On Sunday, Phenom Hoops sat down to watch the HoopHall Classic being presented by ESPN. The matchups were off the charts, providing high school basketball fans a chance to watch some of the premier talents around the country and names you will certainly be hearing about at the college level.
Here though are some of the top standouts from a great day of basketball.
2021 6’8 Michael Foster (Hillcrest Prep)
In a game that Hillcrest struggled, Foster put on a show. A 6’8 prospect with his size is tough to guard by any means, especially with his talent but what blew us away was his jumper that was fluid and NBA-like. Creating space, showing off his step back, and his mentality to take over for his team, it was impressive, to say the least. What he showed on his way to an impressive 31 points, you can see why he is one of the top prospects in his class.
Stats: 31 points (12-for-21) (5-for-10 from 3)
2021 6’10 Zachary Clemence (Sunrise Christian Academy)
The junior big man displayed his full arsenal vs. Hillcrest Prep. Clemence’s ability to step out as a big man was incredibly smooth, confident, and pure, as he went 6-for-7 from three. With the way he shoots the basketball, it also allows him to put the ball on the deck and use his size to get towards the rim. His balance of size, mobility, and shooting stroke is something all college coaches would love to have at the next level.
Stats: 25 points (9-for-12) (6-for-7 from 3)/ 3 rebounds
2020 6’6 Jalen Green (Prolific Prep)
Regarded as one, if not the, top player in the class, Green
is a special type of talent. What is
incredible about Green’s performance is that it didn’t blow you away like he
has in the past but still finished with 26 points. An absolute bucket-getter, he can rise up
over defenders with his long frame, use his wiry frame and burst to maneuver around
defenders, and also see the floor really well.
Another standout performance for Green.
Stats: 26 points/ 5 rebounds/ 5 assists
2020 6’4 Nimari Burnett (Prolific Prep)
Going to Texas Tech, I think Burnett will fit in incredibly
well. He plays team basketball but plays
with a toughness that will fit in perfectly in college. Burnett was aggressive on offense, using
great body control and battling through contact, which also allowed him to get
to the line. He did knock down one three
in the game but Burnett brings it on both ends of the floor and makes winning
plays.
Stats: 16 points/ 5 rebounds
2020 6’4 Jaden Ivey (La Lumiere)
Ivey hasn’t had the best of nights shooting the ball and it
seems that he has struggled with his outside shot all weekend long but Ivey is
relentless, bringing a ton of energy and his motor. No matter how his game was going, he
continued to stay aggressive, eventually showing off his smooth jumper and
range.
Stats: 20 points (7-for-15)
2020 6’6 Cade Cunningham (Montverde Academy)
Cunningham is a special, complete player on the floor. With such a unique blend of size,
versatility, skillset, and ability to impact the game on both ends, Cunningham
displayed just that in their win vs. IMG.
The senior prospect showed off his vision and IQ, being a team player
and getting his teammates involved, as well as showing such a gift at scoring.
His defense is tough, being able to use his size against guards as well as using
his quickness against bigger opponents.
Stats: 18 points/ 7 rebounds/ 4 assists
2020 6’8 Scottie Barnes (Montverde Academy)
Barnes is a two-way difference maker and will bring that
same energy, motor, and willingness to impact the game on both ends to Florida
State. You can see he puts in the hard
work and he still has room to grow on the offensive end of the floor. But he runs the floor well, play multiple
positions, and brings explosion/power on the offense.
Stats: 16 points/ 5 rebounds/ 5 assists
2021 6’10 Moussa Diabate (IMG Academy)
The junior big man finished with 12 points in the game but you certainly see the flashes of why he is a highly-touted prospect. Diabate moves really well on the floor, covering a lot of ground and displayed some nice footwork in the paint, along with great feel to get around defenders. He even showed his range, knocking down a late three in the game.
Stats: 12 points
2022 6’10 Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (IMG Academy)
Another young big man, it will be interesting to see how
this young man continues to grow and develop his game. In only 18 minutes of
playing time, Huntley-Hatfield was efficient on the floor, displaying range on
his shot (3-for-5 from three). He seemed
comfortable playing outside but he can also be a difference down low with his
size.
Stats: 15 points/ 3 rebounds