to operate in a variety of different roles, especially on offense. Next in his development process is working to tighten his handle, as it would make him a more versatile offensive threat. Coach Hodges on Hartbarger: 'Chris is definitely a team-first player. He has good size and utilizes it inside to finish in a variety of different ways. He gets his shot off really quickly in the paint, usually before his defender has time to react. Chris has great back-to-basket moves. He knows how to play in the paint. If he's guarded by one man, he scores. If a double-team comes, he finds the open man.' Hartbanger was among the most productive performers on his camp team and should be expected to have a quality upcoming senior campaign.
#94: 6'8 '19 Devin Collins (Chapmanville, WV)
Finishing up, we look at a player that was easily among the most impressive prospects in attendance, Devin Collins. He's a long, wiry forward prospect with terrific versatility and an excellent feel for the game. Collins has an absolute flamethrower from midrange and beyond the arc with quality range on his shot but can also score around the basket. He handles the ball particularly well for his size and possesses great vision, especially in the open court. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him an even tougher matchup for opposing forwards. Coach Hodges on Collins: 'Devin is a player! He shoots the ball with great range in the open court in transition as well as the half court sets. He plays with a motor on both ends of the floor. Devin accepts coaching and is respected by all of his teammates. He shows great effort on both offense and defense. Devin finishes strong at the rim with a variety of moves. He can also get up and down the floor and disrupt shots at the rim. I really enjoyed coaching him.' Collins secured the Mr. Station award and was able to showcase numerous flashes of sheer dominance during his time at camp, so it'll be interesting to see what Division I program will get to claim him.
