By; Sean Halloran
2024 6’9 (GATA Academy Elite) Reece Ketron
Reece Ketron was one of the better big-men that I have watched yet this weekend. Ketron maintains a big presence inside the paint, with his lengthy frame he affects shots all-around the rim. He consistently played with a high-motor on both ends of the floor and displayed a nice touch inside when fed by his guards. Ketron has the tools to play at the collegiate level, I hope to see his development trend upwards over the next couple of months.
’25 6’5 ( Team PUSH NC 2025) Darrion Ellis
Darrion Ellis proved that he can play ABOVE the rim here today. A good-sized forward who was effective breaking his defenders down and getting downhill off the bounce. He did a great job of finishing through contact at the rim and showed his ability to turn his defense into offense. Doing so by having ball-pressure when guarding the ball and constantly having active hands. He was able to get out in transition and show off some flashy dunks because of so. A player to keep and eye on as the weekend continues.
6’4 (Team MOAM 2024) Vophcy Prophette
Vophcy Prophette has showed his complete package this weekend. The lengthy, active guard got downhill and finished at the rim at will. Prophette is very aggressive getting inside the paint and either creating for himself or his teammates. He displayed his ability to shoot the three as well but this is an are where if he continues to try and perfect, he can maximize his full potential as a player. Prophette is one of the better players I watched this weekend and I hope to continue following him this summer!
5’10 (NC Wildcats 16U) Derick Ross
Derick Ross sealed the win for his squad to end the day today by hitting a step-back 3-point shot to secure the win. I really enjoyed watching Ross play today, he showed that he has a natural ability to score the basketball. He does so in a variety of ways, breaking his defenders down off the dribble and finishing at the rim or shooting over the top of people from three-point land. Ross played with an edge about him on both ends that really impressed the people watching him today. I look forward to continue to track his development throughout the summer!
2024 6’0 (Upward Stars McConnell 16U) Jaden Palmore
Jaden Palmore is a very sound player at the point guard position. Palmore is a quick, downhill guard who looks to find his teammates for open shots once help comes. He played with a nice pace to his game and did a very good job of controlling the game’s tempo. Palmore lived off of paint touches and did a outstanding job deciding when to shoot or when to pass. He showed nice touch around the rim and his ability to knock down the open jumpshot. Palmore is a point guard to watch heading into Sunday!