In a loaded and fun event in West Virginia recently, the Phenom Country Roads Holiday Invitational brought the light on several in-state programs that have intriguing talent. Talent that could easily translate to the next level and in several classes.
One of those programs was Beckley (IJN), led by head coach Justin Dempsey. A roster full of underrated, undiscovered, and a blend of experience, it is a roster full of scholarship-worthy players. At the event, multiple players stepped up and made some noise that should have the attention of college coaches at multiple levels.
Let’s just dive into a few names on this roster…
2020 6’3 Curtis Houston: The senior point guard displays a tremendous blend of feel, IQ, demeanor, and scoring capability that should have coaches calling. Houston showed a tremendous ability to use his 6’3 frame and attack with a smooth feel, as well as one that plays as a calm leader.
2020 6’5 Robertas Jonaitis: Though he wasn’t able to play in the event, Jonaitis has an unbelievable athlete on the floor. With the blend of bounce, versatility, and playmaking, Jonaitis will certainly catch your eyes.
2021 6’9 Saliou Nguer: The big man has tremendous length and continuing to develop his overall offensive game. Time and time again, he shows flashes that he can be an impact on the defensive end with his wingspan as well as a big that runs the floor well and finishes around the rim.
2023 6’6 Debaba Tshiebwe: The younger brother of Top-25 Oscar Tshiebwe, the freshman big has a ton of upside in his game. Sporting an amazing, strong frame already (one ready for college already), he rebounds incredibly well and shows flashes of his offensive capabilities yet still has a ton of room and upside to his potential.
2023 6’4 Daniel Ntambwe: Brings a ton of energy and his wingspan is off the charts, allowing him to finish over defenders all over the court and rebound the ball incredibly well. Ntambwe also defends well for only a freshman and as he continues to develop his overall feel and game, college coaches will be calling.
2020 6’2 Christian Holland: Time and time again, he showed at the Country Roads Holiday Invitational that he can be a knockdown shooter. A confident shooter from behind the arc and plays with a great understanding of his role and ability, along with vision and toughness.
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This is a team with a unique blend of age and talent, and after their performance over the past few months in front of Phenom Hoops, they certainly should be a program that college coaches should be looking at from all levels of play.